Dazzling houses decorated with mosaics that make everyone turn around and look again

Mosaic decoration is a captivating art form that has fascinated people for over 2,000 years. Created by combining small pieces of colored glass or broken ceramics, this work of art is a magnificent aesthetic delight to the eye. Mosaic appeals to people with its ease of use and endless creative possibilities. So much so that homes decorated with mosaics can be found all over the world.

This passion for mosaic art sometimes completely transforms the interior and exterior surfaces of ordinary homes. In this list, we've examined mosaic-adorned homes from around the world and collected them for you. The inhabitants of these homes covered their homes with tiles, shells, glass, mirrors, and virtually any shiny material they could find. In this way, homes become constantly evolving, living works of art, featuring intricate motifs and vibrant patterns. Here are houses adorned with magnificent mosaics...

1. Mosaic on Wyckoff Street

In 2001, artist Susan Gardner began installing small objects on the facade of her three-story home in the Boerum Hill neighborhood of New York City. Gardner, who decorated the exterior of her home with items such as shells, buttons, broken glasses, and even old CDs, soon became known throughout the neighborhood. He initially began the project as a "holiday statement" and moved forward without consulting his neighbors. But as the mosaic grew, neighborhood residents began supporting the project and even brought Gardner new materials. Now this colorful mosaic extends to the second floor of the house, and the artist has even begun covering the iron fence in front of the house with it.

2. Picassiette House

Raymond Isidore, a cemetery caretaker in Chartres, France, purchased a small plot of land for his family in 1929. The pottery shards he found in 1938 fascinated him, and he began covering his house with them. During this passionate work, which lasted 30 years, Isidore collected over 15 tons of broken plates and glasses. This dedication earned him the nickname "Picassette," meaning "plate thief.".

Every corner of Isidore's house was filled with shards of ceramics; the mosaics depicted Christian symbols, animal figures, and views of sacred cities such as Jerusalem. In 1954, Picasso personally visited the house and expressed his admiration for Isidore's work. In 1962, every corner of the house was covered with mosaics, and Isidore died completing the work. Today, the house welcomes visitors as a national monument and public museum, protected by the French government.

3. Mirror House

Located in Kuwait, the Mirror House is a white brick building completely covered in mirrors. The exterior walls of this house, adorned with glittering mirrors adorned with figures such as stars, butterflies, planets, and even calligraphy, are striking from the outside, but its interiors are truly captivating. From the floors to the furniture, the house is covered in mirrors of various shapes and colors. The artist behind this unique work is Lydia Al-Qattan, the Italian-born wife of Kuwaiti artist Khalifa Al-Qattan. This project, begun while her husband was abroad attending an exhibition, eventually developed into an obsession, and mirrored artworks fill the entire house.

Although this charming house is still a residential building, its owners happily welcome curious guests. You can also visit the galleries on the upper floors, where collective works by artists are displayed. Houses like these are a testament to the creative power of not only art but also the human spirit. While the vibrant colors and vibrant mosaic patterns transform a simple home into an artistic marvel, the residents of these homes add an aesthetic dimension to their lives through their work.

4. House for the production of porridge

Continuing our list of houses decorated with mosaics, Robert Wasser and his wife in Louviers, France, decided to take an alternative approach to traditional home decor, decorating their home with shells, broken ceramics, and shiny tiles. This unusual idea began in 1952 with the embellishment of an old cement sink with mosaics. After this initial step, Wasser's art expanded to the interior of the house, then to the garden, and even to the doghouse. The entire house was covered in bright and colorful mosaics.

Wasser teamed up with local waste collectors to expand his project. He asked them to collect the broken pottery they had collected, cleaned it, and used it in mosaics. In this way, he transformed the entire property into a unique work of art.

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5. Escadaria Selaron

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a famous mosaic staircase bears Selarón's name. Chilean artist and sculptor Jorge Selarón settled in the city in 1983 and began restoring the dilapidated steps in front of his home. But this simple renovation project soon turned into a passion. By the end of the work, which began in 1990, the entire staircase was covered in mosaic. The project included 250 steps and over 2,000 tiles imported from around the world.

These mosaic staircases eventually gained international fame and appeared in magazines such as National Geographic and Time. Selarón often appeared in a red robe, telling stories to visitors. But sadly, in 2013, at the age of 65, he was mysteriously found dead near these stairs. But the colorful legacy he created lives on.

