We are back from Morocco and I have so much to share with you and so many photos! We visited three cities, Fes, Marrakech, and Essaouria. We started out in Fes so that is where I’ll start with you. I’m usually a save the best for last kind of gal, but I couldn’t resist introducing Fes to you via the amazing Medersa Attarine. A medersa is a college for teaching theology, law, Arabic literature and grammar. It “…was established by Sultan Abou Said in the 14th century as a student’s resident and is actually one of the best medersas to have been created. The medersa is significant in terms of architecture and the excellent proportions of the carvings inside. … The Attarin has an amazing collection of patterns in wood and stucco. The Attarin was and still is one of Fez’s most celebrated medieval universities. The Building is a fusion of Islamic architecture and mathematical theory in the field of geometry. The medersa is a wonderful edifice and consists of a courtyard, a solemn prayer hall and a series of ascetic student rooms.” via Asia Rooms
*please be patient during photo upload – I’ve specially uploaded higher-res images so you guys get extra detail! 🙂
*All photos taken by honey, Christopher*
We employed a guide through our hotel for our first day in Fes, and he was great in that he could tell and show us how the residents of the city lived. He could also point out details such as the consistent use of 4 levels of materials; (from ceiling to floor) – wood, plaster, marble, and tile. You’ll be able to see this in most of the photos.
I am by no means an expert and after 7 days of running around Morocco please feel free to correct me if any information I give in the Morocco Series is incorrect – I had to look up the name of this medersa based on other photos on the internet – my brain is a bit mushy! Here is a brief, but good article on the Medersas of Fes from Africa Travel Magazine.
Pantone storage containers – $24.50/ea
Probably my favorite item is the Koi pitcher – I’d love two in colbalt or light blue: $42.50/ea
These Pomaireware pigs are so cute! Handcrafted in Pomaire, Chile
A beautiful example of a tudor exterior.
The two images above Met home created using 
See the whole revival and read about it 
Mixing your finishes and materials ads to the rich and sumptuous environment
I’ve always really liked this house from Country Living, and I think it’s a good example of “modernizing” Tudor style. The furniture is visually and physically heavy and dark, but the decor is contrasting and the room is sparse and minimal. 
Be selective. Collecting should be about quality, not quantity. Remember to keep your collection fluid, not set in concrete. If better examples are found, sell off the poorer ones.
Question yourself. Do you love it? Is it a good example of its type? How rare is this particular one? Is it by a notable maker/designer? Is it in good, original condition?
A vintage window makes a stylish substitute for a transom in the passageway between the entry hall and the living room. Old windows are easily found and can be used to add architecture where it might be missing, or even to serve as affordable art.
The homeowner’s favorite find is this bedroom door, which they mounted on a track like a barn door. The decal touts Dr. Swett’s Early American Root Beer.
When a beloved vintage sign fell off the homeowners’ truck and shattered on the highway, they had a quick-witted cabinetmaker turn the fragments into a backsplash.
A close-up
Does the door above look familiar? Remember the chest from the 
A close-up
So – over the next couple of weeks I’m going to try and take pictures of all the gorgeous doors around the city so you can compare for yourself!