Zellige is a type of tiling that originated in Morocco, in which handcrafted tiles were made from a special blend of local clay and then glazed and fired, resulting in a surface with various irregularities that give each tile a unique look. That variety of tone, flatness, depth and shade is perfect for lending character to whatever space is being tiled – hence Zellige’s popularity.
After a grid is formed, artisans then press the mixture into squares and let it dry out to form slabs. The craftsmen use a shaping block and hammer to smooth the tile and cut it into a more precise shape and size. For more intricate stars and other shapes, the artist etches the design directly into the tile. They use a stencil to trace the pattern and hand carve it into the surface. The artists use exact measurements to assure that the designs are symmetric and properly transfer to the intended surface.
In Spain and Portugal, zellige-toronto style tiles are called azulejo. They have similar patterns to Morrocan zellige tiles, but they don’t practice the same process of hand-making the tiles.
Perfect for enhancing bathroom and backsplash in both private and contract contexts, Zellige offers a decorative alternative to trendy geometric patterns, focusing on the brightness of the surfaces and the cheerfulness of the colours. The colour shades present in each individual tile allow the creation of unique, exclusive random mixes.
The inspiration drawn from tradition means that the Zellige Toronto installation collection can be perfectly adapted to interiors with a vintage style, while also being at ease in contemporary and minimal interiors, where it represents the decisive stylistic counterpoint.
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