I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for vintage tiles — especially blue and white ones but I’m open to other colors as well. Remember the home of Myrte de Zeeuw in Belgium that I shared with you last year? I’d even like to have tile like hers in my home, too. I think it’s quite sad that in many of the apartments and homes that I look at vintage flooring is often removed and replaced with standard white or gray tiles lacking in both charm and personality but also history – such a shame!
To me, there is nothing better than vintage tile floors (or even repros) in the wet areas of a home — even the entryway or balcony looks beautiful with them. And so seeing this image above in the Toast catalog I was reminded once again of my love of old tiles, particularly those from France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Europe in general and Turkey — though Germany has some beautiful ones too. And speaking of Toast, you must check out their linens, rubbish bins, towels and their lovely pillows.
We all have dreams of the perfect interiors… My dream is to someday live in a pretty apartment with lots of sunlight and blue and white tiles on the wall in the kitchen — vintage ones… And old windows, and tons of transom windows… and a built in bookcase, a fireplace with a mantle, high ceilings, wood floors (herringbone would be ideal)… And a bathroom with a large clawfoot soaking tub with a huge window. And a balcony overlooking something very pretty — like a courtyard or garden. I know… realistic, right!? :)
I have been thinking about this and seeing it in my mind for so many years but never can I find it. Ha! I wonder why!? But oh yes, I must say that I need not have all of those features — even just a few would be grand. But of course, a place with vintage blue and white tiles in the kitchen would be a dream come true for me. I’m thinking that perhaps I can put them up someday if I buy a home of my own. What a happy thought this is!
What is your dream when it comes to something you imagine having in your home that you do not currently?
Psst: Looking for some travel and interiors inspiration? You simply must visit Toast Travels. (images: toast)
April 16th, 2010 at 6:58 am
It is so funny that you would mention Myrte de Zeeuw’s home because we were at Lowe’s the other day and as I walked past the tile I thought about how flat and lifeless it looked compared to the beautiful tiles you had shown in your post. Was that really last year?? I looked EVERYWHERE in Morocco for vintage tiles because I really wanted to take some with me but in our area I could not find any. Maybe I could have found some in Marrakesh were they know tourist would be looking for that sort of thing but in our area apparently there was no demand. So sad, right?
.-= Traveling Mama´s last blog ..a new {sofa} =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:22 am
Hello.
Your blog is very delicate and beautiful.
I’m a french student in graphic design, and I wonder which typography you used for this post ?
Thanks for your answer. All the best.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:25 am
How about everything that I really want? I live in an apartment right now because I’m a college kid, so I have the wall of frames that I wanted, and the bedspread that I wanted, plus a few decorative things that I really love. But what I really, really want is a deep blue and white kitchen with wooden counters that I can put my pretty yellow KitchenAid mixer on, and throw other yellow accents about the room. :)
.-= Kodi´s last blog ..daily =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:39 am
If I had my druthers, we’d have pretty doors in all our rooms and white ceilings. We have 70′s versions now and, while lots of people like the retro look, we’d love lighter ceilings and more soundproof doors (that look prettier, too!). It’s not bad, it just could be better =)
.-= juliette´s last blog ..Roadtrip 2010: dream Helsinki =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:39 am
My absolute dream home has large windows, high ceilings, a fireplace, white washed hardwood floors, thick crown moulding, and a large garden with a goldfish pond. My dream condo is the one from ‘Rosemary’s Baby’. I do like our condo, it has the windows, patio with pond, and fireplace. I certainly can’t complain!
.-= Jessa´s last blog ..Infertility 101- Ch.5 Sure, I’m exactly like Angelina Jolie =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:43 am
a huge screened-in porch is what i long for….with a table where i can eat my breakfast!
.-= Southern Belle Simple´s last blog ..The Dix House, Before & After =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:47 am
These pictures are so beautiful. I love the rubbish bins, but I would prefer one in white…And as for my dreams – right now I’m dreaming of having a beautiful, light home office/craftroom with huge windows and a small balcony where I can put some flowers or herbs and a little bench with some pretty pillows…
.-= Masha´s last blog ..Minimalist Shopping =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 7:58 am
Traveling Mama — That was last April, yes. I know… time is flying. And I thought that same thing lately at Toom here in Germany as I browsed tiles and such. BORING. SNOOZE FEST. Where is the innovation? I actually have two KILLER inventions for flooring that I’d love to roll out but have no idea how to do it or even where to begin. I have had them in my design notes since 2004 and wish I knew where and how to do something with these two rad ideas that I have…. Because they’d definitely bring back something FRESH into Lowe’s and Home Depot everywhere!
April 16th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Blue and White is so classic! Love the tiles ~~
.-= laura trevey´s last blog ..Thursday Giveaway =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Love this post.
My dream for my home is a lovely, rustic, table that can seat 12 { no less }
people….
We have a small, lovely, rustic, table that seats 4…and we have 5 in our family :) Our dining area is small…so no chance on having a larger table. But, that’s fine.
