A Centuries-Old Design Movement Is the Season’s Most Exciting Trend
While the Internet was busy talking about the emergence of red as the latest “it” color and bookshelf wealth, a centuries-old design movement has been quietly making its way back into the conversation. Maybe you’ve noticed, maybe you haven’t, but there’s no denying it: Blue-and-white porcelain, ceramics, and tilework are quietly everywhere.
The trend first started popping up last year—in kitchens, bathrooms and fireplaces with Delft-style tiles. Originally invented by the Dutch in the 1600s, these charming, humble tiles often depict small hand-painted portraits of people, farm animals, florals or bucolic and nautical scenes in a signature blue-and-white color palette. In recent months, I’ve also noticed an uptick in Chinoiserie-style ginger jars and wallpaper, blue-and-white Portuguese porcelain, and Spanish tile. They’re popping up in interior design projects and on the retail market, but no one is really talking about it…yet.
I love this trend both for its warm, welcoming qualities (it reminds me of my childhood and the dinner plates my grandmother owned) and also for the unexpected visual weight it carries. A little goes a long way, but because of the simple duo of colors, a lot goes a long way too. Try it in small doses with a pretty vase or salt-and-pepper shaker, or fully embrace it in a kitchen backsplash. Ahead, three ways to add this look to your home, whether you have $20 or $2,000 to spend.
If you’re looking to mix things up—just a little: Add blue-and-white decor or tableware.
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking this whole trend is a bit too “granny” for you. Perhaps you prefer newer, more modern design details? Here’s a quick decorator trick for you: If you feel like everything around you feels too new, sprinkle in a few storied pieces to nail that cool, collected contemporary-with-a-twist European vibe. An easy and affordable place to start is with some blue-and-white vases, floral plates, or a set of coasters.
Buy them:
Modern Delft Blue Vase With Fun Bicycle Design, $55 at Etsy
Montrose Terracotta Vase Collection, from $50 at Pottery Barn
Two’s Company Chinoiserie Mini Ginger Jar Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, $22 at Amazon
Italian Blue Floral Pasta Bowl, $15 at Sur La Table
Delft Blue Canal Houses Marble Coaster Set, from $38 at Etsy
If you have a tendency to change your mind: Try peel-and-stick wallpaper or decals.
I get it: Trends come and trends go, and then you have to decide if you still love them enough to turn them into personal classics. While blue-and-white decor, tile, and tableware will never really stale, there’s always the chance you’ll grow tired of them. In that case, skip anything too permanent and keep to temporary solutions like peel-and-stick wallpaper and tile decals.
Buy them:
Porto Tile Decals, $50 for 2’ x 4’ at Chasing Paper
1680 Antique Minimalist Blue French Tiles Peel & Stick Wallpaper, from $40 at Etsy
Chinoiserie “Whimsy” Blue and White Large Scale Pattern Wallpaper by Pattern Garden, from $39 at Spoonflower
If you’re remodeling: Opt for a blue-and-white tile fireplace surround or backsplash.
Authentic blue-and-white tiles, particularly anything from the original delft manufacturer Royal Delft in Amsterdam, come with a majorly hefty price tag. A single tile can set you back several hundred dollars, and an antique set of fewer than a dozen can ring in at more than 10 times that amount. But just because you don’t have thousands earmarked for your project’s tile doesn’t mean you can’t add the classic, historical touch to your home. Even just a few tiles intermixed with simple white square tile can go a long way, especially in a fireplace surround or in the backsplash area above your cooktop.
Buy them:
Kitchen Backsplash Delft Style, $278 for 22 tiles at Etsy
M051 Herendira Blue Hand Made Wall Tiles, $1 per tile at Milagros
17th Century: Maiolica De Delft – Piccola (Varied Styles), from $45 per tile at Clé Tile
Portuguese Hand Painted Decorative Replica Tile, $404 for 20 tiles at Etsy
Blueware Tile Golf Player, $22 at Royal Delft
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