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Why Zellige Tiles Are Right For Right Now

Eleanor Büsing
Eleanor Büsing
Interior designer, freelance writer, passionate foodie. Canadian by birth, Londoner by choice and Parisienne at heart.
updated May 4, 2019
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DPAGES via Domaine

After years of modern, minimal subway tiles ruling our kitchens and bathrooms, colorful, patterned encaustic tiles are making a play for design domination. But what about those of us who aren’t quite into them, whether we’re wary of pattern or simply worried we’ll grow sick of such a busy (and expensive to change) look? I propose that the time is right for zelliges. These natural clay tiles, glazed in a huge range of pearlescent, vibrant hues, have been made in Morocco in much the same way for the last 1,000 years. Their subtly undulating surface and translucent glaze means they strike a perfect note between simplicity and maximalism.

Traditionally square, these tiles are also available in subway and scallop formats. Here are 10 examples of zellige in all their gorgeous glory…

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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

TOP ROW:

  1. Est Magazine via Domaine
  2. vtwonen July 2014
  3. Livingetc via housetohome
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BOTTOM ROW:

  1. Retrouvius
  2. Maisons, Objets & Chantiers via design to inspire
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  4. Côté Maison
  5. Elle Decoration September 2012 via Domaine

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