Ever walked into a kitchen that makes your heart race? Moroccan kitchens do that. They don’t just feed you; they wrap you up in colour, pattern, and warmth. It’s like stepping into a spicy dream.
The secret? A mad mix of tiles, textures, and bits of history. No two Moroccan kitchens feel the same. They shouldn’t, right? That’s the magic.
Let’s explore 15 Moroccan-inspired kitchens that’ll make you want to rip out your boring cabinets tomorrow. Or at least add a splash of something wild.
1. The Tile-Lover’s Paradise
Oh, the tiles. Moroccan kitchens love their tiles like nothing else. Picture a tiny kitchen, cramped maybe, but those zellige tiles? They make it feel like a palace. They gleam under the light. Blues, greens, golds. A bit wonky? Even better. That’s the charm. Tiles that don’t match up perfectly tell a story. They whisper of hands that shaped them, one by one.
2. The Archway of Dreams
Ever seen a doorway that made you stop and stare? Moroccan kitchens often have arched entrances or pass-throughs. Imagine cooking while framed by a soft, curved arch. It’s a little like being in a fairytale. No sharp corners here. Just soft lines that hug the space. Builders in Morocco figured this out ages ago. We’re only catching on now.
3. Copper Everywhere
Pots, pans, kettles—copper sings in a Moroccan kitchen. It’s not just for show. The more battered, the better. A well-loved copper pot hanging from a rustic hook? That’s the kind of detail that makes your kitchen feel alive. You’ll want to start collecting pieces from flea markets. Trust me on this one. Shiny new copper is fine, but old copper? That’s got soul.
4. Patterned Floors That Steal the Show
You know those kitchens where the floor is just, well, the floor? Not in Morocco. In a Moroccan-inspired kitchen, the floor demands attention. Maybe it’s black and white geometric shapes. Maybe it’s faded mosaics that make you wonder about the hands that laid them down. Don’t cover them with rugs. Let the floor do the talking. It’s earned it.
5. The Carved Wood Cabinet Craze
Flat, plain cabinets? Not in a million years. Moroccan kitchens celebrate woodwork. Carved panels. Little flower patterns. Twisting vines etched into cabinet fronts. Sometimes it’s so intricate you have to step closer, just to take it all in. And that dark, rich wood? It feels like it’s been there forever.
6. Lanterns That Glow Like Magic
The lighting in a Moroccan kitchen doesn’t just brighten the room. It enchants it. Think pierced metal lanterns, casting speckled light across walls. You switch them on, and suddenly the kitchen feels like night-time Marrakech. Warm, golden, and full of secrets. Light is decoration here. Not just function.
7. Open Shelving, But Make It Romantic
Who needs cupboard doors when your dishes are this pretty? Moroccan kitchens often have open shelves. Sometimes they’re carved wood. Sometimes, just simple plaster niches. The key is filling them with colour. Plates, bowls, glasses that catch the light. Nothing matches exactly, and that’s the point. It’s real. Lived-in. A bit messy? So what!
8. Splashes of Cobalt Blue
Cobalt blue is like Morocco’s unofficial colour. It shows up everywhere. On tiles, on window frames, sometimes on whole walls. In the kitchen, a pop of cobalt makes the space sing. A cobalt kettle on the stove. Cobalt tile trim. It’s bright without being shouty. It’s bold, but somehow soothing.
9. The Hidden Courtyard Kitchen
This one’s a dream. Some Moroccan homes have kitchens that spill out into tiny courtyards. Imagine cooking with the breeze sneaking in, the scent of jasmine nearby. Maybe a tiled fountain bubbles softly as you stir a pot. Not practical for all of us, I know. But even a tiny balcony with a few potted plants can give you a taste of it.
10. The Mix-and-Match Metal Moment
Brass. Copper. Silver. All together. No rules. Moroccan-inspired kitchens love a metal mix. Door handles might be brass. The sink, copper. A silver tray holds glasses for tea. When the light hits? Everything gleams, in its own way. No matchy-matchy sets here. Just layers of shine.
11. The Rug You Didn’t Expect
Yes, a rug. In the kitchen. Moroccan kitchens often have small woven rugs or runners. They soften the space. Add a bit of warmth underfoot. Maybe you spill on it. Maybe it gets worn. That just adds to the charm. A kitchen shouldn’t feel sterile. A rug makes sure of that.
12. The Earthy Clay Pot Touch
Tagines aren’t just for cooking. In a Moroccan kitchen, they’re decor. Big clay tagines on open shelves. Maybe a few on top of the fridge. They remind you of slow cooking, of family meals. And they look good doing it. Sometimes you’ll see giant clay jars in the corners. For olive oil. Or just for beauty.
13. The Painted Ceiling Surprise
Most of us forget about the ceiling. Moroccan kitchens don’t. Sometimes you’ll see wooden beams, hand-painted with tiny patterns. Sometimes just a border, where wall meets ceiling. It draws your eyes up. Makes the space feel bigger. More special. It’s a simple idea. But wow, does it work.
14. The Built-In Everything
Built-in benches. Built-in shelves. Built-in spice nooks. Moroccan kitchens make the most of every inch. The plaster walls curve and dip to make space where you need it. It feels organic. Like the kitchen grew that way. It’s smart, too. No wasted space. No awkward gaps.
15. The Explosion of Colour
Lastly, let’s talk colour. Moroccan kitchens don’t shy away. Red. Orange. Yellow. Deep greens. They all live happily together. You don’t need to go wild. Even just a brightly painted stool. Or colourful tea glasses lined up on a shelf. It’s about joy. And kitchens should be joyful, no?
Bringing Moroccan Style Into Your Kitchen
So how do you get that Moroccan feel without moving to Fez or Marrakech? Easy. Start small. A few patterned tiles behind the stove. A colourful rug by the sink. Swap out plain knobs for brass or carved wood. Add a lantern. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Moroccan style is about layers. You build it up over time.
You can also play with colour. Even one wall in a rich ochre or deep blue can shift the vibe. If you’re renting? No worries. Hang a patterned textile or rug on the wall. Instant impact.
And don’t forget texture. Shiny tiles. Rough wood. Soft textiles. Cool metal. Mix them up. Let your kitchen feel like it has a past, even if it’s brand new.
Why Moroccan Kitchens Feel So Good
It’s not just the look. It’s the feeling. Moroccan kitchens are made for gathering. For big pots of food. For sitting and talking while the bread bakes. They’re warm. Inviting. A little bit chaotic, maybe. But always full of life.
That’s the heart of it. A Moroccan-inspired kitchen isn’t about perfection. It’s about heart. About making a space that feels alive, and lived in, and loved.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a huge budget. Or a huge kitchen. What you need is a bit of courage. To mix colours. To embrace pattern. To let things be a little imperfect. That’s where the beauty is.
So go on. Add a lantern. A colourful bowl. A tiny rug. See how it feels. Your kitchen will thank you for it.
And maybe, just maybe, it’ll inspire you to cook something new. Something spicy. Something that tastes like Morocco.
