Explore the architectural history of black-and-white checkerboard flooring—from ancient civilizations to European châteaux—and discover how this iconic pattern has endured for centuries as a symbol of order, beauty, and craftsmanship. Learn why its bold geometry pairs beautifully with reclaimed French oak, aged limestone, Belgian bluestone, and hand-painted Delft tiles, and how these historic European materials come together to create layered, timeless luxury interiors rooted in heritage and artistry.
Antique Delft tiles embody 17th century Dutch artistry, history, and timeless European design. Reminiscing on my love for Delft tile brought me back to childhood while visiting Amsterdam this past summer with my family.
Historically undeniable, antique Delft tiles have adorned interiors ranging from grand châteaux to humble farmhouses—always carrying the poetic charm and narrative spirit of 17th-century Amsterdam. Rethink the ubiquitous white subway tile, and instead invite art, history, and storytelling into your home by installing antique Delft tiles that bring authentic European character and enduring beauty to interiors.
A French artisan’s journey from the forests of Western Massachusetts to founding a premier showroom for French, Belgian, Italian & English reclaimed flooring—uniting craftsmanship, heritage, and rare European materials under one roof.
Antique French limestone flooring, salvaged from historic French structures, offers rich patina and timeless beauty. Its authenticity enhances French country, Provençal, and manor-style interiors, adding lasting value, character, and design integrity.
Explore Delft tiles and Monet’s kitchen tiles—two enduring icons of European ceramic design. Our hand-painted blue & white tile collections honor their historic origins and centuries-old craftsmanship, drawing from Dutch Delftware and French faience traditions. Designed to pair seamlessly with reclaimed French oak flooring, antique limestone, Belgian bluestone, and French terra cotta tile, these collections create layered, Old World interiors filled with warmth, depth, and timeless European elegance—spaces where art, history, and material authenticity quietly coexist.
In the world of interior design, few materials embody timeless elegance like French reclaimed terracotta tile. These tiles, with their vintage charm and rustic appeal, have been a preferred choice for centuries. François, growing up in Provence, lived amongst these floors, and we've been salvaging the highest quality reclaimed French terra cotta tiles for 25 years now.
Created in the 17th century, Anduze pottery originated when a Provençal potter, inspired by the Italian Medici vase, crafted a distinct French ceramic form with its bulbous silhouette, rich glazes, heraldic shields and floral garlands—now the iconic Poterie d’Anduze for gardens and interiors.
Understanding the difference between antique and antiqued French oak floors and French limestone floors can be challenging. This is a blog to help clarify the differing antique materials and the artistry behind achieving reclaimed looking French oak and limestone flooring.
The Great House and Country House Antiqued French Oak Flooring Collections are master-crafted pre-finished French oak floors where the patina and colors live within the surface of each plank. Upon completion of an installation, these antiqued French oak floors will seem to reside within the 18th century - elevating a variety of interiors - from historic brownstones and carriage houses to French farmhouses and elegant country manors.
The Olde Oak Antiqued French Oak Flooring Collection are for those who cherish historic elegance, superb wood craftsmanship and incredible authenticity. Our latest French oak wood flooring collection at Historic Decorative Materials not only resembles, but perhaps surpasses reclaimed French oak floors.
Italian wood doors bring warmth, texture, and Old-World craftsmanship to any home. Their rich patina, sculptural lines, and historic detailing elevate interiors, adding depth, elegance, and timeless European character to both modern and traditional spaces.
