Husna Rehman takes you through a Moroccan home - courtyard, fountains, flowers, glazed pottery, Berber rugs, paint and handmade tiles - and offers you tips on décor

Nothing exemplifies the Moroccan spirit more than an old Arabic proverb -the first thing one should own is a home and it is the last thing one should sell; for a home is one's tomb this side of heaven.'

I have always harboured the conviction that certain areas of the earth's surface contain more magic than others - in Morocco, that belief reached fruition. It's a deeply mystical land steeped in a purity that is rooted in the past, which gives it a strong sense of belonging to a civilisation of the ancient world.

Morocco is a magical layering of Arabic, French, North African and tribal, Berber influences. It undoubtedly has the richest architectural heritage in North Africa. One needs only walk through the narrow winding streets of the old city of Fez with their high, unbroken walls, the ancient palaces of the pink city, Marrakech, or wander among the fragrant courtyards of the homes for a visceral response to an 'Arabian Nights' experience.

Culture In Decor

The Moroccan house in the Arab-Islamic style is the most striking expression of a culture where privacy is respected, even protected. The visitor is always amazed at the contrast between the neglected austere aspect from the street and the charm and exuberance within the house. The courtyard is the most significant part of the Moroccan home, as it is of all Arab-Islamic buildings.