Boho chic design has captured the hearts of interior enthusiasts for its free-spirited, eclectic style that balances earthy tones with vibrant patterns and textures. Nowhere is this aesthetic better captured than in Moroccan-inspired tile designs, especially the intricate mosaics, colorful field tiles, and authentic Zellige. These tiles infuse spaces with warmth, texture, and artistry, perfect for anyone looking to add a global influence to their design.
Why Moroccan Tiles Are a Staple in Boho Chic Design
Moroccan tiles are known for their stunning handcrafted detail and rich cultural history. Featuring organic shapes, vibrant colors, and an artistic, slightly imperfect finish, they embody the heart of Boho chic. Incorporating these tiles into floors, walls, and backsplashes adds depth, character, and authenticity to any room, making them a go-to choice for designers who want to create a unique, lived-in feel.
Types of Moroccan-Inspired Tiles for a Boho Look
1. Zellige Tiles
Zellige tiles are handmade from clay, fired in kilns, and then glazed in beautiful, often slightly uneven colors, lending each tile its own character. The natural imperfections and color variations in Zellige tiles make them ideal for adding texture to spaces like kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, and accent areas. Popular in shades like deep emerald, cobalt, blush, and white, Zellige adds a timeless, handcrafted touch that makes any room feel artisanal and grounded.
2. Colorful Field Tiles
For those who want to introduce larger swathes of color, Moroccan-inspired field tiles are perfect. These tiles bring bold hues and striking patterns, whether in rich ochre, deep reds, or ocean blues. Ideal for floor designs or a playful wall accent, colorful field tiles transform a space into an artistic haven. Designers often mix and match colors to create vibrant, non-repeating patterns that feel fresh and full of life—a staple in Boho design.
3. Intricate Mosaics
Mosaic tiles are synonymous with Moroccan design. Their intricate patterns, often inspired by Islamic geometric art, add sophistication and a sense of history to spaces. Mosaics are ideal for creating accent walls or floor medallions and work beautifully in bathrooms and entryways where you want to make a visual statement. Combining mosaics with neutral surroundings highlights the beauty of each pattern without overwhelming the space.
Design Ideas for Using Moroccan-Inspired Tiles
1. Create a Colorful Kitchen Backsplash
Moroccan Zellige or colorful field tiles make an eye-catching backsplash in the kitchen. Choose shades that complement the natural tones of a Boho chic space—think warm terracotta, earthy greens, or dusty blues. Zellige’s unique, reflective surface adds dimension and warmth, helping even small kitchens feel inviting and sophisticated.
2. Transform Bathrooms with Zellige and Mosaic Tiles
For a spa-like retreat, opt for soft pastel Zellige on shower walls or as a bathtub surround. Add a touch of Moroccan-inspired mosaic to the floor for a Boho flair that’s both subtle and unique. Not only will this elevate the bathroom’s aesthetic, but the artisanal quality of these tiles also creates a calming, luxurious feel that’s perfect for relaxation.
3. Make a Statement Floor
Moroccan field tiles or mosaic tiles in bold colors and patterns can turn any floor into an art piece. Consider an entryway or hallway for a dynamic Boho vibe that greets visitors with a warm, artistic welcome. These floors can also make a fantastic foundation for more minimalist or monochrome rooms by adding just enough color and texture to keep things interesting.
4. Feature Wall with Moroccan Flair
Create a focal point in a living room or dining room with a Zellige or mosaic tile feature wall. This brings texture and color into the space without overwhelming it, setting the stage for a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Complement the feature wall with Boho-style decor, like woven textiles, plants, and natural wood furniture, for a well-rounded look.
Tips for Choosing and Installing Moroccan-Inspired Tiles
- Mix Patterns with Purpose: When working with patterns, balance is key. Consider pairing intricate mosaics with simpler field tiles to avoid visual clutter while still making a bold design statement.
- Embrace Imperfections: Part of the beauty of Zellige and other handmade Moroccan tiles lies in their imperfections. Each tile is unique, so embrace the slight color variations and uneven surfaces—they’re what make these tiles feel authentic.
- Use Grout to Your Advantage: Grout color can dramatically impact the final look of your design. White grout makes colors pop, while neutral or colored grout can blend tiles together for a subtler, cohesive effect.
Why Moroccan-Inspired Tiles Are Here to Stay
Moroccan-inspired tile designs have surged in popularity as the demand for global and artisanal design elements grows. With Boho chic’s emphasis on personalization and free-spirited design, these tiles fit beautifully into the style’s ethos. Their versatility makes them suitable for both modern and traditional homes, allowing designers to create spaces that feel warm, lived-in, and inherently artistic.
Where to Buy Moroccan Inspired Tiles
Realstone offers four collections that complement each other in the Boho Chic esthetic.
1. Casablanca
Casablanca blurs the lines between classic and contemporary, with vibrant colorways, go-to shapes and fun patterns. Bring dimension to walls with the structured wall tile, and round out the design with the petite hexagon floor tile.
2. Marrakesh
MARRAKESH offers the beauty and historic details of true Zellige tiles while still making it a perfect fit for design today. This collection is offered in two classic wall formats, and paired perfectly with decorative porcelain floor tiles.
3. Retrospectives
Artistic and alluring on top; bold and playful on the bottom. RETROSPECTIVES draws you in with its eccentric decors, while the wall tiles complement or stand-alone. These classic ceramic wall tiles and decorative floor tiles create a statement piece in a room big or small.
4. Zellige Classique
Originating in Morocco, these unique, handmade tiles are known for their organic beauty, vibrant colors and rich history dating back centuries. Authentic Zellige tiles are made from high-quality clay, then hand shaped, cut, glazed and fired at extremely high temperatures resulting in this incredibly durable and aesthetically pleasing tile.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating Moroccan-inspired tiles like Zellige, colorful field tiles, and mosaics brings a piece of cultural heritage and artisanal beauty to any design. These tiles are not only beautiful but are also a celebration of craftsmanship and global style, making them an ideal choice for Boho chic interiors that aim to be both timeless and unique. So whether you’re transforming a cozy kitchen or adding flair to a modern bathroom, Moroccan tiles offer a rich palette for creating spaces that inspire and delight.
