The Allure of Zellige Tiles: A Timeless Tile Tradition in Los Angeles

The Allure of Zellige Tiles in Los Angeles

Zellige tiles have become one of the hottest trends in interior design over the past few years. Known for their colorful, handmade appearance, these Moroccan tiles add beautiful personality and texture to any space. Even though zellige tiles are having a major moment right now, they are far from just a passing fad. In fact, these tiles have been admired for over a millennium! Let's explore the history, uses, and beauty of zellige tiles, and why they are so popular for Los Angeles homes and businesses.

The History and Tradition of Zellige Tiles

Zellige tiles have been handcrafted in Morocco for over 1000 years. The word "zellige" comes from the Arabic word "az-zillij" which means polished stone. Traditional zellige tiles are made from clay, shaped by hand, and set into geometric and intricate patterns. This artistic technique originated in North Africa and Muslim Spain as early as the 10th century.

Over the centuries, zellige tiles became a celebrated feature of Moroccan architecture and design. They can be found gracing the floors, walls, fountains, and pools of Moroccan mosques, palaces, homes, and more. The tiles reflect light beautifully, creating a signature shimmering effect. Today, zellige tiles are iconic to Moroccan style and identity.

The Allure of Zellige Tiles for Contemporary Design

So why has this ancient tile tradition gained so much popularity in modern decor? Zellige tiles offer a timeless yet contemporary allure. Their saturated hues and unique shapes provide endless inspiration for creative patterns. The handmade imperfections in the tiles give them warmth, character, and natural texture.

While zellige tiles reflect the rich beauty of Moroccan craftsmanship, they can work in many styles of homes and spaces. From modern to bohemian, traditional to eclectic, zellige tiles add a vibrant and artistic touch. They provide a look that is bold yet elegant, global yet timeless.

Using Zellige Tiles in Los Angeles Homes and Businesses

Los Angeles interior designers, homeowners, and business owners are all finding ways to incorporate these special tiles into their spaces. Here are some great ways zellige tiles are being styled in L.A.:

• As a striking kitchen backsplash or range hood focal point
• To add pizazz to a bathroom or shower wall
• Decorating a fireplace surround or mantel
• In an entryway or mudroom floor
• Jazzing up dining room walls or tabletops
• Creating vivid pool or spa tile designs
• Accenting outdoor patios, walkways and fountains
• Adding flair to hotel lobbies, restaurants and boutiques

Zellige tiles can be used to create everything from a full wall mosaic, to a border or geometric shape pattern. Mixing zellige tiles with other types of tiles can provide contrast and allow the zellige designs to really stand out. Using these artistic tiles on furniture, planters, or other decor items also shows them off beautifully.

The Allure of Handmade Imperfection

Part of what makes zellige tiles special is their handmade, imperfect nature. The tiles are shaped individually using molds, so no two are exactly alike. The colors also shift naturally within production batches, giving zellige mosaics range and depth.

Zellige tiles may have small chips, cracks, or color variations. But this is not considered flawed - it's prized. The imperfections add organic charm and reinforce that each tile is made by hand, not machine. This rustic, artistic beauty simply cannot be mass-produced.

Zellige Tile Sources in Los Angeles

Fortunately for L.A. design lovers, zellige tiles are available from some excellent local sources. These providers import gorgeous tiles directly from Morocco as well as creating their own tile lines inspired by zellige tradition.

Top picks for zellige tile showrooms in L.A. include Z Gallerie, Tabarka Studio, Azulev, Soli, and Cle Tile. They offer a stunning range of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes to suit any L.A. design project.

In addition to in-person showrooms, many zellige tile companies now sell online and can ship anywhere. Etsy artisans are another great source for finding coveted global tile designs.

Design Inspiration for Using Zellige Tiles

Need a little inspiration before picking your perfect zellige tiles? Some gorgeous ways to implement them include:

• A vibrant entryway floor pattern
• Bold honeycomb kitchen backsplash
• Metallic blue mosaic bathroom wall
• Multicolor stepping stones through a garden
• Rich red and orange dining room accent wall
• Delicate pastel moroccan fountain
• Jewel-toned staircase risers

You can also take cues from Moroccan architectural details like arched doorways, carved wood, and wrought iron accents. Play with global patterns like Moroccan trellis and Middle Eastern geometric motifs.

Invest in This Timeless Tile Tradition

Zellige tiles have entranced design lovers for centuries, and their popularity continues to soar. These artistic, handmade tiles offer stunning style that works beautifully in Los Angeles homes and businesses. With their rich history, global spirit, and artisanal beauty, zellige tiles are certainly a worthwhile investment. Let these gorgeous tiles make your L.A. space picture perfect!

FAQs

What are zellige tiles?

Zellige tiles are colorful, handmade moroccan tiles that are made from clay. They are shaped individually and set into intricate patterns, often in geometric shapes.

How are zellige tiles made?

Zellige tiles are hand shaped using molds, so no two tiles are exactly the same. The clay is dyed with natural pigments and fired. The tiles are then set by hand into mosaic patterns.

Where do zellige tiles originate from?

Zellige tiles have been crafted by hand in Morocco for over 1000 years. They are iconic to Moroccan design and architecture.

How do you use zellige tiles?

Zellige tiles are very versatile and can be used on walls, floors, pools, fountains, and more. They are often used to create backsplashes, accent walls, shower walls, entryways, and outdoor spaces.

Where can I buy zellige tiles in Los Angeles?

Some great sources for zellige tiles in L.A. are Z Gallerie, Tabarka Studio, Azulev, Soli, and Cle Tile. Many tile companies also sell zellige tiles online and ship worldwide.