With the influx of 70s revival and Neo Deco inspiration, it’s no surprise that daring designs have made their way into our feeds.
Zellige tiles are extremely popular right now for their earthy, handmade look and the variations in colour. They’re especially popular among the wabi-sabi crowd. But people are getting creative with these tiles. We’re seeing tiled coffee tables, breakfast bars, and now, fireplaces?
Learn about the trend that is connecting the various nostalgic styles and keeping spaces interesting.
Why Are Zellige Tile Surround Fireplaces A Thing?
I don’t think you can answer that question without first addressing why zellige tiles are so popular right now.
“Zellige tiles bring a sense of character with a handcrafted look that creates movement and depth, making even the simplest room design feel layered and considered,” Richard Skeoch, Director at Hyperion Tiles, says.
Fireplaces more generally are great for grounding a space, drawing attention towards a focal point and giving the furniture and decor a sense of direction.
The cost comparative to traditional fireplaces is also alluring. When you’re just paying for a pack of zellige tiles (which cost very little when covering a small area), it’s a great way to refresh a statement feature of your home or create an artificial fireplace for a wall with too much dead space.
Why Do We Want Zellige Tile Surrounds Now?
Let’s be clear: tile surround fireplaces aren’t new. Often in square metro tile, preloved tile surround fireplaces make Lana Del Rey blush; they’re so Art Deco. You stumble across geometric square tile fireplaces in 1940s and 50s homes and in second hand reclamation yards. So with the resurgence of Art Deco through Neo Deco, it makes sense that we’re putting a contemporary spin on this feature.
Perhaps the key difference is the finish of the tiles. The fact that each tile is different allows for tonality and depth in a space. There’s something special about the variations too—as we said with my take on modern design, we like our flaws and too many brands underestimate our determination to part ways with imperfections.
The finish also feels more contemporary than its mass-manufactured predecessors. It comes across as less formal and more of a space to kick your feet up when you add elements that feel more human.
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