A legacy tile originating from the Netherlands may be coming back into interior design trends in the near future, according to industry experts.
In a January 2026 article in Home and Gardens, Charlotte Olby suggests that a love of the imperfect is a growing trend in home interior design. Citing prominent designers who are following this trend, she makes the case for living spaces that feel truly lived in. Breaking up the symmetry, mixing styles and eras, and adding personalized touches: these approaches can give a lived-in quality, distinct from the cold, geometrical perfection seen in some contemporary designs.
Delft tiles, a legacy tile from the Netherlands, are said to be making a comeback amidst this desire for more storied, historically grounded and expressive styles. Dating back to the 16th Century, they are typically white with hand-painted, blue designs, although today’s manufacturers have broadened their range; Royal Delft, for example, produces tiles with details painted in yellow or green.
Houston designer Sherrell Neal, quoted in Good Housekeeping in December last year, explains:
“[Delft tiles’] hand-painted character brings depth and narrative to the interior space.”
Story, history and humanity are qualities designers today are striving to achieve through a marriage of tradition and cutting-edge technology. While hand-painted tiles may be an expensive option, new tile printing methods can create custom ceramic tiles with designs that possess a distinctly hand-painted character.
If you are currently working on an interior design and are considering including a tile feature, contact us at Digital Ceramic Custom Tiles, and let’s discuss how our products may help realise your vision.
Talk to us today and find out how we can transform a project of any scale into an exciting visual experience.
