The Benefits of Using Zellige Tiles

Zellige tile is all about rustic charm. A Moroccan tile art form dating back 1,000 years, Zellige and Bejmat tiles celebrate the natural beauty of the clay. 

What is Zellige Tile?

Unlike machined tile, exquisite Zellige and Bejmat tiles by Villa Lagoon Tile are molded, cut, and glazed entirely by hand by skilled artisans in Fez, Morocco. They use local clays fired in kilns fueled by olive pits, then finished with an enamel glaze.

Each Zellige tile is unique, with variations in color, edging, and shape. Like the irregularities in natural wood grain or the tiny air bubbles in hand-blown glass, it is these perfect imperfections for which Zellige is known. 

Where Can Zellige Tile Be Installed?

Zellige tile can be installed anywhere that regular tile is installed in residential and commercial spaces. The tiles are available in various colors, patterns, and sizes, making them a versatile option for any design scheme.

Can Zellige Tiles Be Installed Outdoors?

Zellige can be installed outdoors as long as they are adhered to and appropriately grouted. 

Designing with Zellige Tiles

Not only are Zellige tiles stunning to look at, but they also have a host of benefits that make them an excellent choice for flooring, walls, and countertops. Here are a few tips on how to use these tiles in your home:

1. Use Zellige tiles as flooring: For beautiful and durable flooring, these tiles come in various colors, patterns, and sizes.

2. Use Zellige tiles as walls: Zellige tiles are a great way to add some personality and character to your home’s walls

3. Use Zellige tiles as a kitchen backsplash: Behind the counter or your range looks stunning. Zellige tiles can make any kitchen backsplash ‘pop.’

Here are some Zellige inspirations: 

One way to make your bathroom go from ‘drab’ to ‘fab?’ Pair unexpected colors! Here, our Zellige Bejmat Jadeite is the dominant color enhanced by the accent color of the red berry rug.

Colors of nature, like our Zellige in Evergreen, create a calm, nourishing look and feel to any space. 

Pastels are perfect for creating a warm, soothing feeling in any space. Our Zellige in Peony looks amazing in applications such as shower walls, backsplashes, and accent walls.

The shade of blue in our Mariana Blue Zellige can be bold and powerful or soft and serene. It’s all up to your design imagination!

We love rooms that combine warm neutrals and calming blues. Pictured in this bathroom is our Zellige tile in Iceberg. The floor tile is our Vienna Frost.

How to Install Zellige Tile

Zellige tiles require skill and experience to install correctly, so consulting with a professional is recommended.

Having imbued a sense of luxury and artistry in homes, religious buildings, and other public spaces across the centuries, Zellige tiles are an ideal choice for anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship and unique art forms. How can Villa Lagoon Tile help you bring this unique style to life for your project? 

Cressida Bell Cement Tile Collection

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with renowned English interior and textile designer, Cressida Bell to launch a collection that pushes the boundaries of cement tile design. The inaugural Cressida Bell Collection includes eight patterns, each with three to four colorways.

Bell’s Sky

Designed for the Royal Academy of Arts in London, Bell drew inspiration directly from English artist Walter Crane, primarily known for his illustrations for
children’s books which often featured flying birds.

Artichoke

Bell originally created this “artichoke” pattern exclusively for the cover artwork of Arabella Boxer’s Book of English Food: A Rediscovery of British Food From
Before the War.

Crosshatch

Bell cites crosshatch as one of her favorite motifs, which she uses time and again in her work. She thinks this pattern will provide a classic look and feel to any
space.

Fish Pond

Inspired by Bell’s bathroom tiles (painted by her father, Quentin Bell) incorporating mermaids and fishes. Initially, Fish Pond was a furnishing fabric used for
cushions and is now also a greetings card.

Bell’s Tulips

This was initially a design for a scarf with bunches of tulips arranged in a fish-scale pattern which easily translated into a tile of a similar shape.

African Check

Inspired by her international travels, Bell initially designed this fun, geometric pattern for her hand-printed silk scarf collection.

Oak Leaf

Originally created for Bell’s client who wanted outdoor furniture with a garden-themed patterned fabric.

Paisley Leaf

This pattern was initially produced as a fabric for menswear designer
Richard James and draws inspiration from an interior at ‘Charleston’ — the house that
was a gathering point for the Bloomsbury Group. It is now featured on Bell’s lamps and
shades.

The color combinations and patterns in the collection span from strikingly contemporary to classic, and each is an artful study of color and composition.

