Riad Al Dall – Design and Restoration
Marrakech, Morocco
Anyone visiting the Medina of Marrakech for the first time may initially feel overwhelmed: the dusty labyrinth of alleys, the chaos of traffic, the mules, the shouts of merchants, and the various smells can be a real sensory overload.
Our riad in the middle of the medina was designed to be an oasis of calm, inspired by traditional riads. The courtyard, with a fountain, old wooden doors, and characteristic arches, creates a calm atmosphere enhanced by warm, natural, and slightly faded tones.
The design of the bathroom is especially important for freshening up after hours in the narrow streets of the medina. The tricolor marble floors and the silver on the walls, sinks, and faucets add an elegant and luxurious touch.
In the spa area, purity dominates with white and silver tones, warm lights, and magical shadows.
Oriental ornaments and various Moroccan crafts adorn our riad, including ‘zellige’ mosaics on the six fireplaces, wood carvings on the Bou ceiling, and plasterwork in the spa.
We’ve simplified and modernized some of these traditional art forms, similar to what Bill Willis once did for YSL.
Most of the furniture is of European origin, but these have a connection with Marrakech.
The four-poster beds are made of brass, a material found throughout the medina. The motifs on the seat upholstery are Italian design but with an oriental touch. The tassels and fringes on the sofas and curtains are reminiscent of textiles from the bazaar.
Many of the furnishings are restored antiques from France and are reminiscent of the city’s colonial past. Custom-made furniture and lamps by talented Moroccan artisans complete the ambiance.
Each suite has its character. The open fireplace is the centerpiece whose colors and shapes radiate to the rest of the room’s elements.
Our interior design combines nostalgia and faded elegance, inspired by travelers’ adventures to Morocco around 1900 and the elegant hedonism of the 60s around YSL.
The ‘zellige’ mosaics, carvings, and handmade furniture reflect the fascination with Moroccan craftsmanship. At the same time, we satisfy the need for tranquility of Marrakech travelers by creating a harmonious environment that tastefully combines tradition and modernity.
Color Palette
Pale Pink, Water Green, Chocolate Brown
Materials
Zellige (Morrocan tiles) Marble, Brass, Iron, Wood, Velvet.
Finishing Elements
Credits
Project Owner: This Time Tomorrow
Book a Stay at the Riad Al Dall with This Time Tomorrow
Architecture and project management: Trab
Interior design and product design: Recdi8
Photos by Marcela Grassi
IMAGE GALLERY
Take a look at our approach to this Marrakech Riad Design project for This Time Tomorrow.
ENTRANCE AND PATIO DESIGN
DINING AREA DESIGN
LIVING ROOM DESIGN
BOU DESIGN
Moroccan Tea RoomSPA DESIGN
MMUDDU SUITE
IFFUS SUITE
IMING SUITE
IZZIMED SUITE
TAGUT SUITE
ROOFTOP LOUNGE DESIGN
Q & A With the Recdi8 Team
A Short Q&A with Team Recdi8 about the Dar Al Dall Marrakech Riad Design project for This Time Tomorrow.
Can you tell us about your approach and what attracted you to the project?
When we started working on this project, we were completely unaware of Moroccan culture. We were concerned and overwhelmed when we visited the city with the client for the first time.
We collaborated with This Time Tomorrow because we knew they would give us all the support we needed.
As we got into the project, our concern morphed into fascination and love for the colors, patterns, artisans, aromas, and kindness of the people. We visited cultural sites but also other Riads and Hotels in Marrakech for inspiration.
The spaces created by Bill Willis impressed us the most, and we followed his design philosophy: Draw inspiration from Moroccan tradition and art but design with a contemporary European mindset.
Where have most of the materials been sourced? Do any have historical significance or a story behind them?
We were surprised that it was hard to find high-quality textiles in Marrakech, and we imported all upholstered furniture and curtains from Italy, France, and Spain.
Which feature was the most challenging to restore and why?
While not specifically about restoration, the production of the dining room mirror wall was highly challenging.
The local artisan building the mirror piece thought producing a mosaic mirror piece like our design vision would be impossible. Still, we managed to push his creative boundaries, and now the artisan is also proud of the result. We wanted to create a dialogue between the dining room and the patio. The shapes of the mirror mosaic are inspired by the riad’s architecture and the palm trees.
Mostly, all upholstered sofas and armchairs are antique pieces. We restored them in Spain and renewed the upholstery with precious Italian fabrics from Dedar. All fabric patterns are contemporary designs but have an Arabic flair.
Are there any small or hidden details that guests staying at the riad wouldn't notice unless told about them?
The fireplace mosaics are partially inspired by tiles seen in the Alcazar of Sevilla. Thus, the fireplaces clearly represent the long cultural journey and mutual influence between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.
The grey and black dining and kitchen floor is inspired by a floor seen at the Swedish Institute in Paris (Institute Suédois) just because we liked its elegance.
The Bou is inspired by the Jean Leon Gerome painting Merchant of Cairo.
The bathroom design highlights the luxury of water, inspired by the light reflections of water drops in the 1001 Nights fantasies.
Which elements of the building are you personally most proud of?
The colors.
The public spaces feel like the warmth of human skin. Every suite has a singular color mood, all of which are elegant and happy.