6. House of Cigar Orchestras

The Volendam Museum, located in the Dutch town of Volendam, combines historical value with artistic vibrancy. The "House of the Cigar Orchestra" next to the museum is a true work of art. In 1947, a local artist began collecting cigar bands and creating mosaics inspired by the daily life of this small town. Eleven million cigar bands were used in this project, and the mosaics include scenes such as people in traditional costumes, sailors, and fish. This unique work of art was unveiled in the museum's permanent exhibition in 1995. The mosaics adorn not only the walls but also the furniture inside the rooms. This artistically reflective piece of traditional Dutch life offers visitors a nostalgic journey.

7. Vincent City

Located in Guagnano, Italy, Vincent City offers a truly wild artistic experience. This home of renowned artist Vincent Brunetti resembles a work of art: every corner is covered in tiles and recycled objects. Brunetti wanted to design his home to reflect his inner world, which caused conflict with local authorities. But eventually, he was allowed to continue his creative work, and this colorful home was born. These eye-catching mosaics, covering every corner of the house, are the result of five years of meticulous work by Italian artist Orode Deoro. Deoro's art is evident on every surface of the house, and Vincent City has been transformed into a museum of his masterpieces. Visitors can tour this extraordinary home and witness the lives and work of these two artists.

8. Blue House

Euclides da Costa emigrated from Portugal to France hoping to start a new life. However, ironically, he contracted tuberculosis and soon became incapacitated. This void in his life would become a work of art that would astound the world. Da Costa transformed his inner journey into art, building "Le Maison Bleue" (The Blue House) in his native France.

In 1957, at just 55 years old, he fell gravely ill. He settled in Dives-sur-Mer, where he began to channel his inner creative energy into art. Originally a stonemason, da Costa later used his skills to decorate the surroundings of his home with mosaics. The Blue House project began with a small area and expanded over 27 years. He created his own world by recycling unused shards of glass, tile, and porcelain. During this creative journey, he even built a chapel decorated with religious motifs. His work was posthumously recognized as a masterpiece and in 1991 was listed as a historical monument. In 2011, a restoration project was launched to preserve the Blue House. Today, this work lives on as an artistic legacy.

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9. Luna Park

The story began in 1989 when Ricky Boscarino discovered a cabin in the woods and entered a magical world known as Luna Park. Inspired by renowned artists like Klimt, Gaudí, and Hundertwasser, Boscarino transformed the house into a haven of mosaic art. Seemingly pulled from a colorful dream and nestled in a quiet corner of New Jersey, this home resembles an art exhibit both inside and out.

Boscarino decorated every corner of the house in his own unique way. The interior is filled with handmade lamps, bottle caps, miniatures, and icons. The artist continues to collect blue glass and bottles for new projects. He also created a four-panel stained-glass window at home, depicting his life's journey from sperm to skeleton. Luna Park opens its doors to visitors with open houses held twice a year. You can also visit Luna Park, a standout among the mosaic-adorned houses, via a virtual tour.

10. Farnam's House

Some homes embody the creative spirit and artistic vision of their owners. Farnam House is such a place. Aziz and Louise Farnam created a work of art, decorating their home from top to bottom with mosaics over the course of 14 years. Every corner of the house is covered in mirrored tiles that sparkle in the sunlight. Every detail—from the Hollywood sign outside to the chicken figurine on the roof—exudes an atmosphere closely connected to art. For some, this house is quirky; for others, it's a masterpiece. In 2013, Farnam House won TLC's California Unusual Homes competition and received extensive national media coverage.

11. House made from a bottle of ganja

We've reached the end of our list of houses adorned with mosaics. Located in Ganja, Azerbaijan, the Ganja Bottle House is a unique work of art that combines a passion for collecting and building. Constructed from glass bottles, this house is a mesmerizing visual spectacle, refracting and reflecting sunlight like a prism. Thousands of bottles arranged on the walls of the house combine with the mosaics to create portraits, words, and works of art. Since the Ganja Bottle House is a private residence, there are no visiting hours or admission fees. However, many visitors pass by the house to see this unique structure and admire this creative achievement. This house, both a collection and a work of art, covers its upkeep by offering souvenirs to visitors.

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