New Zellige Colors In-Stock!

The Zellige tile collection from Villa Lagoon Tile brings a rustic charm to any project. Unlike machined tile, our exquisite Zellige and Bejmat tiles are crafted entirely by hand in a time-honored method of tile-making designed to celebrate the natural beauty of the clay.

4 natural clay finished hand chiseled tiles

Natural Unglazed Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 white glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Snow White Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 earthy yellow glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Goldenrod Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 pink glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Dusty Rose Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 dark purple glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Eggplant Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 green glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Emerald Green Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 light green glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Wintergreen Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and rectangular Bejmat.

4 dark blue glaze finished hand chiseled tiles

Mariana Blue Zellige is available in 4″ tiles and 2″ mosaic mats.

Cement Tile Fresh for Summer

A Villa Lagoon Tile favorite, Katie, is now featured in fresh green tones to keep your space summer-ready all year long.

Featured in the June/July 2021 issue of House Beautiful, our Katie Fresco Cement Tile makes an appearance in the stunning Palm Beach project by designer Phoebe Howard.

Photo by Noe DeWitt

Built in 1891, this beachy victorian home known as “the Duck’s Nest”, is the second oldest residential building in Palm Beach. It has been beautifully renovated by new owners, Brian and Julie Simmons and with the addition of cement tile, the Duck’s Nest will easily sail through another 130 years.

Handcrafted Zellige Tile Collection Celebrates Authentic Moroccan Artistry

Get this look by combining Glazed Evergreen & Oyster Shell Bejmat Tile

Gulf Shores, AL (July 17, 2020) ― The new Zellige tile collection from Villa Lagoon Tile brings a rustic charm to residential and hospitality projects. Unlike machined tile, these exquisite Zellige and Bejmat tiles are crafted entirely by hand in a time-honored method of tile-making designed to celebrate the natural beauty of the clay. 

Skilled artisans in Fez, Morocco use local clays fired in kilns fueled by olive pits to create these tiles, which are then finished with an enamel glaze. Because Villa Lagoon Tile Zellige tiles are molded, cut, and glazed by hand, each tile is unique with variations in color, edging and shape. Like the irregularities in natural wood grain or the tiny air bubbles in hand-blown glass, it is these perfect imperfections that produce the beautiful effect Zellige tile is known for.

Perfectly imperfect glazed zellige in the color Garden Grove

The square Zellige tiles are best used in applications such as shower walls, backsplashes, and accent walls, while the rectangular Bejmat tiles may also be used on light-traffic floors. They can be installed indoors or outdoors as long as they are adhered and grouted properly. Zellige tiles require skill and experience to install properly, so consulting with a professional is recommended.

The production of glazed clay tiles in Morocco dates back over 1,000 years. Having imbued a sense of luxury and artistry in homes, religious buildings, and other public spaces, the style is enjoying a resurgence of interest in this millennium. 

The Zellige collection from Villa Lagoon Tile includes 4-inch square glazed clay tiles as well as rectangular, 5 ½-inch long Bejmat tiles. Both styles of tile are immediately available in a choice of 13 colors. Additional color options, shapes and sizes will be added over time. 

To learn more, visit www.villalagoontile.com/zellige/.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Naomi Salad, Dialogue

For Villa Lagoon Tile

678.429.2369

[email protected]

Amalena Meadow Cement Tiles Celebrate Global Design

Villa Lagoon Tile designers bring a global perspective to every new tile design, finding inspiration in the shapes, patterns, colors and textures of different parts of the world. Sometimes, that inspiration results in the merging of influences to create one-of-a-kind patterns in handcrafted cement tile. The Amalena tile series blends the bold energy of Cuban design with the intricate details of antique Turkish rugs, making it perfect as an accent wall by a soaking tub or an outdoor living room.


Bathroom design by Preferred Home Builders, Conga Park, CA

Lively floral and geometric forms that are the hallmark of Cuban tile design marry with delicate domes, arches, and minarets that epitomized the architecture and textiles of the Ottoman Empire. The result is a lush, tropical vibe with a twist.


Kitchen Design by Story Hill Renovations, Wauwatosa, WI

Because the Amalena series takes inspiration from Turkish textiles, it is also an ideal choice for creating the classic rug-like effect with a border tile surrounding a field tile on the floor. This type of installation creates a sense of drama in both hospitality and residential projects.

A single row of border tiles will add a finishing touch to a cement tile floor, but if the room is large enough, a border made up of two, three or even more rows of tile can create an opulent and unforgettable impression.

