The Everlasting Charm of Zellige Tiles: A Timeless Design Trend or Just a Fad?
Is Zellige Tile Here to Stay as a Classic Choice, or Simply a Fleeting Fashion Statement?
From the bustling marketplaces of Morocco to the luxurious interiors of high-end hotels, it's hard to ignore the captivating allure of zellige tiles. These handcrafted clay creations have been gracing our spaces for centuries, but it's only recently they've gained significant traction. So, are zellige tiles merely basking in the glow of fleeting trends, or are they here to stay for good? Let'
I dig deep into this rich topic with insights from industry experts on the timeless appeal and versatility of zellige tiles.
What Exactly are Zellige Tiles?
Tracing their origins back to Morocco, traditional zellige tiles are unique, with every single piece handcrafted in the region. As Deborah Osburn, artist and founder of Clé Tile, puts it, "We call it the 'jewel of the tile world,' but there's nothing perfect about zellige. Each tile is unique—thicker than others, with irregular edges, pits, dings, and hairline cracks. And it's all beautiful."
Each tile is then fired and glazed by artisans one at a time, resulting in intricate, unique details. According to Aubrey Butcher, interior designer and founder of Riad Tile, "The subtle variation in the glaze and texture add visual depth and a unique warmth that's rare in other hard materials." This blend of organic charm and striking character is what has made zellige tiles so sought after.
The Debate: A Fad or a Lasting Trend?
So, does the zellige tile trend have legs, or is it just having a moment? In the design world, opinions can vary, but generally, experts agree that zellige tiles are here to stay for the long haul. Barbi Walters, owner and principal designer of Lynden Lane, explains, "Zellige tile is being used for centuries, and I think its appeal is only growing as people lean into natural, handcrafted materials. There's something about its texture and depth that brings soul to a space in a world full of AI."
History, too, supports the argument for zellige tiles standing the test of time. Although the Western world has only recently taken notice, zellige tile never really left the spotlight. As Osburn says, "It's so great to see that Americans have finally caught on to the charms of zellige, but I want to scream, 'It's about time!' Of course, there's nothing new about it; it's been made the same way for centuries, but it needed to find its footing here."
Crafting Timeless Designs with Zellige Tiles
Regardless of its overall popularity, using zellige tiles to create timeless, chic interiors is possible. Eddie Maestri, principal and creative director of Maestri Studio, for one, prefers a more relaxed approach: "Lately, I've been playing with wider grout lines to emphasize [zellige's] handmade nature even more-it's such a small shift, but it makes a big difference in how it reads in a space."
For a bolder look, Maestri suggests a tonal palette or pairing zellige with natural stone that has prominent veining to create a harmonious balance. Osburn, a firm believer in the powers of natural materials, praises unglazed zellige: "It's the quintessential neutral with an understated, organic elegance."
Experimenting with intricate motifs and vibrant colors is another way to bring personality to the space—just like in Moroccan design tradition. "Zellige is like paint for an artist—it gives you the ability to create your own design, however that looks," Osburn says, adding, "The key is to make it feel curated and not cookie-cutter."
- In the hustle and bustle of Moroccan markets and high-end hotel interiors, the allure of zellige tiles is unmistakable, having graced homes for centuries.
- Zellige tiles, handcrafted in Morocco, are one-of-a-kind, as each piece showcases varying thickness and irregular edges, resulting in unparalleled beauty.
- Artisans painstakingly fire and glaze each zellige tile individually, imbuing them with intricate, distinct details that offer visual depth and a unique warmth.
- Despite some questioning its longevity, industry experts generally agree that zellige tiles will be a lasting trend, given their ancient roots and surging popularity in natural, handcrafted materials.
- With shades like d39b1ad4ed6ff45a80e4e51260ec13ea becoming more prevalent, maestri Studio's Eddie Maestri suggests wider grout lines to emphasize the handmade quality, lending a sense of balance to the space.
- Artisans like Deborah Osburn advocate for natural tones and the use of unglazed zellige, citing their understated, organic elegance as key components in creating timeless, personalized designs inspired by traditional Moroccan motifs.
