Berber Rugs & Maximalism

For those who love maximalist decoration, the best original vintage and mid-century Moroccan rugs are ideal choices as they mix fine decorative details with culturally significant use of bold colour. The colourfully graphic Berber tribal carpets of Morocco echo (but were not influenced by) the aesthetics of the modern maximalism that is having a major moment as of late

Colour has always been an essential factor in Moroccan tribal weaving, with joyful patterns playing their part alongside large doses of colour and strong textural elements to create jewel-like rugs that would have illuminated often straightforward and simple rural Berber homes. They would have created a cocoon-like sense for small spaces, in the same way that modern maximalist interiors seek an enveloping feel with riotous colour palettes and contrasts

In older times, most Berber women would have learnt the art of weaving in their own homes. Their complex use of rich and intensive colours and symbols would have been influenced by specific tribal traditions and preferences. Much of that narrative has now been lost to us, as authentic rural Berger weaving practices disappear. However, their rugs could not be more fitting to interior trying to create a more-is-more’’ style

While ancient Berber rugs were embedded with narratives from tribal history and conventions, there was no doubt that many women wove pieces that would spark joy with a visual treat, in the same way that a sense of visual joy is a fundamental element of today’s maximalist design. These rugs also create depth with the texture of thickly a knotted wool pile, which can bring vibrancy and energy to a modern home

While key characteristics of Moroccan rugs include the clever combining of many different colours, both natural and dyed tints, Berber women were experts in the weaving of rugs whose vibrancy arose from the expert use of just one shade. Variations of saturation of colour and a textural richness in these old one-colour rugs can bring a sense of space and focus to an otherwise richly decorated interior

Although rural Berber Moroccan rugs have a style that is truly independent of the influences of what we might term maximalism (as they were woven on the whole for personal needs or an internal market), their ability to tie different patterns, colours and textures together in an eclectic home is unrivalled and completely in tune with a maximalist approach