When we think of Moroccan interior design elements, we think of repeated calligraphic patterns, rich, colorful fabrics, and geometric design.

You may have already noticed that we’re Bohemians at heart, and we’re paying tribute to another type of Bohemian– the nomads who roamed the Sahara and eventually found their way to Spain, Portugal, and many islands in the Western Mediterranean. In these places, the moorish influence is still widely seen. In Cordoba, Spain for instance, you’ll find the Mezquita, a former mosque that is now the region’s Catholic cathedral.

It’s an amazing piece of architecture filled with intricate calligraphy, arches, and decorative tile work. You may not have space for your own Mezquita, but you can bring a little bit of that exotic feel into your home. Come this way.

1. Wonderwall

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Make like a Moorish nomad and decorate the interior of your “tent” with this gorgeous Moroccan Knot peel and stick wallpaper. We love how the intertwining knots add to the opulence of the wallpaper, and match almost anything.

Install it in your teenage girl’s boho-moroccan bedroom or go for the fabric by the yard version to highlight a special space in your home.

2. Light and Shiny

Take your gallery wall to the next level by using intricately-framed mirrors. With a rustic but neutral background, these mirrors are like reflective jewels because of the light they draw in. Match them with pops of shimmer in your decor. The gold-trimmed pillow cases and gilded printed cushion add glamour and glitz to an otherwise dark sitting area.

3. Damask and Embroidery

We can’t decide what our favorite part of this chair is. While it is certainly bold, we think the damask printed cushions paired with the embroidered, fringed pillow is exotic and mystical – and modern at the same time. The lime green of the chair is unexpected and fun. That’s what we call a statement chair!

4. Arches, Etchings and Carvings

If you’re completely smitten with the intricacy of Moorish architecture, as we are, you’ll love this fab find of ours from Boho Luxe Home. The Medina Arch print brings a Middle Eastern mood into your space whether printed on this beautiful linen-textured pillow or realized as larger-scale metal art print. Both are available on the website.

5. Colorful Tiles

Find inspiration and Moorish decor ideas in the photos on this Real Moroccan Decor post on Rover@Home, a travel and lifestyle blog with a penchant for global décor. In the past, the use of animals and people in Moroccan design was forbidden, sometimes seen as a form of idolatry. Thankfully, the result is a beautiful layering of shapes and textures. There’s something about moorish tiles that are earthy, more rustic, and yet still beautiful. Imagine this tiling as a backsplash, or on the floor partially covered with a bold rug. Mmmm…can’t you smell the spicy tagine simmering in the kitchen?

6. Comfy Seating

If there’s one thing we know about Moroccan interior design elements, it’s their love of movable seating areas. They do it so well, we wonder why more homes don’t have a pouf – or four – in the living room. These fabric- or leather-covered cushions are the epitome of nomadic living. They’re used as extra seating and as tea tables with a pretty tray. You can rest you feet on one after a long day in the souks.

If you love the photos above, check out SmithHönig co-founder Melanie Hönig’s blog post on Modern Moorish Style with Villa Maroc’s Deganit Cohen and explore this bright, colorful Moroccan shop, filled with layer upon layer of visual goodness!