The Meaning Behind Classic Delft Tile Motifs

Delft tiles have always carried stories. First painted in the Netherlands in the 16th century, these small squares of blue-and-white ceramic were more than decoration — they were symbols of everyday life, miniature artworks that spoke of faith, family, and the world beyond the front door. Ships represented adventure and trade, flowers symbolised beauty and prosperity, and birds captured the freedom of nature. Each motif had meaning, and together they transformed kitchens, fireplaces, and bathrooms into visual narratives.

At Akka Home, we honour this heritage while reimagining it for modern living. Every tile in our Sydney studio is hand-painted with the same care and attention that defined Delftware centuries ago, but our motifs move fluidly between past and present. We still paint the traditional favourites — tulips, artichokes, birds, ships — but alongside them sit yoga and pilates poses, bars of chocolate, hot air balloons, and other glimpses of contemporary life.

This blend of old and new is at the heart of our work. A kitchen backsplash might carry a row of classic botanicals, interrupted playfully by a beach chair or lamp post. A fireplace mural might mix the zodiac signs with traditional florals. Sometimes a client commissions something deeply personal, like a butter motif for a chef, or a  hot air balloon to mark a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Each motif carries meaning for its owner, turning a surface into a story that feels both timeless and entirely individual.

What we love most about Delft tiles is their ability to evolve. In the seventeenth century, they told stories of seafaring and faith; today, they can just as easily capture a love of gardening, a favourite pastime, or a moment of daily ritual. They are, and always have been, heirlooms — not static replicas of the past, but living pieces of art that grow with us.

For us, every commission begins with the same question: what story do you want to tell? The motifs you choose — whether a ship or a skiier — become part of your home’s history. That’s the enduring magic of Delft tiles: they are as personal as they are beautiful.

We spoke more about this philosophy in our Home Beautiful interview where we shared how traditional craftsmanship can find new life in modern homes. It’s a conversation that continues through every tile we paint.

Explore our Delft Tile Collection to see both classic and modern motifs, or talk to us about creating a custom design that reflects your story. Each tile is hand-painted in Sydney, crafted to be an artwork you can live with for a lifetime.