It's hard to fault the timelessness and versatility of a black and white kitchen, but in all its benefits, it's vital to know how to ensure this palette doesn't fall on the wrong side of boring. Enter – Brooke Shields, who has demonstrated yet another way to make this classic color combination feel alive, and it comes in the shape of her white Zellige kitchen tiles, seen on the wall behind her stove.
Hailing from Morocco, and dating back to the 10th century, Zellige tiles are usually square (much like the ones seen in Shields's kitchen), but they can come in all shapes and sizes. Every tile is often created by hand, meaning each one has a different finish, due to the glaze the color variations can be limitless.
This means their 'imperfect' finish is often a talking-point – thus making them perfect for black and white kitchens, where adding interest through texture is key.
Categorizing Zellige tiles as a trend can feel like somewhat of an unfair label, considering these pieces have influenced interiors, in some ways, for centuries. However, it's hard to deny that the Zellige revival that started in 2021, has only increased in recent seasons.
Backed by the likes of Blake Lively (in her neutral Zellige-covered shower room), and Jessica Alba, who also brings them into her kitchen, we've already spotted this tile trend in the houses of some of Hollywood's elite – consistently adding a rustic, textured interest as it does in Shields's kitchen. However, alongside its ability to elevate neutral spaces, and its celebrity appeal, Wisconsin-based designer Courtney Wollersheim says we can owe the Zellige movement to its handmade qualities.
'Zellige tile is trending because of its craftsman-like handmade qualities. Homeowners are drawn to the variance in the glaze, tone and glossy or satin finishes. Each tile seems to be unique which brings an earthy, natural feeling that personalizes any space the tile is installed in,' she comments.
Plus, Zellige tiles have a place beyond the kitchen. As Wollersheim explains, the uniqueness of this style means it's just as impactful in the bathroom – most particularly in the shower (Blake Lively, we're looking at you).
'True Zellige tiles are made by hand from clay and have a distinct range of thickness from tile to tile, giving it lots of dimension both visually and texturally. When the different tones and textured tiles are installed together in a backsplash or shower, it’s the overall eye-catching variance that gives the greatest impact,' Wollersheim says.
For a more an even more accessible way to tap into the trend, she recommends picking up some Zellige-inspired ceramic tiles that exhibit the same look. 'Plus, they can have more continuity in thickness.' Similarly, we can get the Brooke Shields-inspired look with some accessories that we couldn't help but notice in her kitchen and on her countertops. Our current favorite is her PowerXL Airfryer, that's currently the best selling version in the country. In case we need another reason to make the investment.
Lastly, when looking back to Shields's tiles, it's worth noting Zellige tiles are best installed in a traditional way, with little to no gap in between for the best visual effect. This is how the actress uses the tiles in her kitchen, and how the experts recommend doing it – because if something is classic, there's no reason to change it.