The Amalena series is available in a choice of four colorways that combine our most vivid South Beach Colors. Or, make the look completely your own with our easy-to-use cement tile design tool that allows you to customize your color palette.

These dynamic tiles are made to last: no printed-on color here. Similar to natural stone, each cement tile is unique with slight color variations, the sign of an artisan-made product. Installing cement tiles is similar to installing natural stone, with tighter grout lines and use of a sealant after the tiles are set.


Bathroom design by Preferred Home Builders, Conga Park, CA

To purchase Amalena tile and sealant factory-direct, or to learn more about the benefits of using cement tile, click here.

Ombré Cement Tile

Layout of Villa Lagoon Tiles Diagonal Sixteen pattern in Stone Blue in light to dark blue stripes.

The new Ombré collection from Villa Lagoon Tile is a departure from traditional cement tile design. Inspired by the traditional textile technique of dying or weaving color from dark to light, Our Ombré tiles start with a highly saturated pool of color shifts from dark to light as a result of our artisans’ deft blending of hand poured, pigmented cement. Graduated color brings both depth and light, creating a bold design statement.

The organic nature of hand pouring means that Ombré collection tiles are perfectly imperfect, an artistic statement for entryways or accent walls in homes or hospitality projects. The Ombré collection is available in our most vivid South Beach Colors.

Vivid yellow living room wall.
Villa Lagoon Tile’s “Buzz” pattern in a Maple Sugar Ombré.

These dynamic tiles are made to last: no printed-on color here. Similar to natural stone, each cement tile is unique with slight color variations, the sign of an artisan-made product. Installing cement tiles is similar to installing natural stone, with tighter grout lines and use of a sealant after the tiles are set.


Villa Lagoon Tile's "Canyon" pattern in a Nile Blue Ombré, "Concentric Troika" shaped tile in an Excalibur Ombré, and our "Diagonal Sixteen" pattern in an Ponderosa Ombré.
Villa Lagoon Tile’s “Canyon” pattern in a Nile Blue Ombré, “Concentric Troika” shaped tile in an Excalibur Ombré, and our “Diagonal Sixteen” pattern in an Ponderosa Ombré.

Villa Lagoon Tile can custom-make your Ombré cement tile with many of our existing patterns but we created a few new fun patterns that will really show off the style. Contact us to create your custom look!


Villa Lagoon Tile's "Jibe" pattern in a Nile Blue Ombré.
Villa Lagoon Tile’s “Jibe” pattern in a Nile Blue Ombré.

Quick Look: Terrazzo Cement Tile

new style on the block: terrazzo cement tile

We have a total design game changer at Villa Lagoon Tile! Now you can add the depth and visual texture of terrazzo to all or part of your favorite cement tile patterns.4 examples of terrazzo cement tile

Terrazzo Cement Tile is suitable for all commercial and residential floors and walls when the appropriate application procedures are followed.4 examples of terrazzo cement tile


3 Sizes of White Marble Chips Availablephotos showing the different size terrazzo chips available

Villa Laggon Tile's Cubes A with mother of pearl terrazzo
Mother of Pearl Terrazzo Chips Also Available


You can make a major design impact with VLT’s Terrazzo Cement Tile! Solid terrazzo cement tiles can be made as large as 15×15 inches and the patterned terrazzo cement tiles are available in 8×8 and 12×12 inch formats.4 examples of terrazzo cement tile


For more information about our terrazzo options,  sample requests or placing an order Email us at [email protected] or call us at 251.968.3375color swatches of cement tile terrazzo

Design Just Got Real with Villa Lagoon Tile’s New Design Tool!

All new cement tile design tool. Add this to your creative workflow!



THE WAIT IS OVER! Our new cement tile design tool is now up and running! You can get lost for hours (and hours and hours) with the endless possible colorways!

Screenshot of our tile design tool's welcome page.


100s of Cement Tile Patterns Available! Step One is to pick the patterns you want to play with, don’t forget to consider a border pattern for a truly show-stopping design! Feel free to let us know if you don’t see the pattern you’re looking for.

Screenshot of our design tool's pattern page.


SO Many Colors! Step two is to get your color on! Our South Beach Palette has 80+ colors for you to design with so you’re sure to find the perfect combo.

Screenshot of our design tool's color selection/placement page.


Lay It Out! Step three is where the magic happens. Now you can see how your tile looks grouped together! Add a patterned border or a solid color tile to really enhance your cement tile design game.

