Future Stiles

About Future Stiles

Future Stiles is a relatively new player in the tile industry, but it has quickly gained recognition for its innovative and modern designs. The brand focuses on merging cutting-edge technology with artistic craftsmanship to create unique and visually appealing tiles.

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zellige tiles

Top 30 Zellige Tile: Natural Design for Modern Settings

Zellige tiles have become very popular in the United States in recent years due to their interesting beauty, color, and craftsmanship. These tiles have roots in Moroccan culture and are perfect for complementing any contemporary design. If you are planning to upgrade a kitchen, bathroom, or living room and want to add sophistication, Zellige tiles are the best choice as they are obtained hand-made.

What Are Zellige Tiles?

Zellige tiles are also known as Zilij, and these are crafted by hand using terracotta that is glazed, and derived from Morocco. They are made out of natural clay that is still hand-shaped then fired in kilns and afterward glazed. The outcome is a surface that feels artisanal and has a textured aesthetic that is both raw and organic. Texture, shade, and finish are slightly different for each tile which explains why Zellige tiles are praised by both designers and homeowners who prefer one-of-a-kind items.

Explore Our Latest Zellige Tiles Designs, Colors and Patterns

The Development Of Zellige Faience

zellige tiles

For more than a millennium, Zellige making has been part and parcel of the developing architectural style within the Islamic world, it began in Fez, Morocco where these tiles were first developed for adorning mosques, palaces, and other prominent structures. The geometric patterns featured prominently in the Zellige design are typical of Islamic art which relies quite heavily on symmetry and intricacy. Eventually, the practice of making Zellige tiles spread beyond the borders of Morocco, where it further developed to include more modern approaches, while still using traditional methods.

Features Of Zellige Tiles

  1. Handcrafted appeal: Each Zellige tile comes with stunning imperfections, therefore, no two tiles are exactly the same.
  2. Uneven surface: Due to the uneven surface of Zellige tiles, they have added value to depth, which creates more depth perception in them.
  3. More color range: Zellige tiles are manufactured in equal proportions of rich, bright, glossy colors such as deep blue, green, white, and pastel colors.
  4. Multi purpose use: These tiles can easily be employed for several purposes such as walls, backsplashes, fire places, and can also be used in low-traffic areas on the floor.
  5. Nature Friendly: Incorporating a more sustainable alternative, Zellige tiles tend to use natural clay along with harmless glazes that are not harmful to the environment.

Uses of Zellige Tiles

zellige tiles
Zellige Tile Backsplash

Zalige tiles glisten effortlessly, which explains their use for kitchen backsplashes. Their rough surface is an ideal addition as it echoes lighting impressively and gives your culinary haven that added warmth, character or feature. Some of the commonly used colors are white, cobalt blue, sage green and many more.

Bathroom Walls and Zellige Tile Bathroom

Zellige tiles could also be used for bathroom walls and shower enclosures because of the growing demand for water resistance and aesthetic appeal. As the tiles combine with wood or stone furniture, it gives off a spa-like feeling.

Accent Walls

Zellige tiles can be employed as a statement wall in the living room, bedroom, or even in the entrance which enhances the texture and uniqueness of the room making it feel more luxurious, this is all due to Zellige’s artisanal appearance.

Fireplaces

If there is a Zellige tiled fireplace in your room, it could be the most noticeable part of the entire room – the tiles have a glossy surface that makes lights look warmer and more vibrant making the room look more comfortable.

Outdoor Spaces

Apart from those mentioned above, Zellige tiles can also be used as outdoor decorative material on patio walls, around fountains, or any other outdoor feature if you want to capture a Moroccan look.

