Seeking to enhance the ambiance of your space with tiles? Look no further than the distinctive handcrafted zellige options. These tiles are far from mass-produced; they celebrate the beauty of imperfection, infusing a room with personality. As tile expert Deborah Osburn notes, “When one encounters a zellige tile, they can almost sense its narrative, its legacy, the craftsmanship, and its connection to ageless customs; it transcends mere ornamentation.”
Zellige tiles offer a unique, one-of-a-kind charm to any space, according to Osburn. “They lend a weathered, lived-in appeal that enriches any style, and can breathe new life into traditional decor while infusing a cozy vibe into the most contemporary settings.”
To explore this timeless design trend, we turned to interior designers for insights into the characterful zellige tiles and suggestions for incorporating them into your home effectively. Deborah Osburn, a tile expert and founder of Clé Tile, and Aubrey Butcher, the creative mind behind Gilded Heights and co-owner of Riad Tile, shared their expertise.
Aubrey Butcher, an interior designer and Riad Tile partner, emphasizes the age-old craftsmanship of zellige tiles. “Each piece is a testament to artistry, crafted by artisans who have honed their skills from their forebears.” This authenticity, she believes, is the driving force behind zellige’s enduring popularity. “There are few materials as versatile and unique as zellige,” she asserts.
Authentic zellige tiles, as Osburn explains, are crafted in Morocco, utilizing clay from Fez, a city in the country’s northeast. The tiles are hand-shaped, hand-cut, and hand-finished, ensuring that no two tiles are identical. “Each tile is hand-molded, hand-cut, and hand-glazed, which guarantees their distinctiveness,” she adds.
The process, which includes sun-drying clay blocks and firing them in ancient beehive kilns, imbues zellige with its distinctive, handcrafted look. “This process, combined with the wisdom passed down through generations, gives zellige its rustic, yet intentionally imperfect appearance,” Osburn explains. Genuine zellige tiles can be identified by their unique flaws, irregularities, and variations.
Despite their intricate appearance and handcrafted nature, zellige tiles are surprisingly durable and easy to maintain. Butcher notes that the tiles are fired multiple times, making them strong and resistant to heat. “And they are surprisingly easy to clean,” she adds, recommending a mild, pH-neutral soap and a test patch before application.
Osburn highlights the popularity of white zellige tiles like Clé Tile’s Moroccan Sea Salt and Weathered White, as well as the growing trend towards their Neo-Neutrals collection. “Deeper hues like green and red are also gaining traction, with the glaze’s rich luster enhancing the tiles’ texture.”
Butcher appreciates the natural variation in the glazing of colored zellige tiles, which cannot be replicated by porcelain or ceramic alternatives. “The natural color palettes pair beautifully with marble in bathrooms and kitchens, creating a classic, harmonious space,” she says.
When it comes to design ideas, the possibilities with zellige tiles are virtually limitless. Butcher, a fan of zellige for kitchen backsplashes, also points to the tiles’ use in renovations, such as the transformation of a fireplace with a floor-to-ceiling dark green zellige tile.
Zellige tiles are also popular in bathrooms, showers, bar areas, and accent walls. However, Osburn advises against using them in freeze-thaw environments or on staircases, as they can be more slippery than other materials.
Osburn notes that traditional zellige installations often forgo grout, opting for a butt joint. She suggests a slightly larger joint with grout for a more seamless look. “The handmade nature of zellige means there may be imperfections along the edges, so a tonal grout complements it best,” Butcher explains.
Zellige tiles require skilled installation, ideally by professionals experienced in handcrafted tiles. Osburn advises clients to be present during installation to ensure satisfaction with the final result. “Be prepared to experiment with the layout until you achieve the perfect arrangement,” she says.
In summary, zellige tiles offer a rich tapestry of design possibilities, with their unique character and timeless appeal.
