FEATURE

My Unforgettable Trip to Morocco

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LISA GILMORE INTERIOR DESIGNER TRIP TO MOROCCO

Travel hasn’t always been a part of my life.

My family didn’t travel much. We visited family in different states, but we never “destination traveled.”

I loved our trips to see family, but I didn’t know what destination travel was until I was in the third or fourth grade.

We drove to visit family in Pennsylvania and I met a cousin who is about 15 years older than me. She had just gotten out of college, and she showed me her photo albums. She had admired the brilliant green landscape of Ireland, stood in front of the pyramids in Egypt, and floated in the Dead Sea.

I was amazed. That trip literally opened the world to me.

photo Lisa Gilmore in Morocco

 

So, when I got older and became an adult myself, I never forgot that the world is a grand and beautiful place that I want to experience.

As a young interior designer, I would travel to markets, conferences, or tradeshows in different U.S. cities and stay a couple of extra days to explore a new place. And for a long time, that seemed like enough.

Then after my first marriage ended, I spent some time evaluating my life, and I realized that I hadn’t visited any of the places that I had dreamed of as a little girl.

So, I got my passport and decided that traveling was going to be part of my new life.

PARIS FLEA MARKET INTERIOR DESIGNER LISA GILMORE

My New Well-Traveled Life

In the first two years after the divorce was finalized, I went to Canada, then to Paris for a large tradeshow, then to South Africa, and back to Paris again. Then Covid happened.

But I had learned so much about myself in that short time. I discovered that if I’m in a rut or feeling stagnant or have had multiple bad days, getting away– even if it’s just to a beach three hours away– helps me reset. It rejuvenates me and is my internal medicine.

photo Lisa Gilmore in Paris 2020

 

As a business owner, we carry our work with us 24/7. It’s at home. It’s at the office. It’s in conversations. When you go out to dinner with friends, people want to know what you’re up to, which is great. I love that friends are interested in what I do, but whenever I travel, I go to places where people don’t know me. It’s a way to truly turn it off and leave that whole identity behind and just be a person who soaks in a new culture, gets inspired, and then returns even better as Lisa Gilmore the designer.

TRIP TO MOROCCO

Why a trip to Morocco?

I have known of Morocco for a long time. Diana Vreeland was the editor of Vogue in the 1960s and she would do photo shoots all over the world. There were a couple of locations that always stood out to me, and Morocco was one of them. I watched a documentary that talked about the majesty of Morocco, and then I saw model Ashley Graham post on Instagram when she visited Morocco. And I’ve always had this fascination with Moroccan rugs– the texture and vibrancy that they’re known for.

Morocco has been in the back of my mind but I hadn’t given a lot of thought to planning a trip there right now.

photo Royal Mansuer, Marrakech Lisa Gilmore

 

Then, one of my designer friends sent a group email asking if any of us would be interested in going to Morocco. She said, “There’s this retreat that I discovered from goop, and I’ve been dying to go. It’s super limited, they only take about nine people at a time, and they just opened one up for the end of the year.” 

Without hesitation, I told her to count me in.

The agenda was very elusive and top secret. But we knew we’d be shopping, seeing their beautiful rugs, and learning about the history and culture of Morocco, so it sounded like the perfect retreat to me.

I was so right.

Highlights of the Trip

Boutique Hotel

We stayed at Peacock Pavillions a boutique hotel, located in an olive orchard, that was designed by an American couple. Chris is an architect, and his wife, Maryam, is a human rights activist and designer who’s been featured in Elle Decor and dozens of other publications and has written a book called Marrakesh by Design.

They planned everything for us from transportation to every meal. I’m usually not a person who likes planned vacations or guided tours, but this was a great experience. It was such a brain break and it allowed inspiration to come in and me to relax and just enjoy my friends. It completely refilled my cup.

 
Colorful Marocan tiles and handmade rug

Moroccan Design

The design in general and the architecture in Morocco were something I’d never seen before, and I pride myself on creating unique and beautiful designs. I thought I had seen beautiful tile work before, but Morocco was over the top. It was real craftsmanship– every little piece was hand cut and hand placed– everything had such intention and purpose which I thought was lovely.

 
Yves Saint Laurent Museum Lush Gardens

Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Going to the YSL Museum and Memorial Gardens was wonderful. I’m so inspired by iconic people from the past and the stories of their lives– how they became successful and how they built their careers. Saint Laurent started his career as a fashion designer in Paris but later in his career, he fell in love with Marrakesh and moved there. The museum has an amazing curated collection of his fashion on display, but my favorite part was his sketches and seeing how his brain worked. 

