New Moroccan Style: The Art of Sensual Living

by Susan Sully

Perched atop the African continent where East meets West, Morocco has been a destination for Europeans and Americans since before the turn of the last century. With its intoxicating mix of Berber, Arab, Spanish, and French Art Deco styles influencing and informing both homes and hotels, this country may be the birthplace of fusion. And as new waves of travelers succumb to Morocco’s charms and make it their home, they have added their own styles to the mix, respecting the roots of Moroccan design, yet altering it in subtle ways.

In New Moroccan Style , author Susan Sully reveals four emerging trends in this world of Delirium, Fusion, Minimalism, and Repose. Each represents a different aesthetic—whether it be the clean, elegant lines of Minimalism or the mingling, sinuous Asian and Islamic notes in Fusion—yet all are distinctly Moroccan. In chapters replete with gorgeous photographs by Jean Cazals, Sully takes readers on an unprecedented tour through private homes, stylish resorts, and intimate guest houses—many never before published.

We visit Dar Tamsna, outside Marrakech, the epitome of Moroccan fusion, and a riad, or courtyard dwelling, that is a meditation in gray and white. Orientalism reigns in a villa in a date palm grove and an old stone house outside of Essaouira has been transformed into a sensually rustic retreat. Sully catalogs both traditional crafts and contemporary arts to show readers how to introduce the beauty and spirit of Morocco into their home décor—as Gogo Ferguson has in her Martha’s Vineyard house.

Entertainment is as much a part of the Moroccan experience as the glorious rugs and intricate furnishings. Complementing the various houses are twenty-five recipes and tips for entertaining Moroccan-style, as well as a comprehensive source guide for travelers and shoppers.

A treasure trove of ideas and images, New Moroccan Style is a treat for the eyes, palate, and imagination, brought to light by a fresh new voice in design.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is filled with lovely photos, delicious sounding recipes and charming locales. Some text seems a little jarring in light of the Arab Spring and other events that have happened in the 20 years since this was written. I wondered what cultural appropriation would be called out by Moroccan people who might read this text and reflect onset of the people and homes featured.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeously photographed book showcasing the beauty and sensuality of Moroccan design. Visual tour through several residences and small hotel/restaurants featuring a range of Moroccan styles, everything from Oriental Fantasy to Minimalist.

Explaining that entertaining and hospitality are as much a part of the Moroccan experience as beautiful decor and architecture, the author has included 25 recipes. There are a number of photos of languid dining areas all set up with refreshments/tea ready for guests that I find are some of the most inspiring photos in the book.

[Luminea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of inspiring photographs showing the beauty, luxury, and sensuality of Moroccan design. There are also a lot of recipes in the book, although I think I would prefer to start with a proper cookbook when exploring Moroccan cuisine. A good source of ideas for Moroccan style decor.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational! Could have included more variety. Use as reference, stashing relative articles within its covers.