Reclaimed Antique Tile Homeware - Piastrelle

Piastrelle (or ‘Tiles’, in Italian) originated in the cobbled streets of Palermo, where a budding artisan from the UK wandered through the antiques quarter of ‘Mercato delle Pulci’, seeking historical treasures to enhance her vintage home decor. 

Amidst the shiny trinkets, exquisite wooden puppets, and oversized ceramic urns, an unassuming facade caught my attention. One might easily overlook this space, with its piles of dusty rubble stacked from floor to ceiling, a stark contrast to the glossy tourist traps and souvenir shops of this vibrant city. The shop belonged to a tile merchant who, despite our language barrier, shared his invaluable knowledge over several cups of espresso and explained the provenance of his antique tiles. 

I brought home just four small Sicilian tiles, which were restored and transformed into unique coasters. For nearly a year, they adorned the middle of our dining table, taken out daily as part of our family’s mealtime ritual. I thought this was where their journey would end, until I realized that every visitor commented on their beauty. These antique tiles sparked endless conversations, with each guest eager to hear their origin and learn more about the rich history of Sicilian tile craftsmanship. How curious, I thought, that a mere set of four 10cm x 10cm tiles could evoke such a reaction.

The crumbling facades of ancient buildings, picturesque cobbled streets, and grand architecture of Sicily are a feast for the eyes. Central to this aesthetic are the stunning Sicilian tiles, including Cementine and Majolica tiles—both handmade but crafted using different techniques and materials. These antique tiles, created by skilled Sicilian artisans, are centuries old, having paved the entrance halls of homes, palaces, churches, and other civic buildings. Initially, they symbolized wealth and social status, enjoyed only by aristocrats, while over the last few centuries, they were embraced by the bourgeoisie. Their beauty quickly captured the attention of architects and interior designers across wider Europe, leading to their incorporation into vintage home decor, with examples still visible in the flooring of banks, museums, and other grand buildings spanning the continent.

I spent several days rooting through rubble in old courtyards and inspecting antique tiles at various flea markets, much to the amusement of the locals. Through this research, I discovered the main differences between Majolica and Cementine piastrelle, as well as the unique qualities each variation possesses. The meticulously hand-crafted Cementine treasures I found in the tile merchant's workshop are between 100-150 years old—these charming and authentic tiles would become the foundation of Piastrelle, a collection that embodies vintage home decor.

In a world increasingly flooded with mass-produced souvenirs and commodities churned out by the millions, reclaimed artefacts like Sicilian tiles are becoming increasingly rare, as many brands prioritize profit over provenance. Fortunately, truly authentic home decor is timeless, transcending both trends and borders with its inherent quality. While many products thrive on built-in obsolescence, my pieces offer the opposite—an appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that has endured centuries of wear and tear while retaining their beauty. Indeed, Majolica and Cementine tiles are still made today using traditional techniques, but as undeniably beautiful as these modern tiles are, what makes Piastrelle unique is their enviable provenance and heritage.

Each set of these antique tiles is entirely unique, featuring hand-selected pieces salvaged and repurposed into Sicilian tile coasters and wall hangings that have been lovingly restored. They evolve from reclaimed material into exquisite vintage home decor, serving as fragments of Italian history that bring centuries-old artisanal skill to your own coffee table. As such, they are entirely one of a kind - small batch, original, and inimitable.

Curated at source in Palermo and hand-selected in my Sheffield workshop, these Piastrelle have resided in homes, palaces, museums, and civic buildings. With every sip of your morning espresso, I hope they bring you a sense of wonder and ground you in the joyous knowledge that, among those who value heritage and timeless style, true artisanship and culture will always prevail.