We are planning to convert our 60′s deck into a 2010 porch for dining, and with that…I’m designing my porch table. Years ago I collected mexican tiles with not quite a vision of what to do with them. Now, I’m planning my table top w/ these tiles!
Perhaps I’ll post photos when it’s complete ~
Happy Dreaming…
April 16th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Goodness Holly your dream home sounds perfect! :) I think that’s what all your readers dream about.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Amazing Armstrong Ads =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 8:04 am
Interestingly enough, for the last 3 nights (and I imagine a few more weeks), I have been collecting ideas and inspirations for a storyboard for my ideal home interiors. This was spurred by my need for a new sofa, and of course that just opens a window for the want of new end tables, lighting, rugs, dishes and new office furniture.
It’s making my personal creative side very happy.
Your post was perfect timing. But then that’s just how decor8 works…
April 16th, 2010 at 8:07 am
oh my…I just read your last post, Holly… and I am sooo curious about your KILLER/RAD ideas for flooring…
Serious. What is up your sleeve? Sometimes I stare at tiles and can’t quit thinking about them.
:)
You Go Girl ~
April 16th, 2010 at 8:11 am
It´s amazing!! I thought was just me used to be dream with these “vintage” floors… i love so much the tile from the fourth pic (with have the white e blue bed).. is a little red, isn´t? Sorry i cant explain as well but, i was very glad to see this photos and what you wrote. Nice and beautiful images! Take a look on this: http://weheartit.com/entry/1229743
i wanna know more about the history this tile :)
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Nada se cria? =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 8:19 am
Portuguese, the tiles are from Portugal, you know?? small country in Europe…
April 16th, 2010 at 8:24 am
Oh, I don’t think that is unrealistic…not for you my dear! Dream big! Something I dream about but, don’t currently have is a complete kitchen redo….our kitchen is fine the way it is but, I DREAM of having a big, bright, white kitchen with white hardwood floors, white simple cabinets(some open on top) a big island in the center, farmhouse sink and french doors right by the little eat in nook that lead to the backyard….dreaming big. :)
xo
Melis
.-= Melissa de la Fuente´s last blog ..The little things: Aqua & peaches…. =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 8:26 am
Diana you are too funny! Good to know these are from Portugal. Thanks for the tip — that is the location where Toast shot the catalog from what I can tell.
April 16th, 2010 at 8:27 am
Suzanne – Oh I have very full sleeves! But the problem is I have no clue where or how to even begin with my product design ideas — esp. when it comes to flooring….
April 16th, 2010 at 8:27 am
Shelley – Aw, thanks honey.
April 16th, 2010 at 8:31 am
thank God that Diana mentioned it! PORTUGAL is the kingdom of tiles! Gosh, you’d all better have some info on european traditions and culture, huh? X(
April 16th, 2010 at 8:43 am
The trash bins are adorable!
April 16th, 2010 at 8:47 am
17th century portuguese tiles always look beautiful in any picture, ans these Toast ones are really great :-) Thank you for sharing!
.-= Margarida´s last blog ..Shop update: come and see what’s new around there :-) =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 9:26 am
Stella/Diana – You ladies are cracking me up! Well Portugal wasn’t mentioned by name but I did say, “Europe in general” and well, is not Portugal in Europe? So maybe you have read my post too quickly!
April 16th, 2010 at 9:28 am
And BTW — Tiles from Portugal were blogged about on decor8 before here for you to enjoy: http://decor8blog.com/2009/10/13/inspired-by-4/
April 16th, 2010 at 9:30 am
that bedroom is perfect; it’s like being on vacation everyday.
April 16th, 2010 at 9:50 am
So “kindred spirit” of you to mention blue and white tiles – they are also a fave of mine. I’m at this moment starting on the re-do of my 1925 bungalow. I have so many things on my wish list, but the first item is the easiest: color! I’m stripping all the walls in the house of the neutral patterned wallpaper I’ve live with for 30 years and painting them sky blue, seafoam green, turquoise, sun yellow…everything cheery. The outside of the house has always been white. I would like to get new siding eventually and it MUST be yellow with white trim…to go with my fave door color – blue!
.-= Cheryl R´s last blog ..Happy Tax Day =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 9:51 am
The Toast catallogue was shot (at least partly) in Lisbon, in an old building that is a private school today. Lisbon is full of those tiles (some better kept than others) and it’s one of the the most beautiful things to see.
Yes, thanks for asking, I’m Portuguese, born in Lisbon. :)
.-= Ana´s last blog ..Passeio de Domingo / Sunday Stroll =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
oh boy! if i could have something in my house it would be that bed with the blue and white bedding and that adorable canopy!!! please god! give me that bed!!
xoxo
tod
.-= Tod´s last blog ..Whats In Your Queue? =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Oh yes, the 1st photo, with the white and blue tiles and the wooden green door is in Lisbon/Portugal with no doubts.
Lisbon is full of buildings with these beautiful tiles, as well as with beautiful black and white drawings of its stone paved side-walks.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
@Traveling Mama
Are you kidding? Every corner of any medina is STUFFED with vintage tiles. Or not-so-vintage tiles. I could hardly stop myself from taking some with me. Well, and a sink, too. It’s really crazy to hear you didn’t see them.
