A Slice of Paradise: Moroccan Garden Ideas

A Moroccan-themed garden is known for its calm, serene and soothing retreat environment. If you’ve ever been to Moroccan cities like Marrakesh, you might already be familiar with unique Moroccan backyards.

The Moroccan style is synonymous with bright colours. The patterns are symmetrical and often use natural elements such as floral and plant motifs.

This is something you should know if you’re spicing up your garden furniture set with cushions and fabrics. On top of these, there are still many features of Moroccan gardens that are worth considering.

If you’re on the hunt for a rich source of garden ideas with Moroccan influences, then you’re in the right place! This post will give you a variety of inspirations to help you achieve your dream outdoor haven.

Let’s dive into our list!

1. Go tropical and cool down with water

The idea of paradise in most Islamic religions as a garden is a very ancient one. There are central fountains often set within an octagon or 8-point star.

Some have soothing swimming pools filled with green or blue tiling, to name a few. Take a cue from the magnificent photo below.

2. Highlight the garden with Moorish tiles

This courtyard is at the centre of a medina home, featuring zellige tiles. The Moorish tile creates an impact with geometric patterns across the floors, walls and other surfaces.

3. Touch up the patio

Revive your patio with floor cushions and low tables to achieve the Moroccan style. Add carpets on the floor and hanging lanterns from a tree to complete the look.

Choose your patterns wisely!

4. Play with colours for the passageway

This garden passageway at Riad Madani utilised magenta plaster twinned with a green tiled floor. Varying potted plants, such as the bananas at the sides add a dramatic look and hot tropical notes.

5. Tiled wall water feature

We love anything that is iron or copper, and this water feature can be the finishing touch to your dream garden! The eye-catching Moroccan tile feature echoes the Moroccan influence.

6. The ultimate Marrakech corner spot

Take inspiration from this corner garden idea and transform your outdoor living area into a Marrakech-inspired one! Add Moroccan rugs, kilim pillows and coffee tables to complete the setup.

If you have drought-tolerant plants, add them into the background.

7. Keep it symmetrical

Most architecture in riads often features a central focal point with a fountain or tree intersected with tiled paths. In this courtyard, symmetry is taken to a higher plane with a breath-taking avenue of palms edging the pool.

8. Add awnings

Create a luxurious sanctuary of serene wellness and entertainment with this concept. Ideal for terrace gardens, this rooftop garden makes the ideal spot to sink into a Berber cushion.

Thanks to the awning, you can watch the sun setting behind with shade.

9. Light the space up with fire

Rugs and cushions are enough to create an entertainment space in a Moroccan garden. But if you wish to utilise it in the late evenings, a fire pit will make everyone gather and linger.

Top tip: Add lanterns and use them to light a path or to illuminate cosy nooks.

10. Contemporary concept

Keep it simple – like this lawn-free outdoor paradise. Paint the garden border in fuchsia or any bold colour and opt for rugs and cushions with patterns to add a touch of Moroccan vibe to the space.

11. The Moroccan corner patio nook

This patio nook is almost covered with tiles with complex geometric patterns and vivid colours, from the floor, and wall to the posts. A bench is sheltered in the corner with massive foliage in the background.

12. Simple deck turned into outdoor living space

This idea is perfect if you don’t have much space in your backyard; you can take advantage of your patio deck instead! Layer it with kilim rugs or any richly coloured layered rugs (with cushions) to convert your deck into an outdoor living space.

13. Green oasis

Full of greens, evoking a feeling of abundance, refreshment and peace, rest and security. This charming riad garden will make you think of nature, expressing renewal and life.

14. Seqqaya

Take a cue from this concept if you have an unused wall fountain; utilise it as a display area for your vases and other Moroccan-inspired pieces.

15. Arch in the riad

The owner of this garden added an arch into the mix to frame the view of the beautifully focal point fountain. The patterned tiling decorates the interior of the alcove seating area.

16. Nomadic decorations

Berber rugs and cushions, pouffes, foutas, terracotta pots, and rustic wooden furniture. It seems like the nomadic decoration of the riads of Marrakech hasn’t finished inspiring us.