Benefits of Zellige Tiles

  1. Diverse Color Palette: It does not matter whether your styles are rustic, modern, or boho, Zellige tiles complement all.
  2. Longevity: Provided these tiles are installed appropriately, they withstand the tests of time, surviving for decades.
  3. Sustainable: The tiles are composed of natural materials that are manufactured through environmentally friendly methodologies.
  4. Intricate Designs: Patterns and formats of the Zellige tiles can be altered and cut to create various designs.
  5. Simple to Maintain: Due to being glazed, the tiles do not get stained and can be cleaned with just a wet cloth.

Disadvantages of Zellige Tiles

zellige tiles

Although there are advantages to Zellige tiles, some points should be taken into account, including the following:

  1. More Expensive Than Alternatives: Due to Zellige tiles being handmade, the cost is greater than that of a mass-produced one.
  2. Hiring a Professional is Vital: Zellige tiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which makes them difficult to install without proper experience.
  3. Not Recommended for Busy Floors: These tiles are better suited for walls and less foot traffic because the terracotta base is easily damaged.

Caring for Zellige Tiles

zellige tiles

Essentially, Zellige tiles can last for years if maintained properly:

  • For Cleaning Use: Try blasting the tiles with a non-chemical cleaner and hot soapy water while avoiding any harsh chemicals.
  • Sealing: A sealing agent applied to the grout would function in tandem with a glaze coating to help prevent water penetration and potential staining.
  • Regular Inspection: Make sure to avert further damages by fixing the cracks and chips as soon as they are spotted.

Zellige Tiles Comparison with Other Tiles

zellige tiles

Comparison of Zellige to Ceramic Tiles 

  • Handmade vs. Machine-made: In contrast to their ceramic counterparts, Zellige tiles are handmade. 
  • Texture: For Zellige tiles, the texture is also not consistent as opposed to a smooth uniform one for ceramic tiles. 
  • Cost: The Zellige tile’s craftsmanship makes them increase in cost in addition to the price.

Differences Between Zellige And Subway Tiles

  • Shape and Glaze: When it comes to tile form, subway tiles have a rectangular form and a smooth finish while the Zellige sides are square shaped alongside the glazed uneven appearance.
  • Style: Modern and minimalistic styles are compatible with subway tiles, however, Zellige can enhance rustic and eclectic ones.

Use of Zellige Tiles in American Homes Today

zellige tiles

Because Zellige tiles combine tradition and new up to date designs, their popularity in American households has risen. Here are some design pieces where these can be used:

  1. Minimalistic Rooms Colour Palette: Zellige Tiles should be beige or white for a plain classier appearance.
  2. Dark Blue, Green Or Yellow Zellige Tiles For Imitative Centre Pieces: For vibrant centre pieces darker shades should be used as it helps grab attention.
  3. Combine Various Shapes And Sizes For A Lively Look: Mixed Patterns
  4. Combine Zellige Tiles: With Open Shelving For A Kitchen A Stylish Combination: Open Shelving Lobby With Zellige Backsplash

Availability of Zellige Tiles in the United States

There are now numerous Zellige tile sellers worldwide. A few recommendations are given below for finding authentic Zellige tiles in the US:

  • Tile Showrooms: Go to your neighborhood showrooms and check out how the tiles look.
  • Online Retailers: numerous online stores that sell Moroccan tiles and ship them throughout the country.
  • Custom Orders: You can also contact artisans from Morocco and request the items you wish to acquire completely original tiles.

The Incorporation of Zellige Tiles Into American Design In The Future

There is growing anticipation that sales of Zellige tiles in the United States have only just begun due to the increasing interest by Americans in unique and eco-friendly materials. These tiles are also ideal for decorating modern interiors them. When it comes to premium interior design, Zellige tiles are only going to become more popular because of their focus on style and originality.

Conclusion

Zellige tiles serve as more than just an ornamental feature, they embody the unique craft and culture of humanity developed centuries prior. The exquisite mix of historic and contemporary nature these possess renders them an ideal pick for US homeowners seeking to fashion classic yet trendy spaces. Be it a major renovation, or simply a classy little enhancement to the home, investing in Zellige tiles is replicating beauty, quality, and uniqueness.

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