It’s so easy to get swept up in the micro-trends we see all over the internet—I totally get it! Trends are fun, and I’m all for indulging in them from time to time. But honestly, the classics are what really last, right? It’s about finding the perfect balance and making sure you blend those fun, trendy pieces with timeless ones. I know it can be hard to figure out what’s going to still look good years from now, but thinking about that when designing your space is super important for ensuring a timeless design.
So, let’s get into it: Trend or timeless? Zellige tile.
Zellige has been having a major moment lately. You’ve probably seen it on Instagram or Pinterest, and while it feels super fresh and on-trend, it has actually been around for many years! What’s really amazing about Zellige is that it only gets better with time. The tiles naturally develop this patina, giving them even more of that perfectly imperfect, lived-in look. It also has a cool rustic vibe, but can also read sleek and modern when used the right way.
We’ve used Zellige in a couple of spots at our High Desert Tumalo Ranch home. In the rumpus room wet bar, we went with a rich, muddy brown, and it adds a cozy, warm vibe. Then we did a creamy white variation on the hood of our range, and it’s a soft, natural touch that feels really elegant … without doing too much. It’s one of those materials that just works, no matter the space. It’s a fun, fresh take on tile, but I honestly believe this look isn’t going anywhere soon.
Here’s a fun fact: Zellige tiles are typically hand-glazed in Morocco, which is why they have that amazing texture and glossy finish. Because they’re handmade, each tile is slightly different. This gives them a super organic, one-of-a-kind feel. I’m a big fan of anything that’s handmade and feels slightly imperfect (like the patina of unlacquered brass). I like things that feel “lived in” and not too precious—they just stand the test of time. Plus, trendy pieces that are mass-produced and lack that craftsmanship just don’t hold up in the same way. In my opinion, combining putting handmade in every room if you can feels right, and gives the room some “soul.”
If you’re still on the fence about Zellige tile, I get it. It might seem like the latest trend right now, but trust me, it’s a classic. It’s timeless, it’s versatile, and it brings so much character to a space. And honestly, it’s only going to look better as time goes on!
Here are a couple of key things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about using Zellige tiles:
Labor costs will be higher – Since these tiles are handmade, your installer will likely need more time (and skill) to get them just right, which can mean a bit of an upcharge. Pro tip: always order a little extra just in case some tiles break during shipping. Better safe than sorry, right?
Lighting is everything – Zellige tiles can totally change depending on your lighting. In spaces with lots of natural light, the tiles will look brighter and reflect that gorgeous shine. But in shadowy areas or spots with less direct light, they’ll take on a deeper, more moody tone.
Soak before you set – Another Zellige-specific tip: if your tiles are glazed, make sure to soak them in room temperature water for 1-2 minutes before installation. This helps get rid of any dust, and helps the tiles stick better to the surface. Just skip this step for unglazed, natural tiles.
Dry stacking is an option – If you’re not dealing with a wet area (like a shower), you can dry stack these beauties with super narrow grout lines for a seamless, clean look. Just remember, for spots that get wet, grout is your friend! (Learn how to pick out the right grout color here).
What do you think? Are you team Zellige? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear if you’ve used it or are thinking about adding it to your home!
