:Forest Folk

A ripe persimmon is a thing of beauty - sweet, succulent and an
amazing shade of orange-red. Orange and red continue to be
popular colors in decorating this year but 2004’s shades are
softer and more vibrant, like ripe persimmons and pomegranates.

Don’t limit these jewel-tones to the inside of your house. They
can be incorporated into a beautiful outdoor theme by using the
rich and exotic influences of Morocco.

•In countries such as Morocco, which line the balmy
Mediterranean, curtains are often used in place of doors to
allow breezes to circulate freely. Use gauzy fabric such as
mosquito netting or scrim, a light, sheer, loosely woven cotton
or linen cloth used for upholstery lining. Since it’s
inexpensive, you can install luxuriously full draperies without
going broke.

•If you’d rather not have curtains, consider using the same
fabric as a tent over a table or a chaise. Some nettings come
with a center hanging unit, or you can easily make one of a 2′
square piece of plywood and some rope.

•Intricate latticework is another element often seen in Morocco.
You can emulate the look by edging pieces of plain lattice (the
closer the weave, the better) with old carved porch posts. Paint
roughly with turquoise or azure and then further distress the
finish with sandpaper. Alternatively, you can install a carved
wooden room screen.

•Wood furniture will give you the most authentic Moroccan look.
Don’t have wood furnishings? Try constructing a simple low-slung
chaise from a used solid core door with six fence post tops
screwed into the bottom. Paint or stain it to look like rich
wood and top with a thick cushion (use an 8″ foam mattress cut
to measure). Use a heavy-weight fabric for the cushion cover and
make sure it’s a bright orange or red color!

•You can improvise a table from a hollow core or solid core door
set on cement blocks or stacks of bricks. Cover it with layers
of rich cloths in your chosen colors. You’ll find this table
sits low to the ground and you’ll be able to eat in the
traditional Moroccan way: sitting on pillows and rugs. Cover the
cushions with co-ordinating or contrasting fabrics in rich
finishes. Use azure, persimmon and lots and lots of gold fabric.

•Tiles are an absolute must in Moroccan style. If you cannot
incorporate them in the floor of your space, by painting a tiled
pattern on a wooden deck, laying tiles on a patio, or edging
your pool-side cabana, be sure to pick them up in a tabletop, a
plant pot, a wall-hanging or a large tray. Mix bright turquoise
or azure blue and goldy-orange tile pieces in intricate patterns
to capture the Moorish look.

•Moroccan-style lanterns usually have some sort of filigree
work, whether wicker, metal or some other material. They are
often pointed at both ends, necessitating hanging. Most often,
they will enclose a flame, either of candles or small oil
torches. You can also use white or ivory pillar candles instead
of, or in addition to, hanging lanterns.

•Use accent pieces of dark wood or brass. Pile a brass tray high
with exotic fruit such as persimmons, tangerines and glossy
pomegranates.

•For greenery, use succulents such as banana trees and
mother-in-law’s tongue, and tropicals like palms and ficus. You
can also add more color to your space with lush pots of bright
geraniums.

Use the rich color and sensual textures of Morocco in your
outdoor space and this summer you’ll be escaping to the casbah!