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DELFT TILES

The Art of Utility by Live Original

The laundry room:a forgotten utility or a canvas for creativity? For this home, designed by Annie of Live Original, the answer was a vibrant commitment to pattern and colour green. Captured beautifully by photographer Sarah Strunk, the space proves that by treating our hand-decorated Delft tiles as a 'fabric' for the sink and surrounding surfaces, a routine utility can be turned into a exquisite example in cohesive design. Join us as we go behind the scenes to talk about layering textures, the durability of ceramics, and why the most practical rooms in the house are often the best places to take a design risk.

What drew you to using decorative tile in a laundry room—a space so often treated as purely functional?
We have always felt that the rooms we use most deserve to feel the most special. A laundry room is where you spend real, everyday time — folding clothes, cleaning up messes, and keeping life moving. If I’m going to stand there day after day, I want it to make me happy. Decorative tile was a way to bring beauty into a hardworking space and turn a routine chore into something a little more enjoyable.

What was it about the Delft tiles that resonated with you for this project, both aesthetically and practically?
The Delft tiles felt timeless the moment we saw them. We loved the charm of the hand-illustrated motifs; they bring a sense of story that feels classic and collected rather than trendy. Practically speaking, they are incredibly durable and easy to wipe down — perfect for a room that handles water and everyday messes. It was one of those rare design decisions that checked both boxes beautifully.

How did you approach pattern here? What role did repetition play in creating cohesion rather than clutter?
Pattern can be intimidating if you tiptoe around it, so we decided to fully embrace it. We treated the tile almost like a fabric and let repetition do the work. By carrying the same tile across the sink, backsplash, and countertop, it became a calming, consistent backdrop instead of feeling busy. The small motifs provide interest and detail, while the steady green palette keeps everything feeling peaceful and pulled together.

Laundry rooms are intimate spaces. How did you want this room to feel when standing in it day-to-day?
Honestly, we wanted it to feel cheerful and a little bit fun. Laundry is never going to be glamorous, but the space around it can be. We wanted to walk in and feel like we were in a cozy, happy corner of the house rather than a forgotten utility room. The rich greens, warm brass, and sweet tile details make it feel welcoming — almost like a tiny escape from the rest of the day.

Can you talk us through how you layered the tiles with color, cabinetry, and fittings to create balance?
Balance was essential. Because the tiles bring so much personality, we grounded them with deep green cabinetry to give the eye a place to rest. Wrapping the room in that same green paint helped the entire design feel intentional. Brass hardware added warmth, ensuring the space didn't feel too flat or cool. Each layer supports the next so the room feels collected, not chaotic.

What advice would you give to someone considering patterned tile in an unexpected room for the first time?
Start in a smaller, hardworking space where you can afford to be a little brave. Laundry rooms, mudrooms, and powder baths are the perfect places to take a risk. Don’t be afraid to commit — pattern works best when you lean into it with confidence. Choose colors you truly love, build the room around them, and most of all, have fun. These practical rooms are the perfect opportunity to let your personality shine.

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