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When it comes to choosing wall finishes, there is one artisanal material that has unwavering popularity, whether it is for a getaway in Spain or a luxury villa in Jordan, and that's zellige tiles. With a rich history dating back over a thousand years to Islamic architecture in Morocco and north Africa as a whole, zellige tiles are renowned for their intricate patterns and vibrant colors. But what truly sets them apart is their glorious imperfections. Each tile is shaped and glazed by hand so has its own unique character with variations of shades and texture.
“The handcrafted nature of zellige tiles embodies the art of slow living,” says Louisa Alice, creative director at tilemakers Mosaic Factory, founded in 2002 between Tangier and Paris, with outposts in London, Madrid, Lisbon and Malaga. “As more and more people are breaking away from standardized contemporary interiors, seeking to create unique and original homes that reflect their own way of life and style, they are turning to craftsmanship and quality that will endure and evolve over mainstream and short-lived fast interiors.”
Zellige tiles are recognised for their versatility and with just a little creativity, a transformed space is assured. Here is how they can add earthy elegance to contemporary spaces.
In this elegant dual-sided gooseneck shower designed by California-based Dagan Design, the space is given a wraparound look with off-white zellige tiles from Clé Tile which complement the floating marble seat. This not only acts as the perfect backdrop for the arched window and living brass fixtures but the glazed finish of the tiles bounces the natural light around giving the shower a brighter and fresher look.
While zellige tiles can be functional, there is no reason why they need to remain in the kitchen or bathroom. Take the experimental approach of The Malin, a work-focused members club with three outposts in New York City. A shimmering wall of blush tiles has been framed in a seating area, almost like a work of art, and turned into an eye-catching focal point.
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The versatility of zellige tiles means they can be made in a variety of different shapes and laid in an array of varying styles. A slim or ‘finger’ tile in a vertical stack draws the gaze upwards and tricks the eye into thinking the space is loftier than it is, a useful decorating trick for smaller spaces. In this bathroom with tiles from Bert & May, the choice of black adds drama to the look and carrying through the same tiles onto the floor is another clever interior design device which visually expands the footprint. These tiles’ distinct, raw aesthetic and imperfections infuse a space with unconventional charm and can be easily adapted to suit various design styles,” says Bert & May founder Lee Thornley.
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Zellige tiles are, of course, a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes, but why not push the design a bit further and use it to cover a kitchen island. An increasingly controversial element of kitchen design, the island is ripe for reinvention and these Mosaic Factory tiles provide the opportunity to bring in transformative color. In addition, extending the tiles from the backsplash up to the wall enhances the plate display and the contrast between the gloss tiles and the matt cabinetry.
Whether you have a working hearth or faux fireplace, cladding the entire chimney breast with zellige tiles will create a high impact focal point. Contrast the color with the walls to make a bold statement or match for a more blended aesthetic which plays with texture. In this design, black zellige tiles have been laid vertically right up to the ceiling to give the room a sense of grandeur and punch through the mass of white in the rest of the scheme.
While square and rectangular styles are understandably popular, zellige tiles come in numerous shapes, from chevron to triangles. Here is the project by US designer Roger Higgins of R. Higgins Interiors where he used fishscale zellige tiles to cocooning effect on a vault ceiling and walls of a bar. “I like the handmade quality of zellige tile and the way it reflects light throughout a space,” says Higgins. “This particular home has timeless, classical details and exudes the charm of Moroccan architecture. The zellige tile is a defining feature that integrates well with the hand-painted tiles we used in other areas of the home.”
Zellige tiles do not need to be limited to large surfaces – they can be cleverly used as decorative accents or to highlight key room features. Here, white arch terracotta zellige tiles from Otto Tiles & Design are used to frame a doorway, eschewing a conventional door for something more reminiscent of a Moorish design. Smaller uses can be equally effective - create framed mirrors with zellige borders or striking mosaic trays.