The proof is this.

17. Moroccan tile planters for touch-ups

Moroccan-style tiles make great coaster alternatives, and with a bit of creativity, you can make planters out of them! You only need three kinds of materials to achieve this DIY project.

18. Zellige tiles under a pergola

Incorporate intricate tiles into your garden pergola, and which would be enough to add a touch to the Moroccan cities of Fez and Meknes. These Zellige tiles are arranged in striking geometric patterns, and bold shades of blue.

19. Colourful Moroccan outdoor living

“Middle eastern feel with fire and mosaic carpet” would be the best description for this garden style. If you have a small backyard, you can have a mini outdoor kitchen, fireplace and dining area if you take inspiration from this concept.

It’d be better if you have trees or plants with colourful blooms around for an added enchantment.

20. Rooftop chic oasis

The breezy, Bohemian style draws a lot of inspiration from Morocco. To take this approach to your rooftop garden, low-level furniture is a beautiful touch and builds on the “relaxed” aesthetic.

Cacti and tall evergreens would also be suitable for a Moroccan garden.

21. Potted fruit trees

Consequently, a typical Moroccan garden features a potted fruit tree. To recreate the theme, aim to implement fruit trees in your garden. Blessed with natural sunlight, citrus and peaches will thrive well.

22. Opt for “magical” bright colours

Moroccan designs have historical influences from Africa, Europe and the Middle East. There also have been long-standing traditions of “magic”.

This has led to many superstitious practices to ward off evil spirits. Many bright colours have been used for this reason, including in gardens.

23. Introduce handmade arts and crafts

The country is well-known for its centuries of arts and ancient skills. This adds so much interest to the Moroccan aesthetic.

Take ornate carvings and patterned tile work in gardens, for example. Incorporating some traditional arts and crafts is essential. 

24. Don’t be afraid to be bold

Besides the full superstition of bright colours, Moroccan garden designs celebrate bold colours. This displays the boldness of the traditional and cultural liberalism of the people.

Be loud and embrace detail, and consider mixing both modern and traditional styles. 

25. Cactus and succulents as a common feature

Moroccan gardens also have a Mediterranean flavour, and their planting reflects such. Cactus and succulents are common features.

It’s possible to adapt any garden to a Moroccan style, be it succulent or tropical. Remember, it’s all in the hardscaping.

26. Patterns and borders to paving

Another way to give a Moroccan feel to rather conventional paving is to create patterns. This can be as detailed as a mosaic or as simple as a rectangular border to paving.

Lay a square border between the centre and the edge of the patio.

27. Build raised beds

As the garden design utilises enclosure, this provides a great chance to add raised beds. Soften the edges of courtyard walls all the way around with planting. Or separate the path that leads to the centre fountain.

28. A desert garden

Replicate the natural landscape by creating an arid desert garden – or at least a part of your yard. Spread gravel surfaces with sandy-coloured rocks. Opt for Mediterranean plants and, again, succulents for a desert effect.

29. Grow tropical trees too

You don’t need a hot climate to grow exotic-looking plants to achieve a Moroccan garden. There are plenty of hardy palms and even colder climate plants that give off a tropical vibe.

Check our tropical garden ideas for more inspiration!

30. Squeeze in a herb garden

Morocco is famous for its love of fresh mint tea served around meal time. Traditionally, the gardens have always included a herb-growing area.

These herbs are usually used in culinary dishes or to make herbal teas.

31. Pay attention to the lighting details

When it comes to outdoor lighting ideas for a Moroccan garden, details are important. It’s always a good idea to incorporate authentic products from the region.

The right Moroccan candle lanterns will transport you someplace far more exotic!

32. Serve tea in a Moroccan pot

For the best Moroccan garden tea experience, mint tea should be served in a special Moroccan teapot. Made of silver brass, a Moroccan teapot is surely a good kitchen investment that you won’t regret buying.

33. Even garden screens

Garden screening ideas are a must-have if you prioritise privacy in your garden space. To ensure the screen matches your Moroccan theme, choose one with creative patterns.

