a minute idea
When two such storied national teams as Morocco and Brazil meet in Group C of the 2026 World Cup, two worlds of beauty converge behind them, overflowing with warmth, color, and life. On one side, there's the Moroccan style of decor, with its profound, sensual craftsmanship: hand-laid tiles patiently, sculpted plasterwork, cedar wood, copper lanterns, and riad courtyards with fountains at their center. On the other side, there's the modern Brazilian style, with its fluidity and openness to nature: curved lines born with the modernist movement, warm tropical woods, and abundant greenery that blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors. At SMD Interior Design, we see in this encounter a beautiful lesson: how two styles that cherish color, warmth, and craftsmanship—one celebrating ornamentation, the other fluidity—can come together to create a luxurious Moroccan decor with a refreshing tropical spirit. This guide meticulously and respectfully deconstructs these two schools and then shows you how to translate them into your own space.
The Moroccan style is a school of sensual craftsmanship, built upon zellige tiles, tadelakt (a type of tilework), carved cedar wood, copper, and essential colors (majorelle blue and terracotta), with the riad courtyard and the culture of the salon and tea at its heart. The Brazilian modern style, on the other hand, is a school of tropical modernity, characterized by organic curves, warm tropical woods, and a biophilic design open to nature. Both styles converge in their love of color, warmth, craftsmanship, and nature, but diverge in the intensity of ornamentation versus the purity of flow. The ideal formula for a contemporary Arab home: a warm, tranquil base (70%), natural wood and greenery (20%), and a striking Moroccan touch (10%). This guide from SMD Decoration explains the step-by-step application for homes, restaurants, and cafes.
On the green rectangle, it's a clash between two footballing powers; but in the world of design, it's a dialogue between two schools that share a spirit but differ in language. Morocco offers the world one of the oldest and most influential schools of craftsmanship: from the alleyways of Fez, where artisans pass down the secrets of zellige and copperwork, to the riads of Marrakech, where the inner courtyard becomes an enclosed paradise with a central fountain. Brazil presents a model that is the opposite in direction but parallel in boldness: an architectural modernism movement that transformed the face of design in the 20th century, spearheaded by Oscar Niemeyer with his daring curves, Lina Bobardi with her open spaces, and Roberto Borelli Marx with his gardens that made nature the protagonist, not the backdrop. The discerning designer doesn't choose between the two schools, but rather learns from each: from Morocco, the depth of craftsmanship, the warmth of ornamentation, and the generosity of hospitality; and from Brazil, the lightness of flow and openness to light and greenery. Between these two worlds stands contemporary Arab taste, seeking authenticity that doesn't burden and modernity that doesn't lose its warmth.
Moroccan interior design is based on the idea that beauty is crafted by hand and with patience. Its most iconic element is zellige: small, colorful ceramic tiles, cut and assembled by hand in endless geometric patterns, covering floors, walls, fountains, and serving bars. Alongside it is tadelakt, a limestone plaster polished with stone that gives walls a warm, silky texture and is moisture-resistant, becoming a signature of luxurious Moroccan decor in bathrooms and lounges. Then comes the wood: cedar wood carved with intricate designs on ceilings and doors, complemented by sculpted plaster in arches and cornices. The color palette is inspired by the Moroccan earth and sky: deep majorel blue, terracotta, saffron, and mint are used with calculated boldness on a neutral base. The character is completed by the hammered copper of the lanterns, which cast enchanting decorative shadows, the brown and woolen carpets with their Berber patterns, and the Moroccan salon with its low seating (saddari) that wraps around the room, exuding hospitality, with a mint teapot at its center. At the heart of the traditional house remains the riad: a fortified inner courtyard with a central fountain, reminiscent of the courtyard of an old Arab house. It is a style that celebrates detail, but—when used skillfully—it is an organized richness, not a clutter.
On the other end of the spectrum stands Brazilian Modernism, one of Latin America's most influential contributions to global design. Its philosophy rests on a triad of fluidity, openness, and nature. Its curved lines were born with the Brazilian Modernist movement, which rejected rigid angles and celebrated organic forms inspired by the country's topography and beaches. Its furniture is iconic: low, comfortable pieces of solid tropical wood (like jacaranda) with leather upholstery, designed by pioneers who made comfort and warmth their hallmarks. The secret of this style is its biophilic design: an organic relationship with nature that dissolves the boundary between indoors and outdoors through expansive windows, abundant tropical plants, green walls, and raw, natural materials. Its color palette starts from a warm, neutral base (wood, sand, white) upon which tropical greens in all their shades pulsate, with vibrant touches of yellow and orange that evoke the joy of Carnival. It is tropical modernity at its finest: a relaxed design, generous with light and air, that trusts that the most beautiful decoration in the house is a living plant and sunlight filtering in.
