Jessica Alba's tile color combination was in style 'before any of us were born,' experts say
The classic color combination brings hints of Mediterranean beauty to the West Coast – and it's a look that lives through the centuries
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.'
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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.'
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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.
Made in Spain, this tile brings authentic Southern European beauty to every style of home. It looks beautiful in the kitchen but is also approved for outside use if we desire.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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