Few cities in the world have enchanted artists, designers, and writers quite like Tangier. Nestled at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, this Moroccan port city has historically served as a melting pot of cultures, where European, African, and Middle Eastern influences converge in its architecture, design, and everyday life.
In the latest episode of Live, Love & Decorate, renowned interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard explores beyond the vibrant souks and historic medina to visit some of the most extraordinary private residences in the city. He meets a fascinating group of tastemakers, collectors, and creatives whose homes embody both the rich heritage of Tangier and its ongoing international allure.
“This show focuses not on facades,” says Martyn, “but on what lies within. It honors the passion and individuality that turn the city’s houses into genuine homes.”
The adventure starts in the Kasbah at the residence of Marco Scarani and Jamie Creel, founders of New York’s renowned boutique Creel and Gow. Their home, a legacy from celebrated decorator Charles Sevigny, showcases a perfect blend of historical reverence and modern living, where original 19th-century tile floors, Persian textiles, and Moroccan craftsmanship coexist harmoniously with contemporary architectural features.
Martyn, a long-time friend and frequent visitor, is visibly enchanted by the home’s transformation.
“The house is full of delightful surprises,” he remarks. “You transition from an older, inherited essence to a fresh, modern interpretation of Moroccan design that you’ve so skillfully achieved here.”
For Marco, capturing the spirit of Tangier is as essential as decorating its interiors.
“In a city like this,” Marco explains, “it’s crucial to remain faithful to its spirit, its soul, and its architecture. With time and dedication, we can restore something that isn’t ours while respecting the culture that fostered it.”
This appreciation for craftsmanship continues at Casa Tosca, the vibrant villa owned by designers Niccolò Castellini Baldissera and Christopher Garis. Situated in Tangier’s historic Marshan area, this 1929 residence revels in vibrant hues, layered textiles, hand-painted walls, and years of collected treasures. Each room exudes joy without sacrificing elegance.
Niccolò finds that Tangier’s unique atmosphere is unmatched.
“The magic of Tangier lies here,” he reflects, gazing over the Strait of Gibraltar. “No other place embodies this blend of continents and seas.”
As Martyn spends time with his friends, he wanders through Tangier’s historic souks, where antique shops brim with vintage textiles, silver, ceramics, and unique decorative pieces. For designers, collectors, and inquisitive explorers, these markets provide an endless well of inspiration.
The episode also highlights the stunning home and gardens of celebrated designer Veere Grenney. Drawn from Sir John Soane’s designs and set amid lush gardens overlooking the sea, the property artfully combines English classicism with Moroccan landscape, showcasing how architecture and nature can harmonize beautifully together.
Next, Martyn visits iconic antiques dealer Gordon Watson, whose home is a rich tapestry of curiosities filled with thousands of carefully curated treasures accumulated over the years. Each surface offers a glimpse into Tangier’s extensive history as a trading port, where European, North African, and Middle Eastern influences have intermingled for centuries.
The episode wraps up at Villa Mabrouka, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, where the enduring allure of Tangier is fully realized. Overlooking the sea, this iconic estate provides a fitting conclusion to a city that continues to fuel the imagination of the world’s most creative minds.
Throughout the episode, Martyn reveals that the true luxury of Tangier resides not just in grand architectural feats but in homes lovingly crafted over time—spaces where history, travel, artistry, and personality blend seamlessly.
“You can’t truly know a city until you’ve stepped inside the homes of its residents,” Martyn observes. In Tangier, those homes present an unforgettable glimpse into one of the world’s most captivating design locales.
More Episodes
Martyn Lawrence Bullard Steps Inside London’s Eclectic, Character-Filled Homes
Palm Springs’ Most Iconic Mid-Century Homes with Martyn Lawrence Bullard
