I was overjoyed (that's putting it politely, I think I actually squealed with delight) when the much-anticipated Amazon box arrived with my copy of Marrakesh by Design by Maryam Montague. I am a long time reader and general admirer of Maryam and her blog, My Marrakesh, so I simply couldn’t wait to sit down and dive head first into her debut publishing endeavor. And let me tell you, it's so, so good, people. This lovely book vacillates between Moroccan culture, history and design and back again, ultimately interweaving the three so closely that you can't distinguish one from the other. And for me, it's that very sense of distant, old world exoticism that makes Moroccan design so incredibly rich and satisfyingly appealing.
"MOROCCAN STYLE IS ATTAINABLE YET EXOTIC, PRACTICAL YET MYSTERIOUS, AND A LITTLE SPLASH OF IT GOES A LONG, LONG WAY." - Maryam Montague
Maryam covers everything I have ever wanted to know and more in this book, from architecture styles to outdoor spaces to her experiences shopping the souks. My favorite section, Sourcing Moroccan Style, includes a complete list of resources across the globe and online so you can find the exact piece of Moroccan decor you've been dreaming of.
Oh, and don't even get me started on the amazing textiles that fill up every page of this book! Insanely gorgeous! Here's a few Instagram shots I snapped to whet your palate...
If you haven't already seen the features in Elle Decor and Lonny on Maryam, you're missing out. She's an extraordinary woman, and her first book is no exception. Do you have your copy yet? If so, what are your favorite parts?
Explicit permission for use of the cover, quotes & photos in this post was granted by Artisan Books. Instagram photos taken by Krista Nye Schwartz of CLOTH & KIND. Excerpted from Marrakesh by Design by Maryam Montague (Artisan Books). Copyright 2012.