What’s in the box?

The tiles for the kitchen have finally arrived!

These were one of the many things that we decided last year, we couldn’t deal with “just right now”. So, while we did discuss things, we weren’t forced into any decisions.

I’ve always liked “Delft” tiles, which you still find in a lot pubs and restaurants here. But it was also clear to us both, that the classical blue designs wouldn’t really work in our kitchen.

Astrid took the idea and found somewhere in Germany that was making them that had some of the kitchen designs. We were both very happy with these, and with only a relatively small area to cover, we thought we could indulge ourselves a little with some of the handpainted motifs. But, also that we’d need some time, not only to choose ones we liked, but also how they’d look in the kitchen.

Mrs van Hees did provide a raster for placing tiles, but, especially in a small space, it’s important to know where other objects will be.

So the first thing I did was take photos of the three walls in the kitchen as we were using it.

Cooker, work surface and sink sides. Or, in my attempt to avoid confusion: West, North and East.

I then downloaded lots of the pictures are tried get them to approximately the same size. The walls had been measured and the important thing was knowing we’d have four rows of tiles. I was then able to try various things out and discuss them with Astrid.

Initially, we both wanted a picture of lobster behind the stove. But, although the still life sets are wonderful, it didn’t seem to work.

The same way true for our original idea for the work surface.

Having little pots of herbs is a great idea until you have stuff in front of them!

But the area behind the sink sort of designed itself.

And, today, I got to see the tiles in real life for the first time!

They look bigger and better than on a screen. We’re so excited!