Jessica Alba's tile color combination was in style 'before any of us were born,' experts say

Jessica Alba's abode may be one of the most luxurious in Los Angeles, but its interiors have roots across the Atlantic on Mediterranean shores. 

The actress revives a classic Maiolica-style aesthetic in the corner of her kitchen via blue and white tiles that, experts say, is a classic color combination with the power to outlive fleeting design trends. 

'Blue and white is a classic kitchen tile combination. Add in the refinement and timeless charm of antique hand-painted Majolica tiles, and you instantly recreate Mediterranean vibes made famous on centuries-old fincas and palacio,' comments Grazzie Wilson, the head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

'It is a look that instantly takes you on vacation while providing a crisp and cool space that won’t date as the pattern and style have been around before any of us were born.'

Majolica is traditionally tin-glazed pottery decorated in colors (in Jessica's case, blue) on a white background. The most famous example of Majolica design is known as 'istoriato wares' (meaning, 'painted with stories), originating from Italy in the Renaissance period. This style later traveled to the US (via the rest of Europe) and is now associated with tiles alongside beautiful pottery pieces. 

With such a rich history, labeling Majolica as a 'tile trend' can feel uncanny. However, it does tap into an increasingly popular escapist movement that brings beautiful elements of faraway shores to our homes. 

'There has been a growing 'world traveler' trend design – bringing far away shores into our homes,' Grazzie comments. 'There isn't a particular country that tops the list, which makes it feel much more free-spirited, and these tiles are one way to bring faraway shores into your own home.'

Grazzie Wilson

Grazzie Wilson is head of creative at Ca'Pietra, a luxury stone and tile brand based in the UK.

Jessica has brought these tiles to life in her kitchen, but Grazzie explains that the 'world traveler' look is just as impactful in the bathroom. We can experiment with our wall tiles, but she explains that we should allow our floors to take center stage. 

'Bathroom walls can absolutely be in on this one, but the focus is bathroom floors, grounding your space in a sense of elsewhere so you can literally step foot into Andalusia, Cuba, Morocco, or wherever your imagination feels at its happiest.'

We've found some Jessica-inspired tiles for the perfect starting point. This look has impressed since the Renaissance, so of course, they're a safe investment.