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Design + Installation

Pretty tile that lands right is a plan

Why electrical locations, pattern centerlines, and edge conditions should be coordinated before a Zellige focal wall is installed.

September 2, 2026 · 4 min read
Pretty tile that lands right is a plan Field Notes cover

Handmade variation is the point

No two Zellige faces catch the light in exactly the same way. Across a large wall, that variation stops reading as individual pieces and begins to read as texture.

The rough-in affects the finished pattern

Outlet, low-voltage, sconce, and firebox locations may be set months before tile is installed. Their placement determines whether the pattern reads cleanly or is interrupted at eye level.

Review the composition at full scale

Centerlines, herringbone direction, perimeter cuts, grout joints, and edge details should be reviewed together from the room’s primary sightline.

Pro Tip

Overlay every electrical plate and penetration on the proposed layout before installation begins. Pretty tile is a selection; pretty tile that lands right is a plan.

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