Since returning from Morocco to the solid walls of the United States, I’ve been craving pattern. My solid-color walls are staring at me like a blinking cursor on the computer screen. Judging by the pages of the Fall 2008 Pier One catalog, I’m not alone. Could it be that wall paper is making a comeback?

If I can gather enough time and ambition, I may try using one of the architectural designs offered by Modello Designs. New Moroccan designs will be coming forward, no doubt, inspired by their visit to Marrakesh Maryam‘s Peacock Pavillions. If only I lived in San Diego I could go to Modello’s Elegant Reflections class.

Perhaps I can make my own stencil inspired by a wall in Fes. I’m thinking metalic embossing on a dark, distressed wall. But color is soothing too.

Pattern soothing?

The latest role in the get-paid portion of my life is that of an information architect. I’m always looking for patterns; conceptual and behavioral. Tesselating walls let my mind connect-the-dots in unexpected ways. Clean patterns. Clear patterns. Not vegetal, but straight-lined arabesques. For me, they are the ultimate meditation on order and perception.

An easier approach would be to buy some lovely rustic modern Berber carpet, which carry all the geometry and slight surprise that comes with Moroccan design. Don’t believe me? Axis Gallery has an online exhibition of Berber carpets Atlas Warp: Talismanic Rugs of Moroccan Nomads. The Berber Arts website also has a great article on Berber weaving. Judge for yourself. They are not the fine silk creatures of Persia, but they are lovely expressions of order, pattern, and simplicity.

Thankfully, layering patterns seems to be the ultimate chic for the daring. So, perhaps I can have my patterned walls and wall art too. For now, my blinking-cursor-walls await me…