Beldi Chic is a concept we used in Morocco to define a type of interior design that combines traditional local Handicrafts with a contemporary setting.
However, you can not compare it to the traditional Moroccan or Arabic Interior styles characterized by vibrant colors, the abundance of ornaments and patterns, and subdued light. Beldi Chic focuses on natural materials and vintage, ethnic or not.
All in all, we can define it as a mix of Boho-Chic, Ethnic and Eclectic design styles. It mainly concentrates on vintage or locally made furnishings.
Before explaining how to design a Beldi Chic space, let’s define what beldi means.
A Common Word in Morocco
Beldi comes from bled, meaning country. Which has evolved into village (or burg) in the folk language. As a result, beldi translates as “from the country,” which is local, in opposition to roumi, which is industrial and comes from the West.
Therefore, it is a word we often hear when living in Morocco. We use it almost every day. “beldi eggs are better for health,” “it’s a bit beldi, but it’s nice,” “what’s your dog, a beldi?”
Used in several ways, from food to clothing to decoration, we speak about beldi chicken, beldi eggs, beldi living room, beldi house, beldi soap (Moroccan black soap), beldi dog…
Beldi Soap
Beldi construction
Beldi dog
El Beldi fowls
Beldi means handmade, artisanal, organic, traditional.
However, it can be both positive and negative. That way, beldi chicken free-range and beldi eggs are free-range eggs. They are organic, which is good. Beldi dogs are street dogs, unlike pedigree dogs. And if you were told: “well, it’s beldi anyway,” it can mean that it is not well made. You should not expect great luxury.
A State of Mind
Beldi is about not accepting a consumerist lifestyle but getting closer to a simpler life. We enjoy the moment and what is around us.
Moroccan people with their Eastern culture already have a different concept of time than Western people. Here, we take the time to drink tea before anything else and pause for a nap. We are taking the time to live.
In other words, living beldi means thinking local, favoring local or secondhand items, eating organic food, putting quality over quantity, using natural products.
Beldi Chic, A Little More
Beldi chic is thinking beldi and going further. First of all, we use local products and materials. Starting with the construction with typical materials of the region. In the Moroccan South, including Marrakesh, traditional structures are in rammed earth (pisé), natural and eco-friendly materials. The Beldi Chic requires that the house is a kasbah, a small castle built in the Berber tradition.
Then the kasbah is decorated with items created by or with Moroccan artisans. But not only. It is necessary to mix them with vintage accessories and furnishings, ethnic or not. Some more contemporary designer furniture will complete the decor. We are looking for an intimate and personalized atmosphere.
The Beldi Chic decoration is not so easy to realize. Despite its apparent simplicity, it is a well-thought-out style. We dare to mix basics with unique and rare pieces, between old and new, between contemporary and rustic. Luxury is not ostentatious; it is suggested.
Kasbah Bab Ourika, stylish boutique hotel with character nested in the Berber mountains.
How to decorate in Beldi chic style
As said before, beldi favors local products, so source them from the artisanal market. Moroccan handicrafts are so rich and diversified that we all can find happiness.
Start with folk crafts, playing with a neutral palette, soft and light hues. Pick wooden stools and benches with woven or leather seats. A profusion of baskets to add materials and textures. Woven palm pendant lamps for soft and warm light.
Add sophistication with unique items, cool vintage or antique furniture, objects with soul. You will need some exceptional pieces to create focal points and one-of-a-kind furnishings, whether they are signed by a designer or not. The most important is that they have character and presence.
The living room in Berber Lodge plays subtly with colors, with the cushions fashioned from striped Berber blankets and electric blue seats. A multicolor Boucharouite rug brights the look. The ochre walls, the natural rattan tables, and an economy of accessories soften the atmosphere.
Beldi chic style accepts the color but tactfully, not in total look. In this case, the Berber bread baskets add a whimsical touch. A colored rug, ideally vintage and faded, will bring an incomparable layer of interest.
The roof terrace turns into a resting place in the riad La Maison Marrakech,. Benches and cushions made from antique rugs invite you to relax around a fireplace. The antique lanterns bring a vintage feel that perfectly suits the Beldi chic style.
Above all, remember to trust yourself and to listen to yourself. Allow you to mix and match, to search and dig. Find the unusual, the curiosity that will show your personality and your originality.
Because in the end, the purpose is that your place pleases you and you feel good at home. Whatever the style, whether it is beldi or not 🙂
Beldi Chic Interior Design Style
Beldi Chic
A Local Interior Design Style
Beldi Chic is a concept we used in Morocco to define a type of interior design that combines traditional local Handicrafts with a contemporary setting.