.-= Frau Mayer´s last blog ..Wallpaper decisions =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Well, Hannover is full with flats boasting pretty tiles. Every second house in the List has them. What a lucky lady you are :)
.-= Frau Mayer´s last blog ..Wallpaper decisions =-.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Frau Mayer – Great joke, ha ha!!! You’re a funny one Alina. ;)
April 17th, 2010 at 6:19 am
Holly, you know what I’m talking about :) Halt die Ohren steif! Alles wird gut.
.-= Frau Mayer´s last blog ..Wallpaper decisions =-.
April 17th, 2010 at 10:50 am
I have so many home dreams…
I always wanted a fireplace, a pretty blue refrigerator and a breakfast nook in my kitchen.
.-= Shell´s last blog ..My Favorite things =-.
April 17th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Your dream home sounds absolutely amazing! Everytime I think I have my dream home figured out, it changes the next day. Thank goodness, I have a partner that enjoys renovations as much as I do! :) For now, my dream home would have a completed kitchen. We’re on day 196(ish) without one….
April 17th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Given your description of your dream apartment, it seems that some day we are destined to be neighbors cause your list pretty much mimics mine. Especially the tub. Oh how I miss having a gigantic soaking tub and a view of woods outside my window!
.-= Paulette´s last blog ..Places I Like (4/17/10) =-.
April 18th, 2010 at 1:30 am
I have always wanted a home that has a very large and open backyard. Aswell as a decently sized front yard (preferbly large!). All with a ancient Italian/UK flare. The front should be vintage fenced in white, with tall bushes on the surround of the home. The house should be cladded white with black shutters on windows, with (my favourite part!) a YELLOW front door! Yellove!! Framed in black. With a gallery/porch surround the entire house, in white vintage railings. The outer front entrance will have either concrete or vintage tilling. The inner entrance will have vintage tilling, chandellier, textured or graphic wall paper; all the while, having the art gallery effect concept. From there, you will see the stairwell to the right and the hallway to the enmeties of the main floor to the left.
I have dreamed this up for years now and as time goes on, it just keeps adding on! I have drawn up my floorplan for it and have my ideas noted. Now, it’s to make it happen. I may be only 24 but, I can still dream and plan!!
Your day is coming, Holly! All the best on your hunt. I constantly think about you finding your home and praying that it comes soon!
April 18th, 2010 at 7:31 am
If you like those tiles, two must see flickr galleries : http://www.flickr.com/groups/azulejos/ and http://www.flickr.com/groups/589458@N21/
and what do I miss in my flat…..another room for my crafting ;-))))
thanks for your post
fati
.-= Fati´s last blog ..Un ours à l’Atelier =-.
April 18th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
I love the colours in these photos. Beautiful.
April 18th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
The tiles of the first photo belong to a school, where I studyed a few years ago. See the photos here: http://www.cmb.pt/principal.html
=)
April 19th, 2010 at 9:43 am
I’m a bit late to this but am going to add my dream home idea anyways…the main thing I want is just a home of my own. No more apartment renting and roommates – I’m exhausted by sharing my space with relative strangers and not being able to put out nice things because they’ll get broken.
It’d be a great bonus if the home had a brick wall, closet space and a gas stove. Ooo…and space for a canopy over the bed like the picture!
April 20th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Hmm..what do I want in a home that I don’t currently have? A home! I’m not at a point in my life to buy, but I have to move out of my current apartment by the end of May. I’ve been looking like crazy, but all of the places in this town are tiny, far away, expensive, dirty, or all of the above! I’m just starting to feel really frustrated. But I’m sure it’ll work out. Keeping my fingers crossed, an eye on Craigslist, and going on lots of evening bike rides, looking for For Rent signs.
You know that song “Someday my prince will come?” I’d much rather have it be “Someday my place will come”…!!!
.-= Emily´s last blog ..The Dream Keeper =-.
April 30th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
If you like European tiles but did not know Portuguese tiles, then you have certainly a treat waiting for you. The style is quite different than the northern european one you mentioned, and not quite in that post where did you put the link from. These Toast ones are totally very portuguese, even without the really identifiable locations and places.
But the point of the post is this one, please everybody do not BUY portuguese vintage tiles. I don´t know how it is on other countries, but in Portugal theft of tiles, azulejos, to sell to antiqueshops is a huge problem. It destroys pannels, it destroys many more azulejos than the ones sold, it destroys the integrity of walls, it is just heartbreaking. So if you love vintage tiles, the chance of getting some legal onesi s tiny. Take photographs of them, appreciate them, buy new ones in the same pattern done by the same companies which did lots of the old ones ( Viúva Lamego e Sant´anna), but do not buy vintage tiles, please. Customs might, and should, give trouble to people taking those in luggage.
More here
http://www.sosazulejo.com/englishsummary.php
May 30th, 2010 at 6:44 am
Beautiful tiles, especially those blue ones. I really want to try Bouchon and not just because of the tiles.