Trendy Tile in a Hip Comfort-Food Spot? Inside DIG Brooklyn and Its Zellige Interior
Have you ever wondered about the design story behind your favorite public spaces? The new Brooklyn location for popular seasonal comfort food experts DIG features checkered Zellige tile walls that bring some fresh fun to the restaurant’s newest spot. It might be the right time to incorporate this style into our own designs a little closer to home, too.
A Fresh Spin on a Timeless Look
Checkerboard tile is a classic. From vintage homes to modern spas, this tile pattern adds depth and drama to any space. But even the classics need an update every so often, and Kate Perkins of @kaper_design_co put her fresh spin on this look by taking the checkerboard to the walls.
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With simple floors and plenty of natural light, adding pattern and complexity to the walls was a great choice. The space is colorful but not cluttered, which is perfect for a restaurant like DIG that wants its customers to feel comfortable sitting down to stay a while with friends. This reimagined-classic vibe mirrors the aesthetic perfectly since the company is praised for making old diners and storefronts fresh again for a new wave of local eats.
Make It Colorful (But the Subtle Kind)
This interior checkered Zellige aesthetic is also a great way to incorporate color without being too bold. Don’t get us wrong — everyone at Riad Tile loves a floor-to-ceiling emerald green or rose look, but sometimes the space calls for more restraint. The Sea Green 4”x4” and Snow White 4”x4” Zellige tiles at this DIG location match the overall fresh and friendly message that loyal customers have come to expect. We also love that you can find these same colors on DIG’s exterior awnings throughout the area.
This design is a perfect way to continue a color story throughout your own home, too. Instead of carrying the bold hues from your living room into the kitchen, opt for something more subtle and choose a checkered Zellige backsplash with one neutral and your accent color. The spaces will feel cohesive without being overbearing.
Adding Interest to Small Spaces
Designing a small space in your home can be challenging, so we’re always looking for creative ideas to add to our arsenal. Large, patterned tile is often overwhelming for small nooks or powder room walls, but a monotone look can be a bit uninspiring. We’re thrilled that 2024 might be the year to embrace checkered tile walls once and for all.
Designers and DIY enthusiasts have used this approach for a while, like Lauren Jansen of @farmhouseish did in her kitchenette renovation. Her “strategically random” Zellige tile checkered pattern is the perfect scale for this space. The contrasting colors from our Snow White 4”x4” and Steel Grey 4”x4” pop surrounded by white cabinets.
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This fun look would be easy to create over a bathroom vanity, behind the laundry room shelves, or even as an accent around the fireplace. You can add your style to the space without worrying about overdoing the design drama.
It can be hard to translate the fun designs we see out in public spaces into workable solutions at home, but this checkered Zellige style is an easy trend to incorporate for your next renovation.