We read both schools element by element, then summarize them into a single reference table that can be used when designing and purchasing:
|
The element |
Moroccan style |
Modern Brazilian style |
|
Philosophy |
Sensual craftsmanship: Decoration and hand detailing create the soul. |
Tropical modernity: fluidity, openness, and integration with nature. |
|
colors |
Warm jewels: Majorelle blue, terracotta, saffron, mint, over a neutral base. |
A warm neutral base bursting with tropical green + touches of yellow and orange. |
|
raw materials |
Zellige, Tadelakt, carved cedar wood, carved plaster, copper, leather. |
Solid tropical wood, raw stone, wicker and natural fibers, cotton and linen fabrics. |
|
decorations |
Intricate geometric and Arabic motifs: zellige tiles, gypsum carvings, fine wood carvings. |
Clean curved lines and organic shapes; the ornamentation is in the flow of the form itself. |
|
Lighting |
Perforated copper lanterns scatter warm decorative shadows. |
Abundant natural light through expansive windows + warm indirect lighting in the evening. |
|
Furniture |
Low floor seating (saddari), brass tables, carved cabinets. |
Iconic low curved pieces, solid wood, leather, relaxed comfort. |
|
Relationship with nature |
A fortified inner courtyard (Riyadh), a central fountain, and plants in zellige pots. |
Complete integration with the outside, green walls, abundant tropical plants. |
|
Craftsmanship |
The master craftsman: Zellige, engraving, and weaving, a tradition passed down through generations. |
Woodworking craftsmanship, modern design, and the creation of timeless iconic pieces. |
|
Hospitality culture |
The Moroccan salon and mint tea were the focus of the gathering. |
Openness and relaxation; life flows between the interior, the garden, and the balcony. |
|
Space distribution |
Rooms that wrap around an inner courtyard; privacy and a gradation from public to private. |
Open spaces that are visually connected, free flow, boundaries that dissolve with the outside. |
|
The final touch |
The shine of copper, the texture of tadelakt, and the warm hand-weave. |
The warmth of natural wood, the greenery of live plants, and the texture of raw fibers. |
The difference between a space belonging to a specific style and one lacking a distinct identity is created by the interplay of materials. This is the essence of our practical experience with the materials used in this design dialogue:
|
raw material |
In the Moroccan style |
In the modern Brazilian style |
|
wood |
Rice carved with intricate decoration for ceilings, doors, and mashrabiyas. |
Solid tropical wood with organic curved lines, a warm, visibly textured material. |
|
walls/surfaces |
Zellige for geometric patterns + Tadelakt polished silky texture. |
Exposed concrete or calm plaster + living plant green wall. |
|
Minerals |
Hammered copper in lanterns, trays and tea sets. |
Lightly varnished metals in functional pieces and furniture bases. |
|
fabrics |
Wool, brown and rennin carpets, velvet, woven fabrics in essential colors. |
Natural cotton and linen in neutral colors, wicker and jute in the accessories. |
|
Touches of identity |
Perforated lanterns, zellige fountains, handmade Berber textiles. |
Abundant tropical plants, wicker baskets, iconic pieces of furniture. |
Because wood is a central element in both styles—carved and ornate in Morocco, and organically curved in Brazil—our guide on wood types and their properties will help you choose the most suitable type. Lighting is also covered in a separate guide titled " Types of Lighting and Their Importance in Decor," given the importance of Moroccan lanterns and Brazilian natural light in creating ambiance.
The most beautiful aspect of this collaboration is that both parties share a harmonious spirit: they both adore color, warmth, craftsmanship, and nature. The secret lies in the 70/20/10 rule we employ in every project, and here it's a refreshing recipe for integration.
The result is a space where two spirits converge in harmony: the warmth of Moroccan craftsmanship combined with the refreshing fluidity of Brazilian modernity; an authenticity that doesn't weigh you down, and a modernity that doesn't cool you down. This is the essence of luxurious Moroccan decor with a contemporary interpretation that many of our clients seek. To understand the logic behind building color palettes from the ground up, consult our guide on the color wheel and the principles of color on the SMD blog .
The reception room is the space where this dialogue truly shines, combining the warmth of Moroccan hospitality with the relaxed openness of Brazilian seating. Our approach to designing a Moroccan-style reception room with a modern spirit:
For more information on seating arrangements and spatial hospitality principles, see our guide on designing men's majlis (sitting rooms ), and for ideas specifically for tea and coffee corners, see our guide on coffee corners: ideas and designs .
In villas and houses, this design dialogue allows for a beautiful gradation between the home's spaces: an interior courtyard in the spirit of a Moroccan riad (zellige fountain, plants, tadelakt) gives the house a tranquil, secluded heart; an open living room with a Brazilian flair (expanding windows, abundant greenery, warm curved furniture) for relaxed daily life; and a reception room that celebrates Moroccan craftsmanship in its centerpiece wall. This gradation from "intimate privacy" to "vibrant openness" gives the house a cohesive, rather than monotonous, character. Our residential projects, developed between Morocco, the Gulf, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, offer living examples of this balance. You can explore them in the residential projects section of our website and watch tours in our video gallery and interactive 360° tours , allowing you to explore the space before making your decision.
