Moroccan

Where it comes from

North African riads, built inward around courtyards and shade.

Moroccan interiors are pattern applied architecturally — zellige tile, carved plaster, arched niches — rather than pattern applied as decoration. The remodel is tiling and openings; the textiles come afterwards.

Lighting

Pierced metal lanterns throwing patterned shadow. Light as another form of pattern.

What breaks it

• Sparse modern furniture
• Cool white walls with no texture
• Recessed downlights
• One pattern used alone

Where to spend

Tile and arch. Zellige and a shaped opening carry the whole style, and no textile substitutes for them.