Aerial view of gentle waves with white foam washing onto a sandy beach, with deep blue-green ocean water meeting smooth tan sand.

SECOND NATURE

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NOTES FROM ZIA

Second Nature is a material expression of the natural world, translated through our eyes into surface and structure.

Our home state of California became both muse and blueprint. We traveled across its varied landscapes to photograph the wonder ourselves, affirming what we already know: Mother Nature is the most intuitive designer—balancing contrast, variation, repetition, and restraint. We took cues from that innate intelligence in a release that embraces interconnectedness and moves across materials, in our largest launch to date.

Colors feel rooted and elemental. Patterns emerge with purpose. Tiles reflect nuance rather than uniformity.

This collection brings the logic of the outdoors inside, shaping design with both instinct and intention. When they move as one, it becomes Second Nature.

Big Sur, CA
35.9232° N, 121.4687° W

Green marble stone on a textured brown surface

A dark wooden door stands ajar, revealing a hallway with patterned tile flooring, frosted glass windows with black frames, and a woven basket bench against the wall. Warm, soft lighting fills the space.

PATTERNS THAT FLOW

It all starts with water. Second Nature’s cement tiles draw from three liquid landscapes: Shoreline, Currents, and River. We explored the contrast of casting movement into a material that doesn’t move at all. By setting these fluid lines in cement, we're channeling calm, directional energy.

With its elongated, wavy lines that stretch and drift apart, Shoreline echoes the graceful curves of California's iconic 800-mile coastline.

River follows the steady logic of water in motion, flowing in one direction, winding as needed, always on a clear path. This design guides the eye—a steady momentum carrying us where we need to go.

Currents mimics light as it bends and reflects across the surface of water. It’s the most dimensional design of the trio, delivering depth and movement in equal measure.

Big Sur River, CA
36°16'19.2"N 121°48'39.8"W

A modern kitchen with warm terracotta tiles, copper pendant lights, sleek dark cabinets, and large windows with frosted glass. A vase with dried branches sits on the counter, adding a rustic touch.

A cozy living room with a tan brick fireplace, cream sofas, mustard yellow armchairs, a round marble coffee table with a flower arrangement, wood flooring, and neutral walls with classic trim and molding.

The family room is serene and sun-drenched, as light pours in from a row of windows. Glazed Earth trapezoid zellige tiles decorate a focal fireplace, a statement feature amongst a quieter palette of soft, neutral upholstery. Classic moulding meets the furniture’s soft lines in this masterful mix of old and new.

The formal living room plays on a moodiness that invites intimate conversations and late-night gatherings. A contrast to the lighter tones found throughout the city, this intimate haven showcases antiques from independent local dealers.

A bathroom with a bathtub and a shower, surrounded by square tiles in orange, gray, and cream colors. The fixtures, including the showerhead, faucet, and towel rack, are gold-toned.

A modern bathroom features a brass sink and faucet, a small potted plant, and square beige tiles on the wall. A large round mirror and an oval wall light hang above the sink, with natural light coming through sheer curtains.

View through an open doorway into a bathroom with glossy burgundy tiles on the lower wall and floor, a dark brown wooden door, deep red painted upper walls, a white sink, and rich wooden wall paneling.

And last but not least, we see handmade Moroccan zellige appear in each beautiful bathroom. The contained spaces offer an opportunity for bold colors and creative patterns, each boasting a wholly unique perspective. From seemingly random mixes to thoughtful colorblocking to allover color, the versatility of zellige is on display.

While Zia Tile remains headquartered in Los Angeles, California, this most special part of our story belongs to Madrid. Stay tuned for more about our inspiration and work in this part of the world.