From the dazzling white villas of Tangier to the palaces of Marrakech, the romantic mysticism of Morocco is in its decors and fragrances, and the strong omnipresent sense of being part of an ancient civilisation.
Decorative surfaces are essential to the Moroccan house. They create a distinction between the unembellished dwellings of the poor and the homes of the rich, in which every inner wall, floor and ceiling is drenched in colour and ornamental mosaics, sculpted plaster and painted wood.
Originally from Casablanca on Morocco's western coastline, Rachid Benmaach is a muralist and decorator of many African and Middle Eastern palaces and villas who is now plying his trade in Ireland. This designer has the distinction of fashioning homes for royalty - recommendations don't come from much higher. Benmaach decorated the royal palace of Prince El Rachid in Riad, Saudi Arabia in 1994. Another regal inclusion in his portfolio is the palace of Prince Salman in Tangier, Morocco. Mosques, large villas and an occasional tea salon are the more usual blank canvases for this muralist.
Following two years' training at the Hassan School for Painting and Decoration from 1988 to 1990, Beenmach worked mostly in Spain and Morocco before moving to Ireland. Using traditional techniques like Zouak, Tadelakt, Testir and Tourik, he plans to create Moroccan interiors in Irish homes.
Zouak is the distinctively Moroccan technique of painting on wood. Tadelakt is similar to Italian stucco; it's a wall treatment with sand and quicklime, polished by stone and black soap. These two form the basics for interiors. In big villas and palaces the ceilings, walls and surfaces are usually covered in this hand-drawn Zouak art. The design and colours employed here are reflected throughout the property. Doors, tables, mirrors, walls, windows, headboards and arches can also be adorned in this way for maximum effect.
Geometric, interlaced patterns radiating from a central star, known as Testir, are another distinctive feature along with Tourik, which has plantlike ornamentation. Ceramics and floor design are another important element. The creation of these interiors is detailed and time consuming. A large mirror frame costs from around £1,200 (€1,524). To create such a piece it takes roughly 12 days to craft the design, cut the wood to shape and hand paint to specification.
A larger Zouak piece would require around 20 days' work and would cost from about £3,500 (€4,445). Benmaach also imports Moroccan accessories for the finishing touches. No interior would be complete without lanterns, fabrics, carpets and other pieces.
It's only in the last few years that quality Moroccan design has begun to adorn Irish homes, bars and restaurants. Cheap gimmickry Arabian Knights-styled imitations have been on the market for years, popping up in fashion every so often. With a little adaptation and professional interpretation, this traditional art can create a tasteful atmosphere in an Irish home.
Zouak can transform ceilings and surfaces into new focal features. Drawing on Benmaach's experience and using a dollop of imagination, bedrooms and bathrooms can become royal boudoirs. Stairways can become showcases. Moroccan colour schemes are usually warm, reflecting the influence of the sun and desert in that country. Benmaach will also handpick the accessories and furnishings to complement interiors.
