Tadelakt blog

Top Designers Inspired by the Moroccan Look

Morocco is known for its host of beautiful buildings with prominent designs. Buildings displaying fine, ornate touches by skilled artisans and master craftspeople are still visible to admire today. Restoration works too, have revealed many hidden treasures and the revival of some historic practices, such as the very ornate and colourful tile work called Zellige and the versatile Tadelakt, a plasterwork technique that was created by nomadic tribes, living in the hills near Morocco’s imperial city of Marrakesh, originally to seal tanks used to store drinking water.

Many great artists, architects and designers have been influenced by these Moroccan crafts, including the iconic french fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent who built his home there in the 1980s . The stunning villa is now open to the public as a museum and gallery surrounded by a sumptuous landscaped garden.

The luxurious gardens cover two and a half acres and are a prominent feature of the complex.
The use of bold colours used throughout all the exterior spaces, reflect the exciting vibrant hues of Morocco, particularly the acid-yellow and citrus orange against vivid blue tadelakt walls.
Walking around these beautiful atmospheric spaces, the natural form from the soft purple cascading bougainvillea to the spiky cacti, peacock and lime green ferns you know you’re in a designer’s garden.

Traditional Moroccan arts and crafts were used to create this stylish environment including tadelakt due to its very long lasting, waterproof and hard wearing material which makes it perfect for exterior spaces and bathrooms. Another famous Moroccan example of this is the Hassan Mosque in the famous city of Casablanca. The spellbinding exterior and includes warm tadelakt walls which contrast beautifully with the ornate patterned pillars and shiny marble floors.

Exotic Designer Style

Create your own Moroccan Designer feel to your inside and outside spaces with juxtaposing shapes and exciting sunny colours that compliment your green areas. Like Yves Saint Laurent, why not bring the exotic, North African textures and warmth into your home and garden by using tadelakt and create a space that reflects the light and atmosphere of stylish Marrakesh.
Impress your friends and family by extending your living space; create a welcoming garden-room on your patio or a corner of your back-yard with tadelakt walls adorned in warm or bright vibrant colours, then set it off with lively scatter cushions, pretty fairy lights and lanterns. Be adventurous and add a water feature, like the traditional moroccan arched wall-inlay, which can be simply constructed with waterproof tadelakt.
Add an arrangement of fleshy pot plants and colourful or sweet scented climbers such as purple clematis, wisteria or jasmine. Remember to use complementary colours for a more dramatic effect, such as reds, pinks and oranges against notes of verdant greens or vibrant yellows next to bold blues and violets.
Remember, tadelakt walls are not only hard wearing and versatile but can support either soft pastel shades or strong, stunning statement colours for a truly exotic feel to your living spaces.

*Courtesy of Tanja Gangar of Yellow Hammer Digital

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The Rising Popularity Of The Traditional Moroccan Hammam

Long considered a must-do experience when visiting Marrakech, the age old bathing ritual known as Hammam is fast becoming one of the most popular and beneficial spa treatments across the globe.

A traditional Moroccan hammam consists of a bathing house divided into multiple rooms where visitors under go a number of rituals: cleansing, steaming, bathing and resting to cleanse, purify and rejuvenate the body and mind.

No wonder then that this ancient spa treatment is an increasingly popular way of relieving the stresses of a fast-paced modern life.

Here’s a look at the past and present tradition of Moroccan hammams.

History of Hammams

Hammam, an Arabic word meaning ‘heat’ or more literally ‘spreader of warmth’ originates from the hot baths of the ancient Romans who had their own bathing traditions. The Romans believed in a central ‘community’ bath where citizens could come together to cleanse while exchanging the local news and gossip in a communal area. Taking inspiration from the Romans, the Moroccans introduced communal bathing areas, used as part of a cleansing ritual before prayer. This is why many Moroccan bath houses are found next to mosques.

Initially only men were permitted to use Hammams. Eventually women were allowed to partake in the cleansing ritual, but the bath houses were rigorously separated according to gender. It soon became a refuge for women, enabling them to escape the strict rules of everyday life and be themselves.

Benefits

A Hammam spa experience offers the following benefits:

Detox, ridding the body and mind of excess toxins
Exfoliation, unclogs the pores and removes dead skin
Provides essential vitamins and minerals to nourish the skin
Soothes muscle aches and pains and relieves tension in joints and muscles
Activates blood circulation to boost the immune system
Produces serotonin, the mood enhancing, feel good hormone
Rejuvenates the body and helps you sleep better

Traditional Hammam Layout

A traditional hammam has 3 interconnecting rooms: a camekan for undressing, a hararet hot room to sweat out toxins which will be vigorously scrubbed away with a traditional olive soap, and finally, a sogukluk, a cool room where you can relax and rehydrate with a cup of sweet mint tea.

Tadelakt Traditional Moroccan Plaster

Traditional Moroccan Hammams coat the walls of the rooms in Tadelakt plaster, a natural limestone finish that is durable, water resistant, antiseptic and naturally breathable.

