I’m obsessed with repetitive pattern. I am particularly fond of tile patterns. I have a MAJOR THING for order and symmetry. I am particularly captivated by the Zellij tile patterns that are literally everywhere in Morocco, with their underlying meaning of infinity and the omnipresent center. They just draw me in….

Zellij Tile Stencils

So when Maryam proposed painting another set of stair risers for our upcoming painting project at Peacock Pavilions and sent me this inspiration….

Madeline Weinrib

I began pour through my pattern books and photos for appropriate Zellij tile patterns that I thought would be PERFECT for this series.

Zellij Tile Stencils

I found some….

Zellij Tile Stencils

and some more….

Zellij Tile Stencils

and yet more….maybe I’m taking this “infinity” thing a little too much to heart?

Zellij Tile Stencils

But are these not AMAZING?! Many thanks to Michelle here, who worked with me turn these classic and universally appealing patterns into stencils (available next month on the Royal Design Studio website) in record time.

This website has some fabulous information on the history, use, and significance of Zellij patterns in Moroccan decoration. It’s a must read!

Want more photos?? There is a fantastic Zellij Tile set here on Flickr.

BTW Maryam’s My Marrakech blog is a finalist in the 2008 Weblog Awards in the Best Middle East or Africa Blog category and she needs YOUR vote! You can vote here through Tuesday, January 13th.

7 Responses to “I never met a tile pattern I didnt like”

  1. Maryam in Marrakech Says:

    This is just going to look so amazing!!! I can’t wait!

  2. Heather Bruno-Sears Says:

    OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOh! Awesome! The symbolism of infinity and the omnipresent center is powerful, in everysense….it’s sacred art. Empowering to look at, and even more so to create. Makes me fall into an ecstatic trance…in awe of the eternal now, and how beautiful life can be! Great new designs Melanie!!! Counting down the days to our Peacock Pavilion painting adventure in Marrakech. Thank you for all your hard work behind the scenes: brainstorming the brilliant design concepts and tending to the details of our trip. I can’t wait to meet Maryam in person, I have been faithfully following her blog since being introduced to her… here at designamour. See you soon!

  3. Cat Says:

    LOVE it Melanie. Cannot wait for the stencils! EXACTLY what I need for my bathroom ceiling so now I am going to wait for these to come out before I do naything else!
    Catherine

  4. olga Says:

    I am totally obsessed with repetitive pattern as well and check in here regularly for my fix. So funny: 3 years ago I was desperately scouring for moroccan-themed stencils and bought everything I can find from everywhere and here you are ready to produce a whole bunch more. I will definitely be stocking up. The stencils figure prominently in a new series of art cards I’ve been making.

    Thank you!

    Olga

  5. Anna Says:

    These are so gorgeous. I’m very excited about their release next month–it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for to stencil some archways!

  6. Sandra Cohen Says:

    Beautiful Moroccan zillij patterns. Could you please tell me where can i find them?
    which book has these patterns

    Cheers,

    Sandra,

  7. John Says:

    Very interesting tile patterns. I was fascinated by the Morroccan tiles patterns when I visited Seville many years ago. You or your visitors might find the Victorian tile patterns illustrated at http://www.inquirewithin.biz/Household/furnishing/approach.htm interesting.

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