Choosing the right tile for your home is about more than finding a color or pattern you love. It can also set the tone for your space. We asked pros to fill us in on the zellige tile trend, which brings color and character to any space.
"If you're someone who wants everything perfectly uniform, this isn't the tile for you," explains Rebekah Zaveloff, co-founder and creative director of Imparfait Design Studio in Chicago. "But that's exactly what makes it beautiful: Those irregularities are what give it character."
While many homeowners in the last decade have opted for the clean, crisp look of subway tiles, designers say there’s now more of a shift towards these handmade Moroccan terracotta tiles. They’re generally formed and glazed by hand, so no two pieces are exactly alike. When they fill a wall or backsplash, the variations give the entire space a shimmering, dynamic look. Kitchens and bathrooms are a natural fit for this tile, but you can also use it around fireplaces or to create a feature wall in a bedroom or living space.
Ahead, designers share what makes this tile so appealing, where to use it, and what to know before working it into your design.
Zellige brings a humanity to the home—something both professional designers and decorating enthusiasts yearn for come the chilly months ahead. "People are craving authenticity and character in their homes right now," shares Zaveloff. "Zellige gives you that instant patina and texture that makes a space feel like it has history and soul."
Whitney Jones of Copper Sky Design + Remodel in Atlanta agrees and says she uses them to "introduce depth and character" into a space. "Renovated projects often feel too 'fresh out of the package' or overly pristine, but zellige tiles introduce authentic imperfection due to their handcrafted nature," she says. "It results in truly custom curated projects and a timelessness that never goes out of style."
Though zellige tiles might have an enduring charm, they're brighter and bolder than ever before. Zaveloff says saturated colors are having a moment, while Molly Torres Portnof hopes to see zellige with sweet, hand-painted details. Portnof, who is the founder and principal of DATE Interiors in New York, says it's time to think beyond those predictable placements.
"Kitchens and bathrooms are the most typical rooms where zellige tiles are used, but they can truly be used anywhere, from mudrooms, to living rooms and pools," she says. In a recent project, Portnof clad an entire fireplace in zellige tiles.
Regardless of where you incorporate zellige tiles, it's important to do so with care. Designers agree this style can be tricky to install, so it'll require some time and patience to get quite right. "You have to cap and finish the edges properly, and those edge pieces can be really expensive," explains Zaveloff. "It's not like a standard ceramic tile where you can just stop at any point."
Sure, zellige tiles require some tender, loving care; however, Gabriela Eisenhart of Silo Studio Design say it's so worth it. "I believe zellige tiles are not just a passing trend; they are here to stay," the Atlanta designer explains. "Once properly sealed, they're incredibly durable, making them perfect for kitchen backsplashes, bathrooms, and fireplace."
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance journalist who has over a decade of experience in print and digital media. She covers interior design and lifestyle content for a breadth of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
