The medina of Marrakesh is an exciting place, the winding labyrinths providing colourful surprises at every turn, in an endless meandering of shops selling a diverse variety of North African wares, from hand woven textiles to gold and silver. It is in a traditional neighbourhood of the medina that Belgian born textile and interior designer, Valerie Barkowski, has renovated the interior of a traditional 17th century structure, transforming it into the Dar Kawa Riad, a small guest house which exudes an aura of local charm in a very cool, laid back contemporary style.
With just three suites and one double room plus public spaces, the bedrooms all open inwards to the relaxing courtyard, a refreshing seating and dining area planted with orange trees. By employing a simple grey and white colour palette with occasional splashes of colour, each one of the small interior spaces have been designed in a traditional yet comfortable style to create an atmosphere of cozy familiarity for the guests. Carefully curated items of furnishing and artwork merge the vintage and modern in a deliberately low key tone, so as not to distract from the heritage features of the building.
A really exceptional detail of the Dar Kawa is the use of Bandit Queen, No-Mad 97%India and V.Barkowski, her own personal line of linens and textiles, throughout the establishment. Each one is a unique item, created from vintage fabrics sourced second hand from a Brussels Flea market! The final touches to the Riad are the lanterns and mosaics, the low tables, locally woven rugs and comfy couches awash with piles of cushions, ensuring a happy stay at the Dar Kawa, and an ideal destination from which to soak up the sights and smells of the captivating city of Marrakesh!