Screenshot of our tile design's layout page featuring patterned and solid cement tile.


Floorify for Fun! Toggle that “on/off floorify” button – you know you want to!

Screenshot of our design tool's layout page with the "Floorify" option on.


Save Save Save! Step four is a real life saver! With a click of the “Download/Print” button, you can have the perfect tear sheet for your client or vision board!

Example of the tear sheet document generated by out tile tool.


Voila! Step five for the finish! When you’re ready for a quote or to place your order just email us the tile tool generated tear sheet along with your contact info, your project’s location and the quantity need for each tile and we can get started with turning your creativity into reality.

[email protected]

Photo of our "Caprice Summer" cement tile.

Using Cement Tiles Outdoors: The Importance of Using a Top-Coat Sealant with UV Filters

sls-green-patchwork-pool-vlt

Introduction
The presence of cement tiles as floor and wall covering indoors is established and continues to grow as architects and designers find new uses that enhance their projects. To a lesser extent, the uses of these versatile, colorful tiles outdoors are slowly being discovered. Their use on building facades and walls creates a work of art that compliments the building architecture and design. Cement tiles are prominently used outdoors in a few hotels such as the SLS Miami and SLS Las Vegas as pool decking. The stunning addition of patterned tiles in those areas creates a bright colorful background to the pool designs as bathers and sun worshippers relax sipping Pina Coladas.

An important factor to consider when using cement tiles is the use of the appropriate sealant for indoor or outdoor installations. We have conducted tests that provide clear evidence that the use of a top coat with UV filters is vital to maintaining the vibrant colors in cement tiles. Without the UV filters, the colors can noticeably fade in as little as four to five months.

Testing Method

stain-proof
Dry Treat Stain-Proof Impregnating Sealant

vlt-grout-release
VLT Grout Release & Top-Coat Sealant

A colorful cement tile was selected and prepared by marking off spaces where two sealant treatments would be applied. A Control section on the tile with no sealant was allotted. The test articles were:

  • Dry-Treat – Stain-Proof, a premium Impregnating/Penetrating sealant.
  • Villa Lagoon Grout Release and Top-Coat Sealant, a co-polymer top-coat sealant containing UV Filters.

The products were applied as directed by the manufacturer. Two coats of the VLT Grout Release/Top-Coat were applied and allowed to dry for 24 hours. The Dry-Treat/Stain Proof was applied in succession 3 times and allowed to dry for 24 hours.

On May 9, 2016, the tile were placed outdoors in an open space, no shade or covering. The tile was exposed to all weather elements present in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The weather there is typically hot, humid, lots of sun and lots of rain. Temperatures ranged from 70 F to 95 F with heat indices of >105 F. The tile was not maintained or cared for in any manner. The tile was often in direct all-day sunshine from May 9, 2016, thru September 21, 2016. Periodic rain and thunderstorms occurred, no hail or other weather events were present.

Results

  • Initially, on the test tile just after application of the Dry-Treat a slight change color (enhancement) was noticed but faded over the course of the 24 hour drying period.
  • The VLT Grout Release/Top-Coat Sealant showed a marked color enhancement that continued through the entire test period.
  • The test tile was brought inside on Sep 21, 2016, after 19 weeks+ 2 days exposure.
  • The tile was allowed to cool to room temperature prior to observations being recorded.
  • The test (Treated) tile was compared to an identical tile (Control) that had been stored in a sealed box in a warehouse. It had never been exposed to sunlight.
  • The Treated tile showed obvious effects of weather. On the Treated tile, the Control section where no sealant was applied showed fading in all the colors except for the white portions of the tile.
  • The VLT Grout Release/Top-Coat treated section of the tile showed no fading and the color remained vibrant and rich.
  • The Dry Treat/Stain Proof/Impregnating sealant showed comparable fading as in the Control (no Sealant section).

Discussion

  • The results of this simple test demonstrate that for outdoor use of cement tile, the VLT Grout Release/Top Coat co-polymer sealant with UV filters prevents fading and we consider it to be a superior treatment than the Dry Treat/Stain-Proof product for outside use.
  • The use of the VLT Grout Release/Top Coat co-polymer sealant provides an appealing color enhancement effect on cement tiles.

The UV filters prevented the colors from fading when exposed to bright sunshine for a long period of time. Though not tested in this experiment, we believe the VLT Grout Release/Top-Coat co-polymer sealant will prevent staining from bird droppings and other organic stains from leaves and natural debris.

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