Go for visually decorative designs, such as Hiroko, Floral Geo, or Marrakech patterns.

34. Hang an inspired tapestry

Hang a beautiful tapestry to add warmth and texture to your patio. Look for a durable product that doubles as a tablecloth. Plus, one with vivid colours to make it an eye-catching focal point or outdoor blanket.

35. Outdoor chandelier as the focal point

Beautifully handcrafted Moroccan-inspired light fixtures will be your garden’s centre of attraction. A handmade piece is recommended, but you can find a great alternative online.

Just make sure it creates a warm Moroccan ambience like no other.

36. Relax in a Moroccan daybed

It’s not every day you get to lie in a Moroccan daybed unless you have one in your own garden! Turn your patio into a serene personal oasis by adding a daybed in the classic Moroccan style.

This also allows you to throw in some rainbow-tinted throw pillows.

37. A central courtyard

If you have enough space, add a central courtyard to your home. Take inspiration from this majestic Moroccan courtyard.

Visually enchanting, focus on colourful tiles and a water feature or a fire pit at its heart. Add some natural greenery for the overall ambience.

38. Subtle Moroccan accents

For starters, you can begin by giving your modern patio subtle Moroccan accents. It can be in the form of trendy lighting fixtures, cushion fabrics or cool ottomans.

This is also the best way to balance the chic urban look and the bold Moroccan style.

39. Blend of styles

A hint of vision to infuse Moroccan elements into a patio with other exotic styles also works. Blend the style with Asian, tropical or minimalist garden schemes.

A minimalist garden, for one, relies more on the “less is more” approach. You can use Moroccan lanterns and patterned tiles to add intrigue to the space.

40. Choose your “inspirational artistry” key feature

When designing a Moroccan garden, you might be fascinated by the use of intricate woodwork or flamboyant colour. But it’s good to pinpoint the mastery of elements before you start.

Design elements include:

• Red clay
• Colourful paints
• Mosaic/detailed woodwork/plaster work
• Steal doorways
• Leather
• Water features

Once you’ve selected your key feature, place the artisanal pieces where they can provide highlights.

41. A slice of Menara

The Menara garden is famous for its artificial lake. The juxtaposed garden and sky are mirrored in the reflective waters.

To add a slice of Menara to your Moroccan garden, especially if the space allows, consider adding a lake. Surround it with olives, palms and orchards to cover the site.

42. Mosaic garden wall

Preserve your garden wall and add style to it with vintage patterned Moroccan tiles. The Moorish tile work is certain to add a wow factor to any wall it’s used on!

Known as Zellij, it uses geometric tiles set in a plaster base to form intricate patterns.

43. Patio Boujaad runner

A beautiful vintage Boujaad runner can bring an instant Moroccan vibe to your patio. The colours are made from the natural dyes of flowers, henna, leaves, and berries.

A unique, rare artistic handmade rug and a must-have piece to own in a Moroccan outdoor space!

44. A touch of Chefchaouen

The sky blue colour is evident in cities like Chefchaouen, The Blue Pearl of Morocco. The shade also makes its way into mosaics that adorn temple complexes.

If you don’t want to go full blue, use the colour for accents instead.

45. Use Majmar for outdoor cooking

If you know how a charcoal BBQ works, then a Majmar won’t be a problem for you! Filled with hot charcoal, it’s of choice for perfect outdoor cooking.

In Morocco, they use this handmade clay cooker for tagine dishes. A slow-simmered stew that’s traditionally cooked in a covered earthenware pot.

Round-up

There’s something about the wild combination of colour and pattern that every Moroccan garden has. The design principles are simple, elegant, and totally stunning.

The building style is called a riad, named after the garden. Riads are designed to be a sanctuary with a cool, clean and calming environment.

You’ll see beautiful symmetrical layouts, with bright colours, large terracotta pots, and lush evergreens. Most of our ideas have these Moroccan influences, aiming to help you create your dream riad.

Ready to recreate the style for yourself?

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