 
MOROCCAN SOUK LIFESTYLE PHOTO

Moroccan Culture

I loved learning about the culture of Morocco and the people– how they think and the interesting magic they have. Some people believe in ghosts here, but the Moroccans believe in genies and they don’t want genies in their homes. They believe that keyhole arches are barriers between them and the other world of genies and that keyhole arches protect them. So that is a prominent feature in their architecture.

There is extreme wealth and extreme poverty in Morocco. However, they’re not a culture that is flashy or showy. So you don’t see wealthy people driving a Mercedes wagon, walking around with expensive bags, or huge houses. In fact, the windows of houses are very small so people can’t see the wealth inside. I thought that was really interesting because here in the States it’s so opposite of that.

 
Marrakesh home with pink walls keyhole window light blue door and greenery

Intentional Beauty

I liked how intentional they are about beauty. Everything there is desert– so bland and boring– but they bring beauty in other ways. Even their tools are beautiful and hand-carved and have such pride and intention. To me that says a lot about them as humans and how they carry themselves and present themselves. 

That is something I want to incorporate more into my life– intentional beauty– and I think I’m very conscious of that already. But this trip just brought it to the forefront even more. I’m not a designer who fills people’s homes with things just for the sake of them being filled. I like them to have stories. I like to reuse their antiques or restore something that just needs a little love– to give them a new life. It validated that I am doing a good job of preserving people’s stories.

 
Project Soar - Maryam Montage

Project Soar

I mentioned that Maryam, the owner of the hotel, is also a human rights activist. She has a nonprofit for underprivileged teen girls in Morocco, Syria, and Uganda called Project Soar. 

While Morocco is very beautiful, there are some horrible things within the culture and how they treat women– specifically young girls. Childhood marriage is a real thing there. I wasn’t aware of how prevalent it is there. There is also a lot of shame around menstruation. A lot of the girls hide it when they come of age because then they can be married off shortly after. 

Project Soar teaches these girls different skillsets than what they are taught at home or school like how to negotiate or speak up for themselves and how to be more empowered. In fact, 99% of their girls are able to negotiate themselves out of childhood marriage, which I think is absolutely amazing. 

project soar workshop Marrakesh

When we toured the site and met the girls, I was so emotional. Being pregnant with my own daughter now, I see things from a different perspective. How lucky we are that we don’t have to worry about those things. But it also makes me sad, because though we’re ahead, there are so many girls that deal with bullying, eating disorders, and mental illness. There is still work to be done here and in countries like Morocco.

A portion of the proceeds from our trip went to Project Soar, and it’s an organization that I plan to support for years to come. Even though it’s not in our own country, it’s important to spread hope and education and help girls around the world. They aren’t as privileged as we are but with our help, they could be.

 
Morocco Interior Design Travel Diary

Design Takeaways

There was so much beautiful color in Morocco. Though building exteriors are in desert colors, the interiors are the exact opposite of bland or beige. It inspired me to be more unapologetic with color and think a little bit more about the legacy I am creating. There’s an opportunity to design a home in such a way that 50 years from now someone could say, “Oh my gosh, this is an insane tile installation. We have to preserve this,” rather than “This is dated. Let’s rip it out.”

We recently did a mid-century renovation that we completely gutted because it was dated and there were some pretty horrible renovations in between. But we let the architecture and legacy of the home guide our collection to create something current that flows well and isn’t jarring to the house.

Where to Next?

We have a baby coming in the spring, so I don’t honestly know where I will go next. I’m excited to create a lifestyle of travel for my daughter that I didn’t have. I want to be one of those families walking around Paris with their four-year-old eating a croissant or in Venice strolling down the Grand Canal. 

When I was in Morocco, I bought her a beautiful camel sculpture with encrusted tiles on the back of it to remind her that she rode a camel with me. 

I’m inspired to think of different ways to travel with a family. I don’t know where that will be. Right now, everything feels open-handed because I know this next chapter will be something I can’t comprehend. Which is a little challenging for my brain. I’m just in the process of letting it go and letting things come to me– navigating being a business owner and a new mom and wondering how that will look.

But visiting Morocco reminded me why travel will always be a part of my life and my family’s life.

I hope the same is true for you.

 
In just a few days our tables will be crowded and our bellies will be full-- how are you prepping for thanksgiving?! Leaving this dining room here to inspire you with its autumnal tones and eye catching textures 🧡 📸 :: @seamuspayne
Let's go back to the drawing board on this one-- literally! ✏️ Full-service interior design firms fill many roles. We're creators who look at a blank space and envision what elements it needs to become a masterpiece! Our "to-do" list could
There's nothing like a little optical illusion to make a room appear larger than it actually is! 👀 👇 Look at the drapery in this office. Since the drapes are hung above the window, your eyes are drawn all the way up up to the ceiling (which was c
This master bedroom embodied all the autumnal vibes, with a warm color palette and cozy textures infusing the space with its laid back and charming personality! 🧡 How are you decorating your home for autumn? 📸 :: @nativehousephotography

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design is a full-service interior designer based in St. Petersburg, Florida that provides custom design services to busy professionals. We create exclusive spaces through the use of artisan-crafted pieces, antique elements, and custom designs. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in Clearwater, Tampa Bay, Naples, Srasota and worldwide.

