USA: (888) 577-0016 | MEX: (444) 240-4456

10 Stunning Cement Tile Ideas for Modern Homes and Renovations

Looking for inspiration to transform your space into something timeless, artistic, and full of character? If you’re remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or commercial interior—or just love well-crafted design—cement tiles offer the perfect blend of beauty and function. Their versatility, artisan appeal, and endless design options make them ideal for walls and floors in homes and businesses alike.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what makes cement tiles so special, how to use them in modern and rustic styles, and why designers, architects, and contractors turn to Original Mission Tile for custom and in-stock solutions.

handmade cement tile


What Are Cement Tiles?

Cement tiles, also known as encaustic cement tiles, are handmade tiles created from a blend of cement, sand, and natural pigments. Each tile is pressed in a metal mold and cured, not fired, resulting in a durable, matte-finish surface with rich colors that last for decades.

These artisan tiles are made by hand—no two pieces are exactly alike, which adds charm and authenticity to every project. Unlike mass-produced ceramic or porcelain tiles, cement tiles carry the legacy of craftsmanship and creative expression.

Key Characteristics:

  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Handmade and customizable
  • Matte finish with rich pigment depth
  • Eco-friendly production
  • Suitable for both wall tiles and floor tiles

Why Cement Tiles Are Ideal for Accent Walls

Looking to make a statement? Cement tile accent walls are bold, beautiful, and one of the most effective ways to add personality to a space. Whether you’re designing a home entryway, hotel lobby, kitchen backsplash, or bathroom vanity wall, cement tiles create a show-stopping visual anchor.

Benefits:

  • Define spaces with color and pattern
  • Works with any interior design style: modern, rustic, vintage
  • Handmade texture adds visual interest
  • Easy to maintain and clean
  • Available in hundreds of decorative tile patterns

Pro Tip: Use cement tile accent walls in small spaces—like powder rooms—for maximum impact with minimal square footage.


Wall vs. Floor Applications: Ideas and Inspiration

One of the best things about cement tiles is their versatility. You can use them practically anywhere—from walls to floors, indoors and out.

Wall Applications:

  • Kitchen Design: Bold backsplashes and tile-wrapped kitchen islands
  • Bathroom Design: Shower walls, vanity backsplashes, full accent walls
  • Living Rooms: Fireplace surrounds, niche walls, built-in shelving accents

Floor Applications:

  • Entryways: Make a memorable first impression with patterned tile flooring
  • Open Layouts: Use tile “rugs” to define spaces like dining or lounge areas
  • Commercial Spaces: Restaurants, cafes, and retail floors that need beauty and durability

From Modern to Rustic: Styles Cement Tiles Complement

Whether your project involves a sleek modern house or a cozy ranch house, cement tiles fit seamlessly into any design language.

Modern House:

  • Geometric patterns
  • Black and white contrast tiles
  • Terrazzo tile options for minimalism with texture

Farm House:

  • Soft vintage tile designs
  • Warm neutrals and handmade finishes
  • Subtle pattern work for understated elegance

Rustic House & Ranch House:

  • Terracotta tiles and cotto tiles in earthy tones
  • Brass tiles for a luxurious contrast
  • Bold Moroccan tile styles for boho flair

Contemporary Tiles:

  • Crisp lines and bold shapes
  • Custom color palettes
  • Mixed materials for layered texture

Custom Design Possibilities with Original Mission Tile

Need a tile that no one else has? Original Mission Tile specializes in custom tiles made to your exact specifications. Our team works closely with designers, contractors, and showrooms to bring visions to life—from reproducing antique tile patterns to inventing new, exclusive designs.

What You Can Customize:

  • Tile shape: hex, square, rectangle, etc.
  • Colors: from classic neutrals to bold pigments
  • Patterns: traditional, geometric, abstract
  • Inlays: brass tiles or other mixed materials

Explore our Custom Tile Studio to get started.


Cement Tiles vs. Other Tile Types: A Quick Comparison

Choosing the right tile means understanding the differences. Here’s how cement tiles stack up against others:

Feature Cement Tiles Ceramic Tiles Porcelain Tiles
Handmade Yes No No
Customizable Fully Limited Limited
Finish Matte Glossy or Matte Usually Glossy
Durability Very High Moderate High
Eco-Friendly Yes Varies Varies
Aesthetic Value High Artisan Appeal Mass Produced Uniform Appearance

Cement tiles win when it comes to character, artistic detail, and design flexibility.


Our Handmade Process: Behind the Scenes at Original Mission Tile

Each tile is handcrafted in Mexico by skilled artisans who follow a time-honored process:

  1. Design Mold Creation – A metal mold is made for each pattern.
  2. Color Layer Application – Pigments are poured by hand into the mold.
  3. Hydraulic Pressing – A 2,000-lb press fuses the materials.
  4. Curing and Drying – Tiles dry naturally and are cured for durability.

This process ensures every tile meets our high standards—and carries the human touch.


Why Designers & Architects Love Working with Us

At Original Mission Tile, we’re more than just a manufacturer—we’re collaborators in your creative process. Here’s why our trade partners return again and again:

  • Hundreds of decorative handmade tiles in stock
  • Reliable production and delivery timelines
  • Dedicated support for custom designs
  • Expertise in both residential and commercial applications
  • Strong relationships with interior designers, contractors, and showrooms

Need support for your next project? Contact us here


Tips for Choosing the Right Cement Tile Patterns and Colors

With so many patterns and colors to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are tips from our design team:

Tips:

  • Start with your space: Think about light, size, and layout.
  • Use a mood board: Combine materials like wood, stone, and textiles with your tiles.
  • Contrast or blend?: Decide if you want the tile to stand out or complement.
  • Grout matters: White grout for soft blends, black for bold outlines.
  • Use samples: Always test your favorites at home or on site.

Bathroom and Kitchen Design with Cement Tiles

Bathrooms and kitchens are some of the best spaces for cement tile transformations.

Kitchen Applications:

  • Backsplashes with geometric or Moroccan tiles
  • Floor tiles that ground an open kitchen layout
  • Island wraps using encaustic cement tiles

Bathroom Applications:

  • Pattern tiles on shower walls
  • Vintage tile accents around mirrors and vanities
  • Floor-to-ceiling wall tiles for dramatic effect

Add beauty and function to your most-used spaces.


How to Order Custom or In-Stock Cement Tiles

Ordering from Original Mission Tile is simple and straightforward:

  1. Explore our online catalog for in-stock decorative tiles.
  2. Use our Custom Tile Studio to create something unique.
  3. Request samples to test patterns and colors.
  4. Get expert support from our design and sales team.
  5. Order online or through your trade rep.

Visit us at: www.originalmissiontile.com


Final Thoughts: Timeless Beauty Meets Artisan Craft

From modern kitchens to rustic ranch houses, cement tiles offer a lasting way to elevate interior spaces with artistry and intention. At Original Mission Tile, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design flexibility to deliver exceptional tiles for any project.

Whether you’re styling a home, hotel, or retail space—our tiles tell stories, frame memories, and inspire creativity.

Ready to Begin?

Explore our tile collections or contact us to start designing your perfect tile today.

handmade cement tile