Moroccan Magic: A Feast for the Senses in Long Beach

Creating a Dar Moroc at Home

Greg and Jericho Bartlow's 1920s Hispano-Moorish house in Long Beach hosts Moroccan garden parties with brick red, saffron yellow, salmon orange, turquoise, jade green—dishes, textiles, flowers. A raj tent over kilim rugs and cushions; sweet/spicy flavors (date, pomegranate, coriander, cumin); carved wooden table. You can recreate the mood with rugs, lanterns, pillows, and a simple Moroccan menu.

Family Oasis Design

Jericho, former pro surfer, envisioned a Rudolph Valentino movie set. With designer Gordon Kurtis, the front yard became a palm-laden oasis. The side yard is a private riad with enclosed courtyard, shaded arcade, and a floating second story (converted by Corey Mundwiler) with moucharaby-like screens from old Indian grain chests. The family of seven uses the garden daily.

Moroccan Style Elements

• Shade: deep arcades, vine arbors, tree/tent canopies.
• Shadows: filigree screens, gates, open masonry.
• Water: central fountain, gentle flow.
• Palms: symbol of oasis.
• Scent: jasmine, roses, citrus, datura.
• Color: primarily green with vivid accents from plants or paint (cobalt blue, ocher, rusty red). Majorelle blue reduces glare.

Party Props

Sources: Pier 1, Cost Plus World Market, Mosaik, Ameerah Imports, Berber Trading Co. for fabrics, tents, lanterns, screens, tables, rugs, tiles. Sur La Table, Ameerah, Berber for tea glasses, tagines. World music sections or Maqam for belly dance, Berber folk, rai. Raj Tents (Oakland) for voile-draped pergolas ($2,450 buy, $950 rent 3 days). Market umbrellas with Moroccan fabric as budget option.