With an onsite meeting at Jonkersdrift where the renovation and additions to one of the first homesteads build in Stellenbosch was nearing completion, it was clear that Delft-style handmade tiles will fit perfectly in the kitchen and as tile surrounds arround the fireplaces in this period home.

A mix of white tones will be used for the blanks with the traditional corners - all hand painted.

The theme will be adults and children entertaining themselves with games and other activities.  We had the priveledge to view 16th century tiles at the studio a while back with another project and it is interesting to note that the antique tiles were never clearly white but rather of various off-white to warm grey tones. The blues were also not the expected bright cobalt blue but rather a variety of blue hues, some lighter and others darker in tone. The figures and animals were a study by itself and the artist working on this project spend a lot of time testing the required techniques using a variety of brushes, colours - all specially formulated, glazes, etc. to be able to bulk up the antique tiles without them standing out like a sore thumb! The client was extremely happy and could not believe the harmonious end result.

The end result at this Jonkersdrift farm house will with no doubt be a happy occasion as well!

The kitchen and the scullery are two seperate, but inter-leading rooms. I include the first and final visualization for your interest - the first with the cupboards hanging into the tiles and the final one with the cupboards on top.

And with the next image our designer visualize the fireplace with the Delft-style handmade tiles surrounding it with a wooden surround embracing it.