Go with the Glow: How Designer Ashley Okazaki Uses Natural White Zellige to Amplify the Light
There are many beautiful things about Zellige tile — not the least of which is how it radiates under sunlight.
It’s one of the reasons that designers like Ashley Okazaki (you can find her at @ashleyokazaki_interiors) use this traditional and beautiful, handcrafted Moroccan tile across many spaces, including kitchens bathed in natural light.
Tile Interior Design That’s a Natural
Ashley put our Natural White 2″x6″ Zellige tile to good use on more than a few occasions in her inspired designs — each one, positively glowing. The thing about this white tile is that it’s incredibly distinctive in appearance, with slight yet beautiful variations in size, color, and other imperfections.
Whereas some white tile may come across as flat or one-note, the handmade quality of Zellige is one of the reasons the white tile is so dimensional — especially with the ebb and flow of sunlight and shadow. It literally comes alive and reflects its surroundings.
This Coffee Bar is a Dream
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One example of how Ashley has put our Natural White 2″x6″ Zellige tile to work is in the design of this coffee bar, located along the back wall of a cozy dining area. It’s just the place for a sweet caffeine fix at any time of the day or night.
The white tile serves as the perfect backdrop for making an espresso with its soft, luscious tone that gets illuminated by its surroundings, including the windows directly across from it.
We love how Ashley styled this nook to perfection, right down to the last detail, with the Zellige as a signature design component. The tile stands out while also seamlessly integrating within the space.
An All-White Kitchen That’s Warm and Wonderful
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An all-white kitchen doesn’t have to be stark!
Ashley wholeheartedly proves that with this delightfully warm and cozy space, which has a gorgeous heritage feel — thanks to the creamy cabinetry, elegant gold hardware, and our Natural White 2″x6″ Zellige tile.
The tile acts as a focal point behind the stove and picks up rays of natural light from the window across from it. The subtle, reflective quality really breathes life into the space.
Channeling a Golden Glow with Accessories
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If you ask Ashley, she will tell you that kitchens need jewelry, too — like this unlacquered brass pot filler from deVOL Kitchens. And there’s no better foundation for it than our Natural White 2″x6″ Zellige tile.
We love how these two scene-stealers work in tandem to cast beautiful long shadows throughout the day and diffuse the light. Together with fresh flowers and other well-placed accessories, it’s genuinely a “chef’s kiss.”
More Ways to Capture the Light
While Natural White 2″x6″ Zellige tile is unique in its ability to reflect its surroundings and quietly complement surrounding colors while responding to the natural light, all Zellige tile colors can be a luminous addition to a space.
From Snow White to Sea Green, Rouge, Blush, Mediterranean Blue, and more, each hue has its own radiant characteristics. For more inspiration, see all the Zellige options here and check out our Instagram page for more tile interior design ideas!
