The enduring appeal of blue and white ceramic tiles
The European love of blue and white ceramics runs deep.
In the 16th century, the Portuguese established a colony in China began importing Ming porcelain to Europe. This smooth and shiny pottery caused a sensation that spawned new regional ceramic traditions in Portugal, Netherlands, Britain and Spain.
Blue and white ceramics became popular for tableware, decorative plates as well as tile mosaics.
Checked tiles and Delftware creates a stunning kitchen backsplash in this Provençal kitchen
Graceful in the way only classics can be, blue and white tiles adapt to a home’s unique style. Florals may add whimsy while a geometric motif lends a traditional touch and a narrative scene turns a simple kitchen backsplash into a mural. Besides, its soothing palette makes it exceedingly easy to mix different motifs without clashing.
A floral backsplash in the Swiss Alps transports us to the Mediterranean
Though located in the Swiss Alps, this lovely kitchen looks like it belongs in a country home in the Mediterranean. A Moroccan lamp hangs above and a Spanish lebrillo bowl sits on the table.
A floral kitchen backsplash done in 17th century blue and white Portuguese tile immediately draws the eye. Reminiscent of Delftware, this style of tin-glazed and hand-painted terracotta tile became characteristic of the Iberian Peninsula.
Terracotta flooring and wooden furnishings complete the rustic look.
Painted in vibrant colors, Our glazed ceramic tiles feature floral motifs inspired by the Mediterranean flora. These terracotta tiles vary in style, from minimalist Delft-like designs to more ornate motifs.
Above our Gavilla tile shows a large flower as the central motif. A scalloped pattern decorates the border of each tessera.
2. Blue and white tiles balance an eclectic ceramic plate wall in this Caribbean kitchen
A classic blue and white palette elevates even the most utilitarian corners of the home.
The ceramic tile mosaic in this sunny Colombian kitchen features a half-square triangle motif that balances the eclectic wall plate above where a medley of decorative Mediterranean plates hang.
Smooth glazed ceramic tiles like “Esquinas” offer great versatility. Laid differently, it can create a clever checkerboard mosaic or a fortune teller motif. While popular in cobalt blue, it is also available in custom colors.
3. A fireplace surround in cobalt blue tile decorates this Spanish-style Dallas residence
The room above is a study in pattern mixing. The blue palette unifies the disparate motifs in flooring, upholstery and wallpaper. Done in blue and white, the tiles in the fireplace surround features a hand-painted star motif that feels like a nod to the Lone Star State.
Hand-painted in cobalt blue, this star motif is a mainstay in Hispano-Arab mosaics. It comes in vibrant colors over unglazed terracotta, unframed as seen above, or framed within a geometric pattern.
4. Blue tile mosaics mix without clashing in this relaxed Provençal kitchen
This expansive French farmhouse kitchen accommodates several tile murals without overwhelming the space. Simple blue square tiles decorate the backsplash over the antique cooking range. Placed in either diamond layout, they add an accent to otherwise white walls.
A blue and white Delftware mural with tiles featuring geometric and narrative scenes covers another wall.
When mixing patterns, checkerboard balances more ornate motifs like the narrative Delftware scenes above. Laid in other side of the mural, the checkered tiling adds symmetry and variety in a kitchen where every careful detail has its own corner.
5. Compass tiles lend historic character to this 1950s house on the Costa Brava
Similar to the design seen in the Houston residence above, a star motif decorates the risers of the staircase in this airy Mediterranean home on the Costa Brava.
Variations of this 8-point star abound in traditional azulejo tile. Here, the contrast of dark and light blue tones on each vertice gives the design the appearance of a compass.
Known as Solomon’s Seal in Hispano-Arab azulejo tiles, we find this star motif in tile mosaics across the Maghreb, Portugal and Spain.
See our traditional Spanish tiles for more.
