My husband and I love to travel offbeat and almost shocked our friends and families when we told them that we’d decided to go to Egypt and Morocco for our honeymoon! Everybody was expecting a romantic getaway to Europe or South East Asia. “You will get hurt in the political riots!”, my then to-be mother-in-law warned. But we went…and it was awesome!

After seeing a lot of ancient ruins in Egypt, we reached Morocco to realize how different the African continent can get in only a couple thousand miles! Morocco, in December, looks like a sunny Europe with green fields, long stretches of roads and cafes with French speaking patrons! Morocco was a French colony until 1956, when they attained independence and you’ll find the French and Spanish influences on language and cuisine.

Image via: Palindrome6996 on flickr

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Our first stop was Marrakech – this was my favorite city in Morocco! You can spend an entire day in the town square (called the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square) sipping on hot mint tea and looking at the different types of people that make up the market’s crowd. Also, don’t miss the Bahia Palace and the Menara.

Image via: Bjørn Giesenbauer on flickr

After spending 2 days in Marrakech, we headed for Fez, which has the largest medina in Morocco. A medina is a walled town, usually an old city from Arabic descent. The maze of lanes will give you a feel of what Arab cities used to look like about 500 years back! Check out the tanneries, buy some spices and Morocco’s special Argon oil and have a chilled out meal at Café Clock, owned and run by a British fellow.

Oh and how can I forget the stop we made at Ifrane, on our way from Marrakech to Fez?! Ifrane is a small city that hosts a top of the line university, attended by the richest kids in the Arab world! The city is dotted with cafes and gardens and transports you to the feeling of sitting in any quaint town in France. This is the only place in Morocco where we were sold goods based on a printed price – everywhere else in Morocco, you just have to trust what the store owner quotes!

Image via: Khowaga1 on flickr

From Fez, a quick trip to Volubilis showed us ancient Roman ruins that are over 2000 years old. And from here, we headed to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. A part of the king’s palace grounds is open to public and it is grand! Talk to anyone in Morocco and you will feel the love and gratefulness that people have for their king. King Mohammed VI is popular for his progressive views and fairness in justice. He is responsible for giving better opportunities to women and increasing the level of education in the country. Chat up with a local to feel the warmth!

Finally, how can you visit Morocco and not visit Casablanca! The city that was made popular by the romantic 1942 American classic lies by the seashore and is Morocco’s largest city. Go partying here! We also visited the Hassan II mosque – the largest mosque in the country, 7th largest in the world and one of the very few ones that allow women inside. It’s not so much for religion that you should go in, but for its brilliant architecture. Outside, the mosque looks out at the Atlantic Ocean. Stone and marble floors and columns, carved wood ceilings, titanium, bronze and granite finishes make this mosque a marvel to look at from inside. It even has a retractable roof that can be opened up on good days!

Image via: TravellingAlps

Morocco was a surprise for both my husband and me. The lovely sights, the excellent infrastructure, the good governance and the delectable food won us over. Did I tell you to try a ‘tagine’? It’s a Moroccan delicacy and if you have planned a trip to this wonderful country, do not leave without trying it!

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When traveling to another place you get to view and enjoy life from a different perspective. Try using this approach when wanting to spice up your interiors. Research and explore the interiors of your favorite ideal locations around the world, allow them to influence and inspire new ideas for designing your own interiors. Come along with me while we examine several other countries and how they can enlighten your spaces!

Bring Travel Destinations into your Interiors

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First Stop…

Travel Destinations: Morocco

Morocco is a country that is located in Northern Africa.  It is known for incorporating Berber, Jewish and Arabic cultural heritage while combining the influences of the French, Spanish, and Anglo-Americans.  So in essence Morocco is somewhat of a melting pot of many cultures and traditions.  This country is a vibrant blend of originality, with twists of boldness rooted from the foundation of the country alone. Check out the image above, we can notice that mixtures of patterns, shapes, bold colors, and accent pieces are all derivatives from the variety of ancestry. We can learn from here to not be afraid to use vibrant colors, patterns, designs and history (heritage) while designing our own spaces, remember to personalize your space to your desires.

Italy – Transform your Interiors with Travel

The country that sticks out like a boot in Europe would be known as Italy.  Where the Italian Renaissance was created, brilliant artists’ excelled, extraordinary philosophers and masterful chefs have descended.  The image above has the neutral color palette incorporated within the space yet look at the detailing design, how exaggerated and pristine the furniture and accent pieces are.  Here we learn balance, simplicity vs. embellishment.  It is fine if you prefer to keep it simple on the outside and focus on accentuating the inner parts (furniture and accessories) causing them to be the focal points. Again, whatever you would like to express.

Travel Destinations: Brazil

Brazil is an exotic country that is located in the heart of South America.  Brazil has the largest bio diversified Amazonian Rainforest in the world.  It is known to have the richest wildlife that contributes to the natural habitats located in Brazil.  And the image above displays those natural characteristics that it is known for.  Look at the color palette here, earth tones.  Plenty of rich dark browns as if resembling the bark of the trees and adding in splashes of greens, reds, blues, and yellows reflecting the nature (flowers and animals) within the area.

Singapore

Singapore is a small country located at the bottom of Malaysia.  It has more of a conservative society although liberalization is beginning to form.  There is no one specific culture for Singapore because it is made up many cultures which adds to the diversified atmosphere that it has.  The image above displays a lot of linear lines and neutral colors yet with an anomaly accent piece as the focal point within the area.  It has a very modern and natural display.  Here, we learn less can be more and one major focal point can be the daring object you may need or want to express within the space which is fine.  All that truly matters is that you find what can help you to create your ideal comfort space.

Now these were just a few places but they were fun to see and learn from, right?  What’s your favorite vacation location? Find out and study it like we did here.  See how you can modify and change your interior environment to reflect that area that you most delight in. Try it out and see if it works for you!

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