The Handmaid’s Tale Exploring the Colonial Revival Interiors of the Waterford Mansion
Tiles and Materials: The Foundation of Power
One of the most striking spaces is the Waterford’s kitchen, traditional, muted, and functional, with earthy undertones running throughout every surface. A tile that perfectly reflects this aesthetic is our Terra Picolo Rust Matt R11 Tile.
With its rich, natural rust tones and subtle texture, this tile speaks to the grounded, utilitarian nature of the Waterfords’ domestic spaces, practical, timeless, and heavy with historical references. Its R11 anti-slip finish also fits the practical demands of a working kitchen, balancing function with beauty.
Deep Colours, Heavy Fabrics .... Until You Step Into Offred’s World
Throughout the mansion, the colour palette leans into deep greens, burgundy, navy, and dark woods. Heavy drapery, ornate woodwork, and rich, tactile materials give the home warmth and a sense of importance. Fireplaces become grand focal points. Chandeliers sparkle in dimly lit dining rooms. It’s a home of status and control.
But this shifts sharply the moment you enter Offred’s room, a space intentionally stripped of warmth, identity, and colour. The design removes saturation entirely, mirroring her isolation and the cold, utilitarian role she serves.
Offred’s room feels like a cell, visually reinforcing the difference between the Commanders’ world of abundance and the Handmaids’ barren existence. The stark contrast is a brilliant design choice, cold plastered walls, little to no décor, and a bed placed squarely as the only feature.
Why Colonial Revival Style Works So Well in Gilead
The Colonial Revival influence is deliberate, a style historically built around structure, control, and clearly defined spaces for specific roles in the household. Gilead mirrors this, a world where everyone knows their place.
Ironically, the rigid nature of this style can work beautifully in British homes, especially period properties where separate rooms and distinct zones still exist. For modern homeowners, this offers the chance to break up large spaces and explore different aesthetics in each area, much like the Waterford home.
Grand Marble Fireplace: Power Made Visible
One of the most imposing features of the Waterford Mansion is the grand marble fireplace, a visual symbol of wealth and power. Its scale and polished finish dominate the space — a reminder of the Commander’s status.
If you’re inspired by that look, our
Cuarzo Gold Polished Marble Tile brings the same level of drama and opulence. With its gold veining and high-gloss finish, it creates a statement perfect for feature walls, bathrooms, or even modern fireplace surrounds.
Design as a Storytelling Tool
The Waterford Mansion’s interior design isn’t just aesthetic, it’s narrative. Every tile, fabric, and architectural feature reinforces Gilead’s world, from the practical earth-toned kitchen to the commanding marble fireplaces and the cold, sparse handmaid quarters. It’s a masterclass in how material choices and interior design reflect power, hierarchy, and control, lessons that inspire both traditional and contemporary projects today. At Archi-Tile, we work with tiles that echo this same balance of timelessness and storytelling, from earthy stoneware to striking marbles. Whether you’re recreating heritage interiors or designing something modern with historical nods, our collections are ready to help you tell your story.