However, you can not compare it to the traditional Moroccan or Arabic Interior styles characterized by vibrant colors, the abundance of ornaments and patterns, and subdued light. Beldi Chic focuses on natural materials and vintage, ethnic or not.
All in all, we can define it as a mix of Boho-Chic, Ethnic and Eclectic design styles. It mainly concentrates on vintage or locally made furnishings.
A cozy fireplace nook at La Ferme Berbère
Before explaining how to design a Beldi Chic space, let’s define what beldi means.
A Common Word in Morocco
Beldi comes from bled, meaning country. Which has evolved into village (or burg) in the folk language. As a result, beldi translates as “from the country,” which is local, in opposition to roumi, which is industrial and comes from the West.
Therefore, it is a word we often hear when living in Morocco. We use it almost every day. “beldi eggs are better for health,” “it’s a bit beldi, but it’s nice,” “what’s your dog, a beldi?”
Used in several ways, from food to clothing to decoration, we speak about beldi chicken, beldi eggs, beldi living room, beldi house, beldi soap (Moroccan black soap), beldi dog…
Beldi means handmade, artisanal, organic, traditional.
However, it can be both positive and negative. That way, beldi chicken free-range and beldi eggs are free-range eggs. They are organic, which is good. Beldi dogs are street dogs, unlike pedigree dogs. And if you were told: “well, it’s beldi anyway,” it can mean that it is not well made. You should not expect great luxury.
A State of Mind
Beldi is about not accepting a consumerist lifestyle but getting closer to a simpler life. We enjoy the moment and what is around us.
Moroccan people with their Eastern culture already have a different concept of time than Western people. Here, we take the time to drink tea before anything else and pause for a nap. We are taking the time to live.
In other words, living beldi means thinking local, favoring local or secondhand items, eating organic food, putting quality over quantity, using natural products.
Beldi Chic, A Little More
Beldi chic is thinking beldi and going further. First of all, we use local products and materials. Starting with the construction with typical materials of the region. In the Moroccan South, including Marrakesh, traditional structures are in rammed earth (pisé), natural and eco-friendly materials. The Beldi Chic requires that the house is a kasbah, a small castle built in the Berber tradition.
Then the kasbah is decorated with items created by or with Moroccan artisans. But not only. It is necessary to mix them with vintage accessories and furnishings, ethnic or not. Some more contemporary designer furniture will complete the decor. We are looking for an intimate and personalized atmosphere.
Berber Lodge, Marrakesh, douar Oumnas.
Minimalist bar decor with traditional natural elements, from the Tataoui roof to the neutral Zellige tiles.
Photo: Milk Decoration
Traditional Farmhouse in the south of Marrakesh, Studio KO.
Items from years gone by are successfully paired with handcrafted items in an eco-friendly environment built in the Berber traditions.
Photo: AD magazine
The Beldi Chic decoration is not so easy to realize. Despite its apparent simplicity, it is a well-thought-out style. We dare to mix basics with unique and rare pieces, between old and new, between contemporary and rustic. Luxury is not ostentatious; it is suggested.
Kasbah Bab Ourika, stylish boutique hotel with character nested in the Berber mountains.
How to decorate in Beldi chic style
As said before, beldi favors local products, so source them from the artisanal market. Moroccan handicrafts are so rich and diversified that we all can find happiness.
Start with folk crafts, playing with a neutral palette, soft and light hues. Pick wooden stools and benches with woven or leather seats. A profusion of baskets to add materials and textures. Woven palm pendant lamps for soft and warm light.
Add sophistication with unique items, cool vintage or antique furniture, objects with soul. You will need some exceptional pieces to create focal points and one-of-a-kind furnishings, whether they are signed by a designer or not. The most important is that they have character and presence.
The living room in Berber Lodge plays subtly with colors, with the cushions fashioned from striped Berber blankets and electric blue seats. A multicolor Boucharouite rug brights the look. The ochre walls, the natural rattan tables, and an economy of accessories soften the atmosphere.
Photo : Milk Decoration
Beldi chic style accepts the color but tactfully, not in total look. In this case, the Berber bread baskets add a whimsical touch. A colored rug, ideally vintage and faded, will bring an incomparable layer of interest.
The roof terrace turns into a resting place in the riad La Maison Marrakech,. Benches and cushions made from antique rugs invite you to relax around a fireplace. The antique lanterns bring a vintage feel that perfectly suits the Beldi chic style.
Photo : Pinterest
So, how do I decor my place
Above all, remember to trust yourself and to listen to yourself. Allow you to mix and match, to search and dig. Find the unusual, the curiosity that will show your personality and your originality.
Because in the end, the purpose is that your place pleases you and you feel good at home. Whatever the style, whether it is beldi or not 🙂
beldi chic or not, then?