In the commercial hospitality sector, this design dialogue offers a genuine competitive advantage. A restaurant or hotel with a Moroccan ambiance (zellige, copper, lanterns, tadelakt) creates an immersive and unforgettable spatial experience, transforming the customer into a volunteer photographer who shares the space for free. A café with a vibrant Brazilian spirit (warm wood, abundant greenery, curved lines, natural light) creates a refreshing atmosphere where customers linger. The smartest commercial approach is a combination: an open and refreshing Brazilian base, with prominent Moroccan touches in the facade and a photo booth that enhance the perceived value of the space. All of this can be implemented with a sophisticated seasonal flair during tournaments, without any tournament or team logos, to maintain legal compliance. SMD has implemented solutions in the hospitality sector, which can be reviewed in the Commercial Projects section . For a deeper understanding of the psychology of color in restaurants, see our article on using color in restaurant decor .
SMD Decoration is an interior design and execution company operating since 2017, serving clients from Istanbul to Morocco, the Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Arab region. Our turnkey approach begins with a consultation to understand your taste, space usage, and the size of your event space. We then develop a comprehensive vision—a layout plan, a color palette, and a selection of materials based on the 70/20/10 principle, balancing Moroccan craftsmanship with Brazilian fluidity. We create 3D models that allow you to visualize your living room or salon before any execution. A single team then handles the execution, finishing, and furnishing until your space is ready for you. Whether you prefer the richness of Moroccan style, the fluidity of Brazilian modernity, or a blend of both, we translate your taste into a space tailored to your needs. Learn more about our philosophy and team on our About Us page, explore our portfolio on our Projects page (or by country) , and find answers to your questions on our FAQs page . Alternatively, contact us directly through our Contact Us page or WhatsApp .
A realistic plan for incorporating the spirit of this design dialogue into your space, in order of priority:
The result: a space that confidently celebrates Moroccan craftsmanship, and breathes the fluidity of Brazilian modernity and greenery — a warm, refreshing identity that suits your guests and makes your day easier.
The game ends with a score, but the dialogue of design doesn't end with a winner and a loser. Moroccan craftsmanship and Brazilian modernity aren't rivals, but rather teachers, and every warm home learns from them both: the depth of craftsmanship and hospitality of Marrakech, and the lightness of flow and openness to nature of Rio. At SMD, we create spaces that bring these two spirits together in harmony—luxurious Moroccan décor that doesn't weigh you down, and a fresh, modern flow that doesn't chill you out. If this dialogue resonates with you, start where all beauty begins: with an idea.
Ready for a space that blends the warmth of Marrakech with the vibrancy of Rio? Book your introductory consultation via our contact page or directly through WhatsApp. SMD — SMD Decoration | Everything starts with an idea
🏆 Start your dream project today! The SMD Decoration team is ready to turn your vision into reality.
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SMD Decoration | Turkey Decorations | The best interior design company in Istanbul, Turkey
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it is a sensory, artisanal style built around zellige tiles, tadelakt plaster, carved cedar wood, brass, and jewel-toned colors such as Majorelle blue and terracotta. At its heart are the riad courtyard, the salon culture, and the ritual of Moroccan mint tea.
it is defined by a trilogy of flow, openness, and nature organic curved lines, warm tropical wood, and biophilic design that dissolves the boundary between indoors and outdoors through abundant greenery and natural light.
Use the 70/20/10 rule calmness and flow as the 70% base, natural wood and greenery as 20%, and one Moroccan hero accent as 10% — such as zellige, a lantern, or a rug. This creates warmth and freshness without visual overcrowding.
Zellige is a form of small colored ceramic tiles, hand-cut and assembled into endless geometric patterns. it is used on floors, walls, fountains, and serving bars, and is one of the most iconic signatures of Moroccan style.
Tadelakt is a Moroccan lime plaster, polished with stone and treated with black soap. it gives walls a warm, silky texture that is resistant to moisture, making it ideal for luxury living rooms and bathrooms.
Yes. indoor plants, natural light, and organic materials can enhance mood and indoor air quality while bringing life and freshness to spacious interiors, provided that the selected plants are suitable for the climate and available light.
Moroccan style is led by craftsmanship and rich decorative warmth, while Brazilian style is led by fluid lines and openness to nature. Both meet in their love of color, warmth, craftsmanship, and natural elements.
Start with a calm, open base and natural lighting. Let one Moroccan element become the hero — such as a zellige wall or lanterns — then combine low Moroccan seating with a contemporary curved piece and a brass tea corner.
Yes. Since 2017, SMD Decoration has been operating in Morocco, the Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the Arab region through turnkey design-and-build solutions, with the option of remote design services.
Cosmetic styling touches can be completed within one to two days, while a full redesign with execution usually takes between two and eight weeks, depending on the scope and level of finishing.
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