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Summer trends may come and go, but one thing’s for certain: we always return to a classic. As seen in the prevalence of 70s retro red appliances and 1900s shaker-style cabinets, some design trends are just hard to beat. While New York City-inspired subway tiles and handmade ceramics have ruled the kitchen design scene in recent years, one vibrant trend with Italian Renaissance roots is here to stake its claim, and you’ll find it on way more than just backsplashes.
What Is Majolica
Majolica may have been given a fresh start thanks to the onset of cabbagecore, which brought the pottery style back from the 14th century and onto retail shelves, but majolica pieces have been adding character and color to homes for centuries through vases, flatware, and tile. With rich Mediterranean roots, majolica is commonly associated with bold blue hues and vibrant lemon-yellow motifs that transform even the most suburban kitchen into an oasis on the Amalfi Coast.
The pottery, once defined by its distinct tin glaze, is a form of earthenware with a unique opaque white base. After glazing, pieces were then painted with bright mineral oxides to depict intricate designs, portraits, and storied scenes.
The History of Majolica
First fired in the 15th century, majolica pieces were a staple export in the first known home of the beloved pottery style, Majorca, Spain. The island exported the ceramic goods, often boasting inky navy designs inspired by the Islamic world, to Italy, where patrons became enamored with the unique style. Meant to challenge the prevalence of Chinese porcelain, the tin-glazed pottery style was adopted by medieval Italian craftsmen.
In sun-drenched workshops, they used the bright white surface as a canvas for mineral-based metallic oxides to paint mythological scenes, heraldic symbols, fish, fruit, and peacocks. The small town of Faenza became the center of ceramic production during the creative boom of the Italian Renaissance, adapting majolica as its favored method. Italian craftsmen added their own touch of flair, reimagining and reproducing with such finesse that an entire category of ceramics took its name. Faience became the highest standard in the region.
Now featuring Istoriato, or “painted stories,” religious depictions, portraits, and floral designs, the plates, vases, pots, tiles, and jars became household staples, even making their way into apothecaries, which were known for boasting collections of matching, intricately designed jars to house herbs, spices, and medicines.
A 19th-Century Revival
Victorian-era England reimagined majolica once again, pulling its vibrant hues and delicate motifs from flatware and transforming them into sculptural pieces that elevated its design and aesthetic. Heavily influenced by the industrial era, there was a shift from the hand-painted charm that once defined the pottery style to mass production, but its reputation as a fine good remained, maintaining a hefty price point attainable only by society's elite families. As production methods changed, so did materials. The hallmark tin-glaze that once defined the style was swapped for colored lead, which provided an elevated vibrance and more color options to further appeal to consumers and meet the demands of evolving décor trends.
“Majolica has a remarkable way of making an interior feel welcoming, layered, and alive. To me, the best interiors tell stories, and majolica always has a story to tell,” says interior designer Philip Mitchell, founder of Philip Mitchell Design Inc. “It has an unapologetic sense of exuberance, with rich glazes, sculptural forms, and a wonderful sense of whimsy. Whether it is a cabbage leaf platter, a pair of charming birds, or an elaborate cachepot, every piece feels as though it has its own personality.”
Majolica In The Modern Designscape
The almost ancient art form has been lurking in our homes long before its recent onset of social media fame. For decades, designers have been placing, collecting, and thrifting majolica tiles, jars, and vases to emulate Mediterranean and Italian coastal flair.
“I almost always have a majolica vase somewhere in the house with a seasonal bunch of flowers,” Crystal Blackshaw, principal designer and owner at Crystal Blackshaw Interiors in Chicago, says. “Majolica can add a handful of qualities to a space in interior design, most notably color. Majolica pieces can range from neutral to multicolored, and the glaze adds depth to the colors that modern pottery doesn't provide. I also love that most majolica pieces were actually made for use. They range from the everyday butter dish or creamery to large intricate tureens brought out on special holidays. If you need a touch of whimsy or unexpected character, majolica will deliver.”
The same sculptural craftsmanship of the 19th century has brought majolica back to the forefront of the design scene. The traditional style is now known as the signature glazing style of the leafy green vases, plates, and tabletop decor pieces that rule #cabbagecore, a trend that has taken over social media feeds, magazine covers, and even designer tablescapes.
How to Buy Majolica
When it comes to curating your personal majolica collection, there are very few set rules, but there are a few things you should keep top of mind before buying.
Shop for What You Love
Majolica is an innately whimsical art form. Whether you’re shopping for your first or fortieth piece, both Blackshaw and Mitchell recommend leading with your personal preferences rather than relying on trends to inform your choices.
“Buy what genuinely makes you smile. The most interesting collections are almost always built through personal connection rather than market value. Start with one or two pieces that truly speak to you, and don't worry about completing a set. The best collections evolve organically over time, with each discovery adding another layer to the story,” says Mitchell.
Most pieces will come pre-loved or with a past, as antique shops, estate sales, and auctions tend to be ripe with bespoke pieces. Even if you don’t buy, browsing is essential to develop your eye for authentic majolica. Mitchell recommends getting out to see, feel, and admire pieces as often as possible.
Pay Attention to Origin
When shopping for the perfect starter piece, keep country top of mind. There’s a clear difference between Italian, American, and Chinese majolica, visible to even the untrained eye.
“Typically, European majolica is more coveted than Japanese or American majolica, which can sometimes look like cheap knock-offs,” says Blackshaw. Because Euro versions are more sought-after, they tend to carry higher price tags, but Blackshaw says the cost is well worth it. Majolica pieces are more than just a fleeting decor trend. They are an investment in good taste.
“Collect slowly and purposefully. Save up for pieces you love; don't buy smaller items just because they're less expensive. The larger pieces are worth the wait and will retain their value,” Blackshaw explains.
Keep an Eye Out For Wear and Tear
Majolica’s most endearing quality is its duality. Pieces were crafted to balance beauty with function and are more often than not intended for use—so long as they’re food-safe. Before buying, you’ll want to carefully examine any piece that might come in contact with food. Serving platters, plates, and even pitchers should be free of cracks and chips, especially on their food-facing surfaces.
“I always encourage people to use their collections rather than simply admire them behind glass,” says Mitchell. “Ultimately, I think majolica is at its best when it becomes part of everyday life. Whether it is a shell platter piled high with fruit or a collection of colourful pitchers overflowing with seasonal flowers, these pieces were made to be enjoyed. They bring far more warmth, character, and joy to a home when they are lived with rather than treated as museum objects.”