Do You Know Your Holiday Decor Style?

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Holiday Decor Style by Lisa Gilmore Interior Designer Tampa Florida

A Style Guide for Your Holiday Entertaining

Can you believe the holidays are just a few weeks away?! Our calendars are certainly packed with holiday activities, and we bet yours are too.

In fact, many of you may be hosting holiday parties and events and you want your decor to be on point. So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular holiday decorating styles.


photo Lisa Gilmore Design - Whimsical Decor

The 6 Most Popular Holiday Decorating Styles

Though farmhouse, glam, and coastal Christmas themes are also popular, the six most common holiday styles are whimsical, traditional, monochromatic, minimal, rustic, and vintage.

Whimsical Holiday Decor fireplace mantel with colorful bottle brush trees

Whimsical Holiday Decor

If you’ve seen our design projects, it will come as no surprise that the Lisa Gilmore Design team prefers colorful holiday decor. 

Whimsical holiday decor embraces your playful side. Think bright colors, bold patterns, and unexpected elements like oversized ornaments. Consider incorporating fun touches like a garland made of colorful pom-poms or festive bottle brush trees. For a playful twist, try incorporating unconventional colors like pink or turquoise and striking prints like stripes or animal prints.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

Traditional Holiday Tree in Red and Silver

Traditional Holiday Decor

If the holidays bring to mind Bing Crosby songs and sipping egg nog around the fire, then traditional holiday decor may be the right choice for you.

photo Stock Photography

Traditional Holiday Tablescape in white, red and green

Traditional holiday decor is all about embracing classic elements like red and green color schemes, plaid patterns, and evergreen boughs. Classic holiday decor includes wreaths made of holly or trees decorated with handmade ornaments. For a cozy touch, consider adding a plaid throw blanket or festive throw pillows to your entertaining space.

photo Stock Photography

Monochromatic Holiday Table Setting Cream White and Gold

Monochromatic Holiday Decor

If you prefer an understated, yet luxurious holiday tone, then monochromatic holiday decor may be perfect for your holiday events.

photo Stock Photography

Monochromatic Christmas Tree White Blue Gold

Choose shades of white or silver for an elegant look, or shades of blue for a cool and calming vibe. Consider using white lights and white ornaments to create an ethereal feel. And for a modern twist on monochromatic decor, add metallic accents like silver candlesticks or gold garlands.

photo Stock Photography 

Minimal Holiday Decor living Room with tree.

Minimal Holiday Decor

After minimalism became mainstream in the 2000s, minimal holiday decor also became a popular style. And, we must admit, minimal holiday decor certainly makes setup and storage much simpler.

photo Stock Photography

If you’re a minimalist who wants to keep your holiday environment simple and chic, think neutral colors, clean lines, and natural materials like wood or greenery. Consider using simple white lights instead of multicolored strands to create a serene atmosphere. For a minimalist take on the classic Christmas tree, use a sparse tree with only a few carefully chosen ornaments.

photo Stock Photography

Rusctic Holiday Decor Fire place Mantel

Rustic Holiday Decor

For those who plan on spending the holidays in the mountains, a rustic motif could be the icing on your holiday cake. 


photo Stock Photography

Rustic holiday Table Setting with red and wood accents

Embrace the great outdoors and create a cozy, cabin feel with lots of texture and warmth. Use 

natural elements like pinecones or birch logs to create a cozy atmosphere. For a rustic Christmas tree, swap traditional garland for burlap ribbon.

photo Stock Photography

Vintage Holiday Decor Living Room with Chandelier and Fireplace

Vintage Holiday Decor

If you love antiques and vintage pieces as much as Lisa, then vintage holiday decor may appeal to you.

photo Stock Photography

Vintage Snowglobe Holiday Decor

When shopping, look for antique items that can double as ornaments, select vintage-inspired wrapping paper, and choose old-fashioned string lights rather than modern ones. An antique sled or some vintage-inspired glass ornaments make the perfect addition. 

And for a throwback vibe that will work all winter long, add vintage-inspired throw pillows and blankets to your living spaces.

photo Stock Photography


FAQs

1. How do I choose my Christmas decor style?

An easy way to identify your perfect Christmas decor style is to look at your non-seasonal decor. If your style is eclectic, contemporary, or traditional, then it’s likely that your Christmas decor style will be the same. If you need more help, consider your personal taste, the color scheme of your home, and the size of your space. The answers to these questions will help you identify what kind and how much decor you need.

