The Magic of Mosaic
In the world of design, where elegance meets practicality and the finest details elevate the every day, there lies a realm that transcends trends and embraces timelessness—much like the perfect dish crafted with love and care. This is the world of Douglas Jones Mosaics, a family-owned business that has spent decades curating the finest mosaic tiles for homes across Southern Africa. At its helm is Kitty Douglas-Jones, a woman whose journey has been as intricate and colourful as the mosaics she now oversees.
Born into a family where creativity and craftsmanship were always at the forefront, Kitty has navigated the transition from her father’s vision to her own with grace and determination. Her story is one of legacy, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to quality—qualities that are as essential in the kitchen as they are in the design world.
From the influence of family values on business decisions to the artistry of tile curation, Kitty shares insights that are as inspiring as they are practical.
Kitty, as someone who grew up in a family deeply rooted in the world of mosaics and tile décor, how has your father’s legacy influenced the way you approach the business today? What values from those early days still resonate with you?
Growing up in Gqeberha, my Father was a pioneer in the tiling industry. He first learnt the trade through his mentor, my Grandfather, which is how he met my Mother! She would open the front door and greet “Mr Jones” who was visiting her Father – was he though? We are now in our 3rd generation of tile and mosaic supply so it’s safe to say I’ve subliminally been learning the trade since being a child.
In a world where trends can change as quickly as the seasons, what do you believe is the secret to curating collections that stand the test of time, much like a classic recipe that never goes out of style?
I don’t think the building industry gives the tiling and mosaic leaders enough credit when it comes to keeping up with world-class trends. It’s easy to buy bricks and cement to build a home or commercial space, but when it comes to personalising the said space, this is when our sector is heavily important. This is where each person wants to encapsulate their individual personality which is tricky as we are all vastly different. Colour preferences, shapes, and textures are but a few considerations when buying for the Southern African market. Even our neighbouring countries have different requirements and they are right next door! It’s fun and challenging and VERY rewarding when you see the success of various ranges you’ve brought in, hoping the industry accepts them. We know we’ve nailed this when our competitors copy us (which is often). You know what they say: “Imitation is the highest form of flattery.”
As someone who appreciates the finer details, I’m curious—do you have a favourite mosaic tile in your collection? What makes it special to you, and how would you incorporate it into a space to create something truly extraordinary?
Oh my word, it’s so difficult to choose! It also all depends on the space you want to enhance and the mood that space encapsulates. I love the clean and sophisticated look of various shades of white in the kitchen as this won’t date and you can bring in pops of colour through your appliances and crockery – gold-rimmed JAN crockery works perfectly. In bathrooms a person can show their personality and I have used wallpaper and mosaics in mine. The wallpaper is dramatic and I love looking at it every single day.
Your journey from the travel and tourism industry to the world of mosaics is quite unique. How has your background in travel influenced your approach to design and business? Do you find that it has given you a different perspective on creativity and customer service?
I never had any inclination to join the family business. I was going to forge my own path but with the guidance of my parent’s business acumen. My Father was my mentor and he approached me in 2008 and asked me to join the business from afar – in Mauritius! I took up the appointment as I knew I would be able to travel while running a different section of the family business. It has been incredible as I have traveled to many destinations in search of the most beautiful products to bring back to our clients. I can’t explain the joy I feel when my designers and architects tell me I’ve brought something in they’ve been wanting and needing. It makes my job very satisfying and worthwhile.
Lastly, in a world that’s constantly moving, how do you stay inspired? Whether it’s a book, a place, or a simple ritual, what keeps your creativity and passion alive as you lead Douglas Jones into the future?
Travel. The sights, sounds, and textures wherever I am inspire me to bring these sensations back to my clients in the form of mosaics. Tuscan homes, French-inspired spaces, Morrocco – everyone is included when deciding what to bring to the industry. When I’m relaxing at home, my JAN journals transport me to exotic destinations.
