Focus On: Marrakesh Inspired Cushions

At Hazeldee Home we love to take inspiration for Collections from around the world.  Marrakesh is definitely on our hit list as a holiday destination and its mostly down to the culture, textiles and food (Inventing Anna may've added to this a little.....) that attracts us the most.

But before we check out the Hazeldee Home Marrakesh Collection, let's briefly explore the origins of this eclectic homeware trend....

The Origins of Moroccan Textile

Berber women brought textile production to Morocco around 1500BC hand-making pillows, rugs, blankets, mats, tents shawls and more to furnish their homes.  As Morocco is very hot in the summer and cool in the winter; these soft furnishings primarily had a practical purpose in making their traditional Amazigh or Riads (traditional Berber houses) a home.

They developed the most wonderful techniques in weaving intricate patterns and dying vibrant colours, making textiles a Moroccan commodity right up until the present day.

Nomadic Weave Patterns

The traditional nomadic weave patterns often told a story of the weaver.  In true North African fashion they could be an indication of religion, social status wealth and the tribe of the weaver. Pieces made would be thick and textural for functional use inside as rugs or room partitions and outdoors as roof coverings or as the sides of a tent.

The non-nomadic weave patterns were more decorative and used as such around the home as bedding in the form of pillows and bed covers and in living spaces to cover seating chairs or as floor cushions, much in the same way they are used around the world now. The true definition of soft furnishings.

Traditional Moroccan Colours

The rich and exotic colours Morocco are traditionally known for originated from the local surroundings.  Colour pigmentations were extracted from local minerals, plants and vegetables.  Techniques so good that they are still practised to this day.  You can visit Souk des Teinturiers or the Dyers Souk District of Marrakesh to see these wonderful techniques in action. 

Colours of Marrakesh

When you think of Morocco and its city Marrakesh, thoughts of rich warm spicy hues reminiscent of the Spice Souks begin to conjure in your mind.  Spices such as saffron, terracotta, turmeric, cayenne, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg and more spring to mind along with the brightness of Majorelle Blue and the soft pink clays of Marrakesh which is how its also known as the Rose City.

It is these colours that inspired the Hazeldee Home Marrakesh Collection.

The textiles, colours and architecture of Marrakesh are so striking, they have inspired interior designers and homemakers around the world to tap into their style time after time.  It's somehow contemporary, traditional yet timeless.  

 Now that we've explored the origins of the trend, let's take a look at our interpretation of the collection.  This is just a selection of the collection!  Check out the website to see the full Marrakesh Collection.

The Marrakesh Collection

The Marrakesh Collection by Hazeldee home is inspired by the ancient North African tapestries of Marrakesh.  Filled with texture, stripes and florals; the collection is an eclectic blend of intricate woven patterns, warm spicy tones and bright colours paired back with natural hues.  You can expect bold and varied stripes, geometric patterns, beautiful embroidery and of course the odd tassel!  

Each cushion is handmade to be a showstopper in its own right and creates a spectacle of ethnic inspired colour that will wow any home.

Hazeldee Home Limited Edition double-sided cushion using the luxurious Colefax and Fowler heavily embroidered floral foliage design fabric on a linen/viscose base on one side and Italian velvet terracotta on the reverse, edged with satin trim. 

The front features an intricate floral design reminiscent of a Tudor floral design with hues of rust, gold, navy light and mid blues on a linen blend neutral base with a subtle herringbone semi-plain weave that adds dimension depth and interest. 

Marrakesh Floral Embroidered Velvet Cushion – Hazeldee Home 

Using a printed velvet design in regal red from the Linwood Archive that  features a cream velvet base with a rust pheasant and filigree design print one side and rust velvet on the reverse with bold contrast silky tassels at each corner. 

Marrakesh Fili Velvet Print Cushion – Hazeldee Home 

This Limited Edition handmade double-sided cushion using a bold yet neutral oversized paisley design fabric on one side and a vibrant velvet lime on the reverse, edged with a contrasting satin trim.   This cushion is fully reversible so you essentially get two looks in one!  

Lime Green Paisley Jacquard Double Sided Velvet Cushion – Hazeldee Home 

A one-of-a-kind Limited Edition Handmade bold stripe lumbar cushion using heavy woven fabric with pink, white and orange stripe detailing.  Effortlessly eye-catching, this is certainly a stand out piece!

Marrakesh Bold Stripe Rectangle Cushion – Hazeldee Home 

And finally a multi-stripe lumbar rectangle cushion using a luxurious stripe velvet design for the front with oatmeal, rust, cream, cardamom and hints of lilac and purple. The reverse features a velvet fabric in a rich sumptuous rust colour.

Together these colours beautifully depict colours of Marrakesh and add bold colour to any room. 

Marrakesh Multi Stripe Rectangle Cushion – Hazeldee Home 

We hope our blog was interesting and informative; little is written about the origins of this trend, but we think its important to understand and acknowledge when a trend originates from a particular culture.  We're a small handmade business and we take pride in our approach to creating homeware and hope this is reflected in the pieces we produce.