The (Ottoman) Empire Strikes Back

The Ottoman Empire ended in 1923, but you wouldn't know that by looking at interiors today. The influence of Turkish and Moroccan motif has hit the design world in a big way - you've seen it everywhere, even if you didn't know it. I'm most definitely a fan of these typically richly-intricate and patterned looks...makes me wonder if maybe I should've gone to Istanbul rather than Malta for that law school study abroad program!

This recent coffee table book on traditional Turkish Iznik pottery started my little Eastern reverie...

If you like Chinese blue and white porcelain...meet your new best friend! The ancient Turks were highly influenced by the beautiful porcelains hailing from Ming-dynasty China - they just spiced up the styling with color and more obvious floral patterns.

But what about the other items that have created a trend-frenzy?

Like the open-lattice cutwork pattern so iconic of Morocco that has been gleefully stamped across many a design surface...

From rugs...

Here, Kelly Wearstler's interpretation...

And a more accessible option from Ballard...

There's pillows to be had...

And beautiful cutwork ceramics...

Seen here in a (very IN-expensive) non-lamp version

And don't forget the stainglass-like juice glasses...

I adore the idea of the large, tufted floor pillows...to me, something no Ottoman-inspired room could do without!

apartment therapy

...And PBteen has gotten in on the action!

But there's also those fantastic pouf ottomans (ha! gotta be a pun there!)

How EVER is a girl to choose? ;)

Little Bit of Trivia...Did you know??? Out of all the amazing places Barbara Hutton visited and lived, she most adored Tangier?

...With serene gardens like this, I can certainly see why...

Majorelle garden - twenty years after its meticulous restoration by Yves Saint Laurent and partner Pierre Bergé

Wishing you an exotic weekend!!