Alicia Silverstone’s 10th-century-inspired kitchen tiles are ‘simple in form, but full of character’ – designers say they'll never feel one-dimensional

In all their timelessness, white or cream tiles will rarely stop me in my tracks, but Alicia Silverstone’s chic pieces just did precisely that. The reason is that they are not ordinary tiles; they're Zellige tiles.

In recent years, Zellige-style pieces have influenced kitchen tile trends, but their history dates back to the 10th–11th century in Morocco, during the early Islamic period. Early examples were simple, often white (just like Alicia's) and brown or black, and were used for functional wall protection and decoration.

Now, in 2025, these tiles are effortlessly chic, appearing in celebrity homes, including those of Jessica Alba, Brooke Shields, and now the Clueless star's white kitchen.

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While kitchen tiles are not always the first thing you notice, Zellige pieces are different. The secret to their allure, designers say, is their ability to reflect light in a way that doesn't feel conventional. This means they never feel flat, but instead, bring a kitchen to life.

'Zellige tiles are such a great choice for kitchens because they add movement and depth; they’re never flat or one-dimensional. The natural variation in tone and texture means light bounces differently across each tile, giving the space real interest,' comments Simon Mayhew, the founder and interior designer at TXTURED.

Alicia has kept her tiles in a single tone, but Simon points out that experimenting with ombré shades can offer an added advantage.

'When you play with ombré colors, they become even more versatile, tying together different finishes and features in the kitchen, whether that’s cabinetry, countertops, or even brassware,' he says.

'What I love most is that they’re both timeless and classic – simple in form, but full of character.'

Do you have Zellige tiles in your kitchen? Let me know how you style yours in the comments below.