Tadelakt is not only a naturally beautiful, authentic Moroccan finish, but is also the most practical solution for wet areas and hammam treatment rooms. It is made up of 100% natural ingredients that provide a waterproof coating while still letting the plaster breathe.

Whether you want to create a specialised hammam treatment bath house as part of your spa treatments, or you desire a Moroccan styled hammam bathroom at home, using Tadelakt for your walls, ceilings, and even baths and sinks, will add an authentic Moroccan touch to your wet room interiors.

For more information and advice on commercial and domestic Moroccan baths and Tadelakt plaster, contact us today.

Bathroom

Bathroom Designs With A Difference

Bring A Touch of Morocco to Your Home

For those of you who love to travel and immerse yourself in different cultures from around the world, Morocco is sure to feed your wanderlust.

Awash with colours, fragrances and sounds and oozing style, it is easy to see why so many people want to bring a touch of this wonderful country into their homes.

Moroccan Style

For those who want to enjoy year-round sunshine in the comfort of their own home, Moroccan style interior design is a very popular choice at the moment.

Whether you want to relax in a traditional Marrakech Riad inspired bedroom, or you want your outdoor space to take you back to the bustling squares of Casablanca, you can achieve a taste of North Africa every day.

There are lots of ways that you can introduce Moroccan features into your home, including the following:

Use traditional Moroccan lanterns to add warm lighting to a room
If you cannot decorate a whole room, invest in colourful cushions to brighten up an old sofa
Use mosaic tiles in your garden for authentic North African al fresco dining
Put your feet up on a Moroccan style pouf
Make a statement in your living room with a bold print rug or set of curtains

Whether you are a fan of colour or prefer your home decor to be understated, you can make a big impact with rich Moroccan furnishings.

Tadelakt Plaster

Your bathroom is the perfect room to be creative with when designing, and it is a great place to show off your own personal style. When looking for bathroom designs with a difference, Tadelakt Plaster offers a unique way to enjoy a Moroccan style bathroom

Tadelakt is a Moroccan plaster that can be found in Riads and building across the whole of the country, particularly in the Marrakech region, and is now seen in homes all over the world.

Derived from tadelakt lime, not only does the plaster look good, it is also waterproof and very long lasting.

When it comes to bathroom designs with a difference you can guarantee that your guests will enjoy the wow factor when they use your restroom. Tadelakt can be used on bathroom walls, wet rooms, and in the kitchen.

Designed to Last

As mentioned, due to the hardwearing nature of Tadelakt plaster you can enjoy your Moroccan bathroom for many years. It is essential that you use a professional to carry out the plastering work, as it is a specialised trade and even the most skilled handyman may struggle to get the desired effect.

If you are looking for bathroom designs with a difference – Decor Tadelakt has a range of stylish bathroom designs on offer to give your home a true North African feel. Contact our team today for advice and more information.

Bathroom·Tadelakt Info

Top Tips For Incredible Tadelakt Bathrooms

What You Need To Know About Tadelakt Bathrooms

When it comes to bathrooms, you need decor that both looks good and is able to repel water.

That’s why so many people are now going for tadelakt bathrooms. This ancient plastering practice originated in Morocco, and gives many Moroccan homes their unique and recognisable finish.

Here’s everything you need to know about using tadelakt plaster in your bathroom.

It’s Truly Waterproof

If you use Moroccan plaster to plaster your bathroom, then you’ll have no need for tiles or other water repelling surfaces. If installed correctly, the plaster is totally waterproof.

This is because when the plaster has been applied to the wall, it’s treated with olive oil soap. The soap causes a chemical reaction with the lime in the plaster, making it waterproof.

As well as this, tadelakt plaster can be applied seamlessly. This looks great in your bathroom, but also offers no cracks for water to run into and cause issues later down the line.

Create All Kinds Of Bathroom Elements With Tadelakt Bathrooms

When you’re looking at renovating your bathroom, you’ll be looking at all kinds of bathrooms fixtures and fittings. You want something that will create a bathroom that’s truly unique to you. Instead of going with conventional ideas, why not use tadelakt?

It can be used to create almost anything, from showers, sinks, bathtubs, enclosures, and more. You can have a bathroom that looks just the way you want it to.

You Have A Choice Of Colours

When you think of Moroccan plaster, you’ll think of earthy tones. If you want tadelakt in your bathroom, you can certainly have these tones if you wish.

However, there is actually a lot of choice in what colours you can use. This gives you a lot of leeway when it comes to creating your bathroom, and choosing the accessories that will go in there.

Taking Care Of Tadelakt

Some people want to get a Moroccan style bathroom, but they’re worried about how to take care of it. Luckily, it’s much easier than it looks. When you need to clean the plaster, a gentle soap and some water will do the trick nicely.

You’ll also need to reapply olive oil soap periodically, in order to keep the plaster waterproof. When the plaster looks as though it’s losing its waterproof properties, you simply apply more.

Finding Tadelakt Experts

Now you know everything you need to know about tadelakt, you need someone who can apply it. Tadelakt plastering is an art that’s handed down from artisan to artisan in Morocco. Here at Tadelakt, we travelled to Morocco to learn the practice from the masters, making us the UK experts in Moroccan plastering.

