Why The Zellige Tile Trend Is Taking Over Homes, According To Designers

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Designers interviewed by Good Housekeeping say homeowners are showing interest in zellige, handmade Moroccan terracotta tile prized for its varied surfaces and color. They describe uses beyond kitchens and bathrooms, while warning that installation, edge finishing and sealing need careful attention.

Designers interviewed by Good Housekeeping say zellige tile is gaining attention in home interiors, as homeowners and design professionals look for handmade surfaces with color and variation. The Moroccan terracotta tiles are commonly shaped and glazed by hand, giving them an uneven finish that sets them apart from uniform tile styles.

The tiles’ individual differences are central to their appeal, according to Rebekah Zaveloff, co-founder and creative director of Imparfait Design Studio in Chicago. She said the style may not suit people who want a perfectly consistent surface, but argued that irregularities give it character. When installed across a wall or backsplash, the variations can create a shifting, reflective effect.

Designers named kitchens and bathrooms as common locations, but said the tile can also be used in mudrooms, living rooms, around fireplaces and in pools. Molly Torres Portnof, founder and principal of DATE Interiors in New York, described using it to cover an entire fireplace. She also said designers could consider placements beyond the usual kitchen and bathroom applications.

Color is another part of the trend. Zaveloff said saturated colors are drawing interest, while Portnof said she hopes to see more tiles with hand-painted details. The source report describes these as designers’ observations and preferences; it does not provide sales figures or other data measuring how widely homeowners are adopting the material.

Handmade Texture Shapes Interior Choices

Zellige offers a way to add surface variation and color to a room without relying on a perfectly repeated pattern. Designers say that handmade character can make newly renovated spaces feel less uniform and more personal. For homeowners, the appeal may be aesthetic, but the choice also affects budgeting and project planning.

Unlike a standard ceramic layout that can be stopped at a convenient point, zellige may require deliberate decisions about how edges are capped and finished. Zaveloff warned that edge pieces can be expensive and that installation takes patience. That makes experienced planning important: the desired look, finishing details and labor needs should be discussed before the tile is selected.

From Subway Tile to Irregular Surfaces

The report places zellige’s popularity against a shift away from the clean, crisp look of subway tile that many homeowners favored over the previous decade. It does not say that subway tile has disappeared; rather, the designers interviewed describe greater interest in surfaces with visible variation and a handmade appearance.

That preference is tied, in the designers’ view, to a desire for homes that feel less newly finished and more individual. Whitney Jones of Copper Sky Design + Remodel in Atlanta said she uses zellige to introduce depth and character, and described handcrafted irregularity as a way to avoid an overly pristine result. These are professional assessments, not evidence that all homeowners share the same preference.

“Those irregularities are what give it character.”

— Rebekah Zaveloff, co-founder and creative director of Imparfait Design Studio

Adoption and Costs Remain Unquantified

The report offers designers’ opinions and examples, but no market research, sales data or homeowner survey establishing how quickly zellige use is growing. It also does not give typical prices for tile or installation, and costs may vary by product, project and the edge-finishing work required.

Durability is discussed with a qualification: Eisenhart said the tile is durable once properly sealed. The report does not specify sealing products, maintenance schedules, installation standards or whether every tile is suitable for every wet or outdoor setting. Homeowners should confirm product-specific requirements with a qualified installer or supplier before proceeding.

Plan Placement and Finishing Early

For homeowners considering zellige, the next step is to settle the tile’s location and discuss layout, edge treatments, sealing and installation with a designer or tile professional. Because the pieces vary, project teams should agree on the intended appearance and finishing details before work begins, rather than treating the material like a uniform standard ceramic tile.

The report does not identify a forecast, sales milestone or upcoming industry event that would confirm whether interest will continue to rise. For now, the clearest development is that designers are recommending the material for more than conventional backsplash and bathroom applications, while advising buyers to account for its distinctive installation needs.

Key Questions

What is zellige tile?

Zellige is handmade Moroccan terracotta tile, generally formed and glazed by hand. That process means individual pieces can vary in shape, finish and appearance.

Where do designers use zellige?

Designers commonly use it in kitchens and bathrooms, and the report also names mudrooms, living rooms, fireplaces and pools. Suitability depends on the product and the installation conditions.

Why do designers like its irregular finish?

Designers interviewed by Good Housekeeping say the variations create texture, depth and character, and can make a renovated space feel less uniform. That look may not suit people seeking a consistent surface.

Is zellige difficult to install?

The designers say installation can be tricky and time-consuming. Edge capping and finishing need careful attention, and some edge pieces can add to the cost.

Does zellige need to be sealed?

Gabriela Eisenhart said the tile is durable once properly sealed. The report does not give product-specific sealing or maintenance instructions, so homeowners should check requirements with the supplier or installer.

Source: rss