The Process of Living: modern moroccan decor

Moroccan-inspired decor is quickly making its way around the design world and infusing spaces with exotic flair and old-world charm. "Moroccan style" instantly brings to mind rooms that are dripping in rich pattern, bold color, eclectic accessories, and layers of texture.  But even if you don't consider yourself to be a bohemian gypsy or particularly bold decorator, you can embrace this trend in a modern way. 

1. Black and white accessories can make just as much of an impact in a space as bright colors, especially in the form of a cluster of striped throw pillows or a bold bed cover. By selecting accessories in a similar color, such as blue and beige, the room feels cohesive and not like it's competing against itself. 

2. One of the most iconic features of Moroccan decor are the intricate, hand-painted tiles found in kitchens, baths, floors, and doorways of old buildings and homes. Recreating this look is easy in any space where you can install a tile accent wall or backsplash like the one above. A simple black and white checkerboard floor instantly feels more European-cafe than country diner.

3. If you're drawn to a monochromatic color scheme, and you don't share your home with pets or other humans, you can still achieve a rich Moroccan inspired look by layering textures and natural fibers. A fringe-covered throw pillow, a tasseled-hanging lantern, and a bronze sculpture with a rich patina make this space feel lived-in and cozy. 

4. Bright white walls and low-profile furniture let this narrow room's soaring ceilings and abundant natural light shine. Armless sofas and piles of throw pillows invite casual lounging and conversation. Instead of trying to cram decorative objects into every inch, grouping the room's furniture into an intimate gathering and allowing for lots of open space, immediately lets guests know where to go to make themselves comfortable.

5. Oh, suzani, don't you cry for me! A gorgeous woven suzani tapestry or upholstered chair is the only statement piece your modern Moroccan space needs. Keep other colors and textures neutral and instead opt to accessorize with house plants or metallic accents. 

6. For those of you who would be brave enough to try a bold black and white scheme in your master bath (black granite tub, anyone?), limit tile and pattern to the lower third of the walls and floors. By keeping the other 2/3 of the walls and ceiling light and neutral, the room feels balanced instead of too heavy or gothic. Click here for more ideas on creating a bathroom oasis. 

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Enjoy the process!

Hailey

The Process of Living: an eclectic art-lover's home

“I have dreamed for years of having a blank palette for a home, and the opportunity to fill it with items found from local thrift stores. I finally decided to fulfill my dream, and accomplish it in only three weeks." - Judy Aldridge

At first glance, the home of interior designer Judy Aldridge (@atlantishome) looks as though it has been carefully layered, assembled, and curated over decades. The only way to explain the mix of textures, colors, patterns, and styles is that the house is filled with long-loved pieces collected throughout a life spent traveling the world. When in fact, Judy completely transformed her home, a mid-century modern "blank space" into the bohemian retreat it is today, in only a few weeks, without traveling farther than her local thrift shops. 

"The process of choosing the pieces was decided for me by the thrift store merchandise I encountered." 

By giving herself a very limited timeline to complete her renovation, Judy had to make split-second decisions on items as she found them. There simply was not time to go home, measure, contemplate, or hesitate- if a piece was a good fit, or could be after a little TLC, she bought it. Using thrifted and repurposed items minimized Judy's renovation footprint and has kept her eclectic style accessible for other's wanting to create a similar look. 

"I tried to choose somewhat average pieces so that anyone reading this story could say, 'I see that stuff all the time! I can do this easily myself. '" 

Even the most basic home improvement projects can create more than their fair share of waste, between disposing of the "old" materials, manufacturing and shipping new ones, and using natural resources like fuel and water. Instead of contributing to landfill waste or using complex measures to bring in new materials, Judy used items and resources that were easily within reach in terms of geography and budget. With a little imagination and creativity, she transformed once wayward pieces into heirloom treasures. 

"When it came to reupholstering the chairs and sofa, I chose fabric from local outlets at 10-20 dollars per yard. I chose to buy from thrift stores that only accepted donations, so that money I spent would go directly to good causes. "

Judy's cozy master bedroom has a perfectly lived-in look thanks to the gorgeous linen bedding, loosely styled bookcases, distressed concrete floors, and unique decorative accents. By using a few found objects (these vintage Syrian textiles were thrifted!) the "new" space gets a dose of personality and old-world charm.

We could seriously spend all day wandering the rooms of Judy's amazing home and we are so inspired for our next thrifting trips. Do you have a favorite second-hand piece you scored on a whim? What do you look for when shopping for your space? 

Enjoy the process!

Hailey

images via seaofshoes

Five Ways to Create an Eco-Friendly Bathroom Oasis

Between loads of laundry, endless bottles of toiletries, gallons of water, and small appliances, bathrooms can be major resource hogs. They are also often the most frequently used rooms in the house so, first and foremost, they need to be functional. By making a few simple changes to your bathroom decor you can help reduce clutter and chaos while creating a clean, serene, eco-friendly oasis in your home. 

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1. Bamboo bath mats help keep water away from floors and, unlike solid mats, allow air to circulate to dry them off quickly. Plus, they can be easily rinsed-off in the shower without adding to the laundry pile. 

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2. Air-purifying plants help filter moisture out of the room to keep surfaces fresh and clean. Look for low-light loving indoor plants, or go ultra low-maintenance with a simple air plant hanger.

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3. Beautiful baskets pull double duty as convenient storage containers and decor, minimizing the need for additional clutter on shelves, counters, or floors. 

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4. Quick-dry fabrics like lightweight Turkish-towels are often made of sustainable cotton or bamboo materials and require less time in the washer and dryer. Keep hand towels or washcloths within guest's reach by displaying them in a decorative bowl.

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5. Buy bath products in bulk or DIY all-natural alternatives and decant them into decorative jars to save $$$ and reduce the amount of waste that's produced on a regular basis. Keep makeup or travel-sized items in a pretty pouch that can be easily tossed into a gym bag on the go! 

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Enjoy the process,

Hailey