A hearth shaped by landscape: inside Caroline McQuistin’s fireplace transformation

At Marlborough Tiles, we are endlessly inspired by the way our customers use our tiles to tell the story of their homes. Few projects embody this more beautifully than the thoughtful fireplace renovation by Caroline McQuistin, who lives in a lovingly restored cottage on the Isle of Skye. Using our hand painted Classic Delft tiles and Andalucia Granada floor tiles, Caroline has crafted a hearth that reflects both her surroundings and her personal history.

A cottage shaped by sea, mountains and memory

Caroline's home is a cosy two-bedroom cottage by the sea and mountains on the Isle of Skye. Growing up in a farmhouse, traditional interiors have always held a special place in her heart. But it wasn’t until she moved into the cottage that her aesthetic truly found its direction.

“I’ve really discovered what people mean when they say they are inspired by their surroundings,” she told us. “The landscape surrounding my home has strongly shaped the way I decorate this home in ways I never expected.”

This deep connection to place became the foundation for her renovation choices - especially when it came to the fireplace.

The heart of the home

In homes like Caroline’s, the fireplace is more than a practical feature - it’s a focal point, a source of warmth, and a visual anchor.

“The hearth is such an important part of the home,” Caroline says.“I really wanted it to be a feature and the first thing your eye is drawn to as you enter the living room.”

The result is a fireplace that feels timeless yet deeply personal, with layers of story woven into every detail

The inspiration

Caroline had long held a desire to incorporate Delft tiles into her home, inspired partly by classic cottage interiors and partly by the series The Summer I Turned Pretty. When she decided to redesign the fireplace, she knew this was the perfect opportunity.

Our Classic Delft collection, with its hand painted motifs and heritage craftsmanship, echoed the farmhouse warmth of her childhood and the historical vernacular she loves. Caroline chose motifs like the Fishing Boat, Coastal Village, and Fishermen from the collection - elements that echo the landscape she encounters every day. Paired with our terracotta-effect Andalucia Granada floor tiles on the hearth floor and inner surround, the combination brings texture, colour and handcrafted charm to Caroline’s comforting living room.

Renovation wisdom from Caroline

Like all good renovation stories, this one includes a moment of SOS.

Caroline recalls phoning a friend mid-project to urgently borrow a tile cutter. Her advice to others?

“Don’t be scared to ask your friends for help or advice. I had an SOS call to a friend mid-project and needed to borrow their tile cutter. I was grateful for both the tile cutter and also the break from the project and cuppa with a friend. I went back feeling refreshed and ready to go again.”

It’s a reminder that home projects don’t need to be solitary endeavours and that a cup of tea can be as essential a tool as any in the toolbox.

A fireplace that tells a story

Caroline’s hearth is more than a renovation - it’s a meeting point between past and present, tradition and landscape, memory and design. We’re honoured that our Classic Delft and Andalucia Granada tiles are part of that story.

For anyone looking to create a feature with heart, Caroline’s project is a beautiful example of how thoughtful tile choices can shape the feeling of a whole room - and, in her words, “be the first thing your eye is drawn to as you enter.”

If you’re feeling inspired by Caroline’s home, explore our Classic Delft and Andalucia collections and begin imagining what story your own tiles might tell.

Thank you to Caroline for choosing our handcrafted tiles and sharing the charming story behind her fireplace renovation.

You can follow Caroline's home renovation on Instagram: @carolinemcquistin