SEQUEL: Mesmerized by Morocco

This morning I was lost over what to blog about next. Then, it hit me, it had to be about Morocco; a place that has recently captured my imagination.

I guess it all started with the blog My Marrakesh, which I've been following for a few months. It's written by Maryam, an American woman living in Morocco. Maryam is charming, her writing is gritty and good, and her blog is beautiful. You can watch a podcast of of her being interviewed by some fellow bloggers here. Maryam's blog is very personal and in it she talks about the guest house (inn) that she's building (along with her architect husband) amidst an olive grove, local shopping(she's a personal shopper among other things), and all kinds of art and design from Morocco. Here are some examples of the beautiful imagery you will find on her blog...

Then, last week, I was messing around on VRBO and stumbled upon this amazing little suite (pics below) in Fez, Morocco which is just $125-$150/night! It's a two story antique royal suite from 1880. The suite is encrusted with museum-quality carved plaster, original mosaic, and decorative painting. There's a rooftop terrace and one room even has an intimate domed hammam bath. They describe the space as quirky, authentic, and romantic.

I love this quote from the VRBO write-up "We will not repair the lovely webbed plaster where it has broken. We will not remove the tiny abandoned mud wasp’s nest from the sharp carved starburst of the Menzeh’s antique plaster. All of this is part of the baraka, or fortuitous blessing, of the Menzeh, which we have preserved as it was found, a jeweled secret place at the crown of the Fez Medina." How poetic. And, this is a perspective I've embraced with many of the vintage furnishings I've bought....the imperfections are part of the beauty.

There are many beautiful places to stay in Morocco on VRBO and you can find good travel information on Lonely Planet.

But, look no farther than your mailbox for Moroccan influenced modern design. It's evident everywhere...
From West Elm, Lanterns(on sale for $29.99) and headboard ($299-$399):

Morocco Rug from CB2 ($299.00 - $499.00):

Moroccan Wedding Cape from Viva Terra ($395):

Marrakech bedding from Crate and Barrel ($495-$149.00)

From RianRae , Moroccan Metal Side Tables ($890) and gorgeous Mother of Pearl Inlaid Mirror ($1,980)

And, good finds are always on eBay for those that like to dig. I like what this eBay store, Click2Egypt has...frames, lanterns, metalwork, and more.