If you’re looking at creating a tadelakt bathroom using this plastering technique, then get in touch with us. We can help you design a bathroom that’s unique to you. We’ll work with your plumber to ensure that everything is fitted seamlessly, and you’ll have a bathroom you’ll truly love. Contact a member of our team today and see what we can do for you.

Bathroom

Moroccan Bathroom Designs That Will Bring The East To Your Home

If you’re looking to bring a new and exciting look to your bathroom, then a Moroccan design can be the way to go.

The bright colours and elegant features can make any room look amazing, and give it a new lease of life.

The best place for a Moroccan design is your bathroom. If your bathroom’s looking tired and in need of a revamp, here’s some Moroccan bathroom designs that you’ll love.

Arches And Curved Doorways

A big part of Moroccan architecture is curved doorways and arches in the home. They can lend any room a real Eastern feel, and always look amazing.

If you want to go all out, you can have arched doorways fitted in your home, but if that’s too much, you can simply borrow this look subtly.

Try modifying a built in shelving unit to have an arched top, or painting arches onto the walls. Just tape off the design and away you go.

Go For Bold Colour Choices

When it comes to Moroccan bathroom designs, you’ll see either bright blues or reds, as the colours often reflect either the ocean or the desert.

Pick colours that speak to you and complement each other, and use them in your bathroom.

You can use them anywhere, from your tiling to your accessories. Don’t be afraid to use colour, as Moroccan design demands that you are bold and exciting with it.

Create Feature Walls And Fittings With Moroccan Plaster

If you’re looking to truly refit your bathroom, then you may want to consider using Tadelakt plastering in order to get the look you’re going for.

It can be used to simply plaster your walls, but it can also create wet rooms and features such as sinks and seats.

It’s a versatile material, so consider using it in your bathroom to get the authentic Moroccan look you want.

Use Moroccan Lanterns

Moroccan lanterns are possibly one of the most recognisable styles to come out of Moroccan home design.

You can easily find lanterns that can replace your current light fitting and create intricate and delicate patterns in light across your bathroom.

If that’s too much out of your budget, try picking up smaller, decorative lanterns to dot around the bathroom and get the style that you’re looking for.

Invest In Moroccan Style Tiling

Another highly recognisable aspect of Moroccan style bathrooms is the beautiful tiling that’s often used.

These tiles feature bold colours and patterns, making them the perfect choice if you’re looking to create a feature wall in your bathroom.

They’re not too hard to find now, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect tiles for your bathroom.

If you’ve fallen in love with Moroccan bathroom designs, then here at Tadelakt we can help you achieve the bathroom of your dreams. We’re the masters of the traditional art of Tadelakt plastering, which will help transform your bathroom into a relaxing paradise. Get in touch for a quote, and you’ll see just how much we can change the whole feel of your bathroom.

Bathroom

How To Create The Perfect Moroccan Styled Bathroom

If you’re looking to revive your bathroom’s tired look, then a Moroccan theme can be the way to go.

The ornate patterns and exotic look can make your bathroom the perfect get away from your busy life, without having to buy a plane ticket to experience the real thing!

Here’s how you can create a Moroccan styled bathroom that your whole family will love.

Get Creative With Colours

The best thing about Moroccan bathrooms is that you can use almost any colour palette you like in your decorations.

You can use reds, oranges, blues, greens, and any shades in between to get the look that you want. You can have a bathroom that’s warm and inviting, or relaxing and serene.

You can try mixing bold colours together, such as terracotta and blue, to create a striking look. If you’re worried that too many colours will be overwhelming, use two or three shades of the same colour.

Use Exciting Tile Styles

The next step is to pick the tiles for your bathroom. The Moroccan style bathroom uses ornate tiles to create patterns and visual interest in the decoration of the room.

You can do this by using mosaic tiles, which you can pick up in the colours that you have already picked out in the last step.

You can also use bold patterned tiles, which help you create the authentic Moroccan look with ease.

Use Moroccan Plaster

There’s a unique plaster called Tadelakt, that’s used commonly in many Moroccan bathrooms.

This plaster creates a smooth, waterproof finish, and so can be used to create a lot of different looks in your home. Many renovators use it as a method to create wet rooms, and even create items such as seats and shelves.

It’s something that’s a little bit different from the norm, so your bathroom really will be unique.

Use Different Textures

A good Moroccan style bathroom will use a variety of textures to create visual interest, on top of the differing styles in the decoration.

For example, you can use display towels to create contrast with the other textures in the room, or introduce a rug. Even plants in terracotta pots can add to your style.

Create The Right Ambiance

The best Moroccan styled bathroom will feature all the finishing touches to really add ambiance. For example, try using reflective surfaces to the bathroom.

A large mirror with an ornate frame is perfect for this, as well as metallic accessories. You can also add brass features, such as jars and jugs, to create that authentic Moroccan feel.

Here at Tadelakt Decor, we’re the UK experts in Moroccan plastering techniques. If we’ve encouraged you to create your own Moroccan styled bathroom, then call on us to see what we can do with your space.

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