Morocco: Reflections...and a Kitchen

My interest in Morocco started when I was working at the Smithsonian Institution. Each day at lunch I'd quickly scarf down a sandwich, and then tour a particular museum gallery. On one outing, I discovered a world of Moroccan tilework rich with colors and complex geometric patterns not unlike a kaleidoscope. I subsequently learned these mosaic "zillij" tilework is used as ornamentation in Moroccan architecture and design.

In 2002, Tom and I traveled to Morocco. We visited the four imperial cities of Fes, Marrakesh, Meknes and Rabat, as well as Casablanca. We toured ancient medinas, shopped the souks and even stayed in traditional Moroccan houses known as riads. Unassuming, plain and often windowless from the street, all the rooms typically open to an interior courtyard with a garden (and sometimes a water feature as well). Once inside a riad, a beautiful and private world reveals itself. Zillij tilework covers ceilings, walls, floors and even fountains.

Morocco is like no other country. It is a feast for the all the senses! Enjoy these photos from my scrapbook, and excuse the quality as they have been scanned.

In Fes, we stayed at the charming La Maison Bleue, a tradition Moroccan riad.

Above: Zillij tilework on a fountain wall in Casablanca. Below: Impressive arches in Casablanca.

Beautifully painted wooden doors in the capital city of Rabat.

One of the highlights of Marrakesh was Yves Saint Laurent's Jardin Majorelle.

The Moroccans are warm, friendly and proud. Tom and I were captivated by their charm. Important note: before taking photos of someone, please ask for permission!

Here I am at the ancient ruins of Volubilis, a city founded in the 3rd century B.C. Volubilis was an important Roman outpost. Excuse the baggy jeans :)
 

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Fast forward to today (and, thank goodness, skinnier jeans!), I am delighted to share my friend Lauren's newly renovated Moroccan inspired kitchen. When Lauren asked me to help with this very special project, I immediately said yes!! Let's start the tour.

The focal point of this beautiful kitchen is the stucco hood (designed by Lobkovich Kitchen Designs) paying homage to the arch found in Moroccan architecture. Lauren selected the lantern from Tazi.

My favorite element is the glazed terra cotta tiles that Lauren found. Tiles are from Mission Tile West and available through Renaissance.

In lieu of an island, I designed this walnut farm table, and we had it custom made by the venerable firm of Therien. Note the notched and shaped corners which I borrowed from Moroccan design.

 

I found the French cafe style chairs at Serena and Lily, and together with the farm table, they give the kitchen a French colonial feel.

A view of the paneled refrigerator and prep sink. There is also a full sized wash sink (not shown). All the countertops and integral sinks are cast concrete.

The cabinetry is through Lobkovich Kitchen Designs.

Thank you to Lauren for letting me share her fabulous and cool kitchen!!