2. What are the different styles of Christmas decorating?

Christmas decorating styles are as diverse and creative as the people who celebrate them, but the most popular styles are traditional, monochromatic, minimal, whimsical, rustic, and vintage. And don’t forget that you don’t have to follow any one style; you can mix and match different styles and elements to create your own unique look.

3. How can I make my house look more Christmassy?

First, start with the centerpiece of Christmas decor– a Christmas tree. Choose a theme for your tree– whether it’s a decor style like whimsical, traditional, or rustic– or a color scheme like blue, white, and gold. Then comes the fun part– decorating. 

Other festive Christmas decorations include wreaths and garlands, a holiday-themed mantle with stockings, and special table decor.

One of our favorite parts of the holiday season is being able to give our spaces new and exciting looks. We hope these ideas inspire you to get creative with your holiday decorating this year! Most of all, we wish you a wonderful holiday season.

In just a few days our tables will be crowded and our bellies will be full-- how are you prepping for thanksgiving?! Leaving this dining room here to inspire you with its autumnal tones and eye catching textures 🧡 📸 :: @seamuspayne
Let's go back to the drawing board on this one-- literally! ✏️ Full-service interior design firms fill many roles. We're creators who look at a blank space and envision what elements it needs to become a masterpiece! Our "to-do" list could
There's nothing like a little optical illusion to make a room appear larger than it actually is! 👀 👇 Look at the drapery in this office. Since the drapes are hung above the window, your eyes are drawn all the way up up to the ceiling (which was c
This master bedroom embodied all the autumnal vibes, with a warm color palette and cozy textures infusing the space with its laid back and charming personality! 🧡 How are you decorating your home for autumn? 📸 :: @nativehousephotography

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design is a full-service interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida that provides luxury design services to busy professionals. We create one-of-a-kind spaces using artisan-crafted pieces, antique treasures, and custom designs. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa Bay, and worldwide.

4 Things Every Guest Room Should Include

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If you love to travel, you know that the best hotels create incredible experiences for their guests. At the top of the list is Ritz-Carlton, which is known for its “Gold Standard” service. In fact, employees can spend up to $2,000 per day per guest to resolve problems. That translates into extraordinary service in everything from couriering an item left-behind to a guest to finding special food to accommodate a child’s food allergy.

If the Ritz can care for strangers this well, shouldn’t we care for our friends and family even better?

With little effort, we can create a well-designed, thoughtful space for those we love and know best.

Chic guest room interior design

Lisa Gilmore Design / Native House Photography

4 Things Every Guest Room Should Include


High-quality bedding

One of the things that are most important to include in a spare room is inviting and comfy linens. You want your guests to feel luxurious and pampered in your guest room, so purchase high-quality, soft bed linens with a high thread count. And, keep an extra quilt or folded duvet at the end of the bed in case a guest gets cold. In warmer months, consider keeping a fan in the closet in case your guest gets hot.

Practical items

There are certain items that make every guest’s stay at your home easier. Start with a luggage rack so they can easily unpack their suitcase. Then, consider where your guest will put their clothes. Create a space for clothes to be hung and perhaps an empty drawer to store folded clothes.

Another must-have for your guests is plenty of electrical outlets and spare chargers. You can plug in a power strip exclusively for guest use, and buy a couple of extra chargers that work with Android and iOS devices. And, display your wifi information in a visible place so your guests can stay connected while away from home.

chic bedroom interior design

Lisa Gilmore Design / Native House Photography

Lisa Gilmore Design / Native House Photography

Small touches

If you want to create a Ritz-Carlton-level experience, you have to pay attention to the small touches. Consider some of these ideas:
- Place a pretty water carafe and glasses on the nightstand or dresser.
- Add a vase of fresh flowers to the room.
- Put a notepad and pen on the nightstand or desk so your guests can write a quick note.
- Keep a few books or magazines in the room that guests can browse.
- Gather a few travel brochures so guests can plan things they would like to do while in town.
- If you host frequently, leave a guest book for people to sign and read others’ well wishes and love.

Lisa Gilmore Design / Native House Photography

Test it out.
The best way to know what could make your guest space even better is to spend the night in the room. It can be easy to forget things that would enhance your guests’ experience unless you sleep there yourself. This extends to testing the guest bath as well. What amenities would make your space even better?

Lisa Gilmore Design / Seamus Payne Photography

When we travel, whether for business or pleasure, we all long for a break from our normal routine. It’s nice to have a change of pace and let someone else take care of us for a few days. You can give your loved ones the respite that they are longing for by creating a retreat within your home. 

Give them a home away from home.

To get more advice from Lisa Gilmore Design, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter on our contact page.