The design partnership, which is slated to become officially available to shoppers on November 4, stems from Lauder’s deep personal history with European ceramics. Her love for Delftware dates back to her childhood and her memories of her grandmother, Estée Lauder, the legendary co-founder of the global cosmetics empire. Growing up surrounded by the distinct blue-and-white pottery left a lasting impression on the designer, shaping an aesthetic that she has continued to explore throughout her career in home decor and lifestyle curation.
“I have vivid memories of seeing Delftware throughout her homes and being drawn to both its artistry and the stories it carried,” Lauder explains, noting that she has spent years collecting similar pieces to build her own personal assortment. Over time, she has gravitated toward a color palette and design language that she describes as feeling both classic and fresh. According to Lauder, the style possesses an inherent elegance and simplicity that allows it to transcend shifting interior design trends, remaining perpetually relevant.
While traditional Delftware is typically associated with decorative plates, tiles, and vases displayed in living spaces or kitchens, Lauder saw an opportunity to bring those same historic botanical motifs into functional areas that are often overlooked. Even the most utilitarian spaces in a home, she suggests, can benefit from graceful artistry—including the bathroom and, more specifically, the toilet.
By partnering with Kohler, Lauder was able to bring this vision to life across a carefully curated selection of fixtures. The Artist Editions Fleurette Collection utilizes Kohler’s signature white vitreous china as a pristine canvas, layering hand-applied floral and botanical decorations across the surfaces. The lineup features two distinct sink styles alongside a matching toilet, marking a rare and whimsical departure from standard, solid-colored bathroom hardware.
As the creative director points out, the objective of the collaboration was never to mechanically replicate historic Dutch pottery patterns piece-by-piece. Instead, the goal was to capture the underlying romance and spirit of classic ceramics through illustrations that feel soft, graceful, and organic. The resulting fixtures bridge the gap between historical reverence and contemporary home design.
Perhaps the most talked-about aspect of the new line is its unexpected application on a toilet, a fixture that rarely receives high-design artistic treatments. By extending the intricate, hand-applied floral patterns to the entire suite of fixtures, the collaboration challenges conventional interior design norms. “This collection allows artistry to exist in a place many people would not expect,” Lauder says, emphasizing her hope that customers will view these pieces not merely as plumbing fixtures, but as functional works of art that elevate the daily routine.
Beyond the traditional blue-and-white colorway that nods directly to classic Delft pottery, the Fleurette Collection will also be offered in a refined green-and-white option. Kohler notes that this alternative color palette is designed to complement its existing Heritage Aspen Green fixtures, giving homeowners additional flexibility when planning a coordinated bathroom aesthetic.
For homeowners seeking an antidote to stark, sterile environments—such as a bathroom dominated by plain white subway tiles—these patterned pieces offer a bold yet sophisticated focal point. However, because the fixtures carry such a strong visual presence, thoughtful spatial planning is required to maintain a cohesive look.
When designing a room around these expressive elements, Lauder advises focusing on balance and materiality. Because the collection’s pieces are inherently decorative and ornate, she recommends pairing them with building materials and finishes that feel grounded and timeless. Natural elements such as marble and natural stone, alongside polished nickel hardware or warm wood finishes, provide an ideal counterweight to the delicate hand-painted motifs.
To further enhance the handcrafted narrative of the space, Lauder suggests incorporating carefully chosen accessories and organic touches. A vintage wooden stool, a vase of freshly cut flowers, and a favorite blue-and-white ceramic decorative object can help tie the entire room together. The Fleurette collection, she notes, is designed to provide a beautiful, artistic foundation for a room, allowing individuals to build upon it with personal details that make the space uniquely their own.
With the official launch date set for November 4, the collaboration arrives just as many homeowners and interior designers are finalizing renovation plans and seasonal updates. As these hand-decorated basins and toilets roll out to the public, they offer a fresh perspective on how heritage patterns can be reimagined for modern living spaces.
