Moor Tile, Please!

When Euclid declared, “The whole is greater than the part,” I like to think he had Moroccan tile on his mind. Moroccan tile is typically noted for complex geometric designs; artisans use mathematical precision to produce masterpieces. Designs rely on symmetry and repetition of complex patterns to cover large areas, such as walls and floors.

Although intricate kaleidoscope-like patterns are the most renowned, not all Moroccan tile is highly patterned. Graceful arabesque shapes, rich solid hues, crosses and carved tiles also add to the mix. If you’re looking to spice up your next tile project, you can count on these Moorish numbers for inspiration.

Zellij

Zellij is a traditional tile form that goes back to the 14th century and is characteristically Moroccan. Zellij is tile that is made of a bunch of tiny pieces expertly pieced together. Artisans make them by hand chiseling small pieces of already fired enameled terra-cotta tile, compactly setting them face down and adhering them together on the back to create a single larger tile. One tile then fits next to another tile, and so on, like a jigsaw puzzle.

The decorative border in Chris Barrett Design’s bathroom design here is composed of zellij by Mosaic House. Barrett says, “The installation was the best part of the entire experience. All of the crew were from Morocco. Each tile was laid one at a time face down in panels that were about 4 feet wide by 7 feet tall. I had such anxiety not knowing what it would look like when they went up. It was set on the wall with big gobs of concrete. They were fantastic.” The tiles are available premade.


Here it’s easy to see how single squares of zellij tiles connect.


This zellij installation, composed of tile from Mosaic House, is more serene, with a two-tone palette to harmonize with the more contemporary kitchen. A hefty ½ inch thick, the 9-inch by 9-inch squares retail for $57.50 each.


This installation is made of interlocking 11-inch by 11-inch zellij tiles for a seamless appearance. It’s Mosaic House’s Tanger C design, which is $94.50 per tile. Made to order, they’re also customizable.

Once zellij tiles are set in thinset, only the small joint between the tiles needs to be grouted with unsanded grout.


Glazed Terra-cotta

What makes glazed terra-cotta tiles so alluring is the inconsistencies in their shapes, sizes, textures and glazing, as they are made entirely by hand. This backsplash installation shows off the warm tones of the clay through the transparent blue glaze.

Typical sizes for glazed terra cotta are 2 by 2 inches and 4 by 4 inches. Some manufacturers make smaller sizes as well. They’re sold either loose or fabricated into 12- by 12-inch squares.


Arabesque

Figural representation of living things is not permitted in Islamic art forms, and the arabesque pattern arose as a stylized reference to flowers, vines and other foliage.

The turquoise arabesque tile on this stove backsplash and in the pet-food niche adds a punch of color to this otherwise neutral kitchen. One thing to keep in mind if arabesque tile is installed at a corner is pattern repeat. Ideally, the tile should terminate at the midway point or at the edge of a tile, so the pattern continues seamlessly on the adjacent wall.


Not all Moroccan-inspired tile is glazed with bright colors. A sleek silver-leaf arabesque tile makes this elegant bathroom luminous.


Likewise, this beveled high-gloss white ceramic arabesque tile is a more interesting choice than a standard go-to subway tile.


Chevron

Laura Umansky’s bold chevron tile design on this fireplace is made of alternating 2-inch by 8-inch Natural Hues tiles by Daltile in three matte colors: Real Teal, Jade and Pearl White. Umansky says the edge of the tiles were mitered at the corners, so they make a clean turn as they wrap the sides of the fireplace.


Moroccan Cross Mosaics

If you’re looking for a preset pattern, Mercury Mosaics makes a fun mesh-backed Moroccan Cross tile at $136 per square foot in a number of colorways. The Bright Door colorway, shown, includes cheery hues like Cobalt, Fire and Roasted Pepper. Mercury Mosaics also makes coordinating pencil liners to finish off any unsightly exposed raw edges. Moroccan Cross tiles are also available loose versus mesh-backed, in case you want to use them as just an accent.


Blue Bell Moroccan Fish Scales No more fish tales about the one that got away; this fish pattern is here to stay. These handmade tiles are also from Mercury Mosaics and are backed with mesh. They have a more contemporary aesthetic.


New Releases by Pratt and Larson Bas Relief

Pratt & Larson’s Scraffito Collection features designs that are carved into the tile to create a raised, textured pattern called bas relief while revealing a ground of contrasting color. Inspired by a technique used in the Italian Renaissance, the designs have inspiration sources ranging from Arabic geometry to medieval patterns. Because the patterns are small and highly repetitive, they aren’t overly busy.


New Releases by Pratt and Larson Susanne Cavicchi of Pratt & Larson says, “Any of our tiles can be ordered in a single color. We have a standard color palette that includes over 300 colors to choose from. Two colors are used in the polywash [hand-painted] technique; the contrasting underglaze, which recedes into the carved line, and the overglaze, which covers the entire surface of the tile.”

Suggested retail for the monochrome option is $51 per square foot; polywash is $77 per square foot.

More: So Many Reasons to Love Cement Tiles

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