Instal them without any gaps between tiles the grouting should be invisible.Īs for how to decorate with them, there are all sorts of ideas you can steal from the House & Garden archive, including a range of creative uses by our Top 100 designers. They will look imperfect, and probably quite shiny, too. The tiles should be hand-made, glazed, and should comprise only clay, without lime or iron in them. It’s worth keeping in mind that genuine Zellige has certain requirements to be described as such. You can buy Zellige tiles from any number of outlets in the UK and abroad, including Bert & May, Zellige Tiles, Terrazzo Tiles and Habibi Interiors. In 2019, they were even used in Hermès’ showcase of their new homeware collection at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, in which beautiful plates, vases and trays were set in the midst of astonishing pavilions decorated with 150,000 imported Moroccan zellige tiles those shimmering walls in rich hues of blue, purple, yellow and green set the design world’s hearts a-flutter. That said, you’re as likely to find contemporary Zellige in a trendy French farmhouse or the bathroom of a Manhattan apartment as you are in North Africa, which is no bad thing and evidence of the huge, huge popularity of the style. Often, the hand-made tiles would be made in lozenge or star shapes and fitted together into elaborate, tesselating patterned schemes in different colours, with an emphasis on blues, whites and greens (though you’re more likely to find them in simple squares in contemporary Western homes).įor the best examples of Zellige, the Alhambra in Granada can’t be beaten nor can the madrasas – the Islamic schools – of Fes and Meknes in Morocco. The fact that Islam forbids depictions of Allah or Muhammad means that pattern and decorative arts hold a high status within Arab aesthetics, and zelij was just one of many ways of adorning mosques or other important buildings. Historically, Zellige’s etymology has been traced back to zelij, a style of North African mosaic work found in Islamic art. That variety of tone, flatness, depth and shade is perfect for lending character to whatever space is being tiled – hence Zellige’s popularity. In short, Zellige (pronounced zell-idge) 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. Most hotels can recommend a trusted guide.įor more information on visiting Marrakech, go to visitmorocco.Zellige tiles are one of those buzzwords or phrases that arise time and again when people talk about interiors. Charming and knowledgable, he’ll take you to places you’d never find on our own, from hidden palaces to the bustling metalwork area. Try Said Nejdi ( for a fascinating morning tour. For a hassle-free trip… hire a guideīooking a guide is the calmest way to get familiar with the old city. Double rooms from £128 per night including a delicious breakfast of flatbreads and goat’s cheese, pancakes and strawberries ( ). The focal point in the central courtyard is a pretty turquoise dipping pool framed with teal velvet furniture. Ancient carved doors and arches open up into bright white interiors with intricate wood detailing. Riad Spice is similarly sympathetic to Moroccan tradition. Now they are rooted in the community, especially through their involvement in traditional Moroccan storytelling – Lucie also runs her World Storytelling vegan café nearby, an atmospheric venue where you can enjoy this traditional oral heritage. Twenty years ago they visited the city and never really left. Riad Spice is a bijoux 10-room 16th-century riad lovingly restored by English couple Mike and Lucie Wood. A double room at El Fenn, including breakfast and afternoon tea, costs from £300 per night ( ). The hotel also has a destination boutique offering high-end wares from some of Morocco’s finest makers and artists. When laid, they have a breathtaking undulating surface that almost looks like the surface of a rippling pond. After all that exertion, you may like to relax at night, sipping cocktails by candlelight to a cool music beat. Zellige tiles are made out of non-refined natural clay which is extracted in the region of Fez (Morocco). Around every corner is an artwork to gaze at, and a luxurious nook or hammock to curl up in. In the tiled downstairs patio, you can get mint tea and cake. The rooftop bar and restaurant is a chilled place to hang out (and is open to non-residents). By day, laze next to one of the pools on a day bed or striped lounger. Breakfast on the roof terrace is not to be rushed: feast on Moroccan crumpets with honey, creamy eggs, shakshuka and pastries as you gaze over the city to the Koutoubia mosque. Each room is individually designed, some have stained glass, others have rolltop baths beside the fireplace. Cats snooze on velvet chairs near the reception, and in winter a fire blazes. The magic starts as you step from the dusty street through a giant wooden door into El Fenn, a stunning hotel in the heart of Marrakech.
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