One rule in design is that there are no rules. In this case, we would consider other fixed elements in the room, to balance the overall design. Purple is powerful enough in tile that it often works best when the surrounding textiles, countertops, and cabinetry are more neutral, giving the focal color room to lead. Plum and Purple Iris zellige suit a single wall or niche, as well as our purple-based mosaics. Aubergine and Tyrian read closer to a neutral purple-brown and can stretch across a floor or a full wall without asking the rest of the room to defer to it.

While color tone can absolutely lead a design, tile material can be the deciding factor more than the undertone. Plum and Purple Iris zellige stay in a cool, jewel-toned register, while Aubergine and Tyrian cement read as warmer options, with notes of earth tones rather than a true violet. The surrounding materials in the room shift the perception further, so ordering samples and evaluating them in the actual installation space, under both natural and artificial light throughout a 24-hour period, is a more reliable way to choose.

Yes, depending on the material. Cement tile is approved for interior floors and exteriors in non-freeze/thaw climates, and zellige can be used on floors as well, despite its more uneven surface. On high-traffic or wet floors, plan for a minimum 1/8" grout spacing and reference our installation guides for the specific material's resealing schedule, paying extra attention to showers, outdoor spaces, and heavily trafficked interiors.

Yes, with material-specific considerations. Zellige is approved for wet applications with proper sealing, including pools, fountains, tubs, shower walls and floors. Our handmade cement is not suitable for pools or spas due to its porosity, though it can be used on shower walls and floors with proper sealing and a minimum of 1/8" grout spacing on any floor application.

Tile care and maintenance will depend on the material, rather than the color. Regular sweeping or vacuuming helps to clear grit, followed by a pH-neutral cleaner. Bleach, vinegar, and other acidic products etch glazes and dull cement, so they should stay out of the routine entirely. Reseal zellige and cement on the schedule specified in each installation guide, and reseal more often in a shower or another wet space.

A grout closely matched to the tile keeps the surface reading as one continuous plane, which suits a saturated jewel tone like Plum or Purple Iris. A grout with a touch more contrast adds definition without pulling attention from the color. A strongly contrasting grout pushes the layout toward something more graphic, an approach that reads well with a more neutral tone like Aubergine or Tyrian cement installed in a clean grid.

Please have your contractor, designer, or installer confirm the square footage needed for your tile order. A professional should measure each surface in square feet, multiplying length by width, then add the totals together for the full square footage. A minimum of 15% overage covers curation and cuts. For handmade zellige, plan for overage up to 25% if a more uniform result is desired. For project-specific quantity guidance, please contact our team at info@ziatile.com or 310‑844‑1170.