Trending: Moroccan Tiles

Moroccan tiles, or Zellige in Arabic, is ornately intricate mosaic tilework made from individually chiseled geometric tiles.

Zellige is used to adorn walls, ceilings, fountains, floors, pools, and tables, and range across a vast spectrum of color palettes. Originating with the Moorish people who immigrated to the Iberian Peninsula, Sicily, and Malta, Zellige has been a part of traditional Islamic art and architecture since the Middle Ages. Originally Berbers of North Africa and the Sahara, these people moved across continents over the centuries, melding and evolving their culture.

This Moorish form of artistic craftsmanship flourished during the time of Hispano-Moresque, when Southern Spain and Portugal was the Al-Andalus, directly connected to the Maghreb, or Berber Northern Africa. Today, Fez and Meknes in Morocco are the primary sources of Zellige production. The clay tiles are primarily made of Kaolinte, a mineral clay consisting mostly of silica and aluminum.

Over the centuries, the technique of fabrication evolved and began incorporating more and more colors, moving past an earthy, neutral palette. Once more colors were incorporated, it became more possible to create ad-infinitum, a pattern that appears seemingly endless in all directions. In these patterns we see elaborately embellished stars, octagons, cabochons, and crosses, and there’s not a place in the world where you wont catch a glimpse of Zellige somewhere.

Take a peek at how Moroccan tiles are incorporated into the interior decor of these structures!

Silvery Turquoise Beneath Bright Fuchsia

Photograph courtesy of Pinterest

Photograph courtesy of Ideas Para

Zig-zag Star Frame Beneath Floral Mandala

Photograph courtesy of Pinterest

Photograph courtesy of Flickr

Photograph courtesy of Decoholic

Photograph courtesy of Etsy

Photograph courtesy of By Cocoon

Photograph courtesy of Drummonds UK

Photograph courtesy of Aphrochic

Photograph courtesy of Etsy

Photograph courtesy of HJ Arterum

Photograph courtesy of Themeta Picture

Photograph courtesy of Etsy

Photograph courtesy of Blog Lovin

Photograph courtesy of My Domaine

Photograph courtesy of Mor Flora

Photograph courtesy of Pinterest

Photograph courtesy of Pinterest

Photograph courtesy of Maison Valentina

We think the Marrakech, Morocco is one of the most romantic cities in the world, check out our article on the Seven Most Romantic Cities across the globe!

Color Therapy Create A Sanctuary

Chromotherapy: Opulence in Orange

Color Therapy, surrounding yourself in shades that stimulate your senses and enlighten your being.

Dynamic, charming, and energetic, shades of Orange create an environment rich with feelings of abundance. Orange has a way of freeing your self expression, awakening wisdom of self, inspiring intuition and creativity, relieving repressions and depression, and boosting your immune system. With wavelengths of warmth, orange increases the activity of the thyroid gland, and stimulates the lungs, digestive and respiratory systems.

Japan

Photograph courtesy of Doc Tee Boh

The Sahara

Photograph courtesy of Flickr

India

Photograph courtesy of Pinterest

Nepal

Photograph courtesy of Pinterest

Nepal

Photograph courtesy of The Chive

Morocco

Photograph courtesy of Tory Burch

Morocco

Photograph courtesy of Pinterest

S v a d h i s t h a n a

Orange is the essence of our sacral chakra, Svadhisthana, which is translated as “the dwelling place of the self,” and is the energy center of our creativity and sexual empowerment. Governing the emotional and sensual aspects of life, it helps us to find our own voice and pleasure center in life. Svadhisthana is greatly impacted by the element water, and can be balanced by spending plenty of time in or near to it.

Image courtesy of Angelina Samadhi

Image courtesy of Absolum

Y O G A

Yoga asanas that benefit the sacral chakra are Ustrasana (Camel Pose, as shown above), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Baddha konasana (Butterfly Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), and Utkata Konasana (Goddess Squats).

Sacral H e a l i n g Foods

Photograph courtesy of Daily Motion

A diet ripe with benefits for your sacral energy center consists of coconut, carrots, walnuts, almonds, orange,, mandarin, melon, mangos, papaya, pumpkin, and pears.

The use of Jasmine, Sandalwood, and Ylang-Ylang, essential oils can greatly benefit your sacral chakra, and their aromas will induce a blissful temperament.