Why Interior Designers Love Using Cement Tiles for Statement Floors
Looking to make a bold design move that adds beauty, personality, and craftsmanship to your interior? Whether you’re styling a modern loft, remodeling a farmhouse kitchen, or designing a boutique hotel, cement tiles are one of the most powerful tools interior designers use to create unforgettable statement floors.
In this guide, we’ll dive into why designers and architects love cement tile floors, the endless design options available, and how to make the most of this timeless material in both residential and commercial interiors.
What Are Cement Tiles?
Cement tiles, also known as encaustic cement tiles, are handmade tiles created from a blend of cement, marble dust, sand, and natural pigments. Unlike ceramic or porcelain tiles that are fired in a kiln, cement tiles are pressed and cured, resulting in a matte finish with deeply saturated colors.
Key Characteristics:
- Handmade Tiles: Each tile is crafted by skilled artisans.
- Durable: Ideal for high-traffic areas like entryways and kitchens.
- Slip-Resistant: Safe for bathrooms and wet zones.
- Customizable: Choose from hundreds of patterns or create your own.
- Eco-Friendly: Made from natural, low-energy materials.
These features make cement tiles a designer’s dream material—especially for standout floors that elevate a space.
Why Cement Tiles Are Ideal for Statement Floors
Flooring can make or break a room. Designers use cement tiles because they turn floors into focal points—functional art that defines and enhances the entire space.
Benefits:
- Create “tile rugs” to define spaces in open floor plans
- Add bold, custom flair to otherwise neutral interiors
- Achieve a high-end look with artisan craftsmanship
- Offer durability and style in one material
From kitchens and entryways to hotel lobbies and commercial lounges, statement floors made with cement tiles tell a story and command attention.
Wall vs. Floor Applications: Creative Design Ideas
Although this post focuses on floors, cement tiles are incredibly versatile. Here’s how they can be used creatively throughout a space:
Wall Applications:
- Kitchen backsplashes with custom or Moroccan-inspired patterns
- Bathroom feature walls behind vanities or tubs
- Fireplace surrounds with encaustic vintage tiles
- Stair risers or accent strips on walls
Floor Applications:
- Patterned kitchen and bathroom floors
- Entryway “rugs” bordered by plain tiles
- Commercial bar and café floors with logo inlays
- Outdoor patios and walkways with cotto or terrazzo styles
Modern to Rustic: Floor Tile Ideas for Every Home Style
Whether you’re designing a modern house, a farm house, or a ranch house, there’s a cement tile design to match your aesthetic.
Modern House:
- Monochrome geometric pattern tiles
- Concrete-look tiles with minimalist appeal
- Terrazzo tile patterns with color specks
Farm House:
- Classic checkerboard floors
- Subtle floral motifs
- Vintage-inspired encaustic patterns in soft tones
Ranch House:
- Southwestern color palettes with terracotta tiles
- Rustic antique tiles with earthy pigments
- Decorative borders for wide-open floor plans
Contemporary Styles:
- Clean lines with subtle contemporary tiles
- Oversized floor tiles for sleek aesthetics
- Brass tile accents for a luxe touch
Custom Design Possibilities with Original Mission Tile
Designers love working with Original Mission Tile because of the full custom tile design services available. Whether you’re matching historical architecture or developing something entirely new, we make it easy.
What You Can Customize:
- Shape (square, hex, diamond, custom cuts)
- Pattern (from antique revival to modern minimalism)
- Color (natural, vibrant, muted, or brand-specific)
- Inlay (including brass tiles or logo impressions)
🎨 Explore our Custom Design Studio to get started.
Cement Tiles vs. Other Tile Types for Floors
| Feature | Cement Tiles | Ceramic Tiles | Porcelain Tiles | Vinyl Flooring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handmade Appeal | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Customizable | ✅ Fully | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No |
| Slip Resistance | ✅ Matte Texture | ⚠️ Depends on glaze | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Depends on surface |
| Design Impact | ✅ Statement Piece | ⚠️ Standard Patterns | ⚠️ Basic Textures | ⚠️ Uniform Appearance |
| Durability | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Good | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Less Durable |
| Eco-Friendly | ✅ Natural Materials | ⚠️ Varies | ⚠️ Varies | ❌ Often Synthetic |
Cement tiles provide the best blend of form and function for show-stopping floors.
The Handmade Process: From Mold to Masterpiece
Each tile from Original Mission Tile is made by hand in Mexico, where skilled artisans follow time-honored techniques:
- Pattern Mold Creation – Steel molds are built to capture the desired design.
- Color Pouring – Natural pigments are carefully poured into each section.
- Hydraulic Pressing – The tile is pressed with up to 2,000 lbs of pressure.
- Curing & Drying – Tiles air-dry over several days to develop strength.
This results in tiles that are vibrant, consistent, and rich in handcrafted charm.
Why Architects and Designers Love Working with Us
Interior designers and architects across the U.S. choose Original Mission Tile for our:
- Fast shipping on hundreds of in-stock tiles
- Personalized service for custom tile orders
- High-quality samples for client presentations
- Supportive design process from concept to delivery
- Experience in both residential and commercial projects
Our tile can be found in luxury homes, boutique hotels, restaurants, and showrooms.
📞 Reach out to our team for personalized guidance.
Tips for Choosing Cement Tile Floor Patterns and Colors
Choosing a floor pattern is an exciting step! Here are expert tips to help:
Pattern Tips:
- Use tile rugs to define spaces in open layouts
- Balance detailed patterns with solid color borders
- Match scale to room size: large patterns for big rooms, small for cozy spaces
Color Tips:
- Use neutrals in transitional or minimalist homes
- Choose warm tones for cozy farmhouses or rustic rooms
- Try bold hues to make small spaces pop (like powder rooms or laundry rooms)
- Consider grout color carefully—contrasting grout makes patterns pop, while matching grout softens the look
Bathroom and Kitchen Use Cases
Bathrooms and kitchens are prime places for cement tile floors. Here’s why:
Bathrooms:
- Non-slip matte finish = safer flooring
- Timeless encaustic or vintage tile looks
- Floor + partial wall combos for continuity
Kitchens:
- Define zones in open kitchens with pattern borders
- Add impact without needing wallpaper or paint
- Easy to clean and maintain with proper sealing
Pair cement tile floors with Zellige backsplash tiles or solid countertops for a layered, high-end look.
How to Order from Original Mission Tile
Ordering your cement tiles is simple with Original Mission Tile:
- Browse our in-stock collections online
- Submit a custom design via our studio portal
- Request samples to share with your client or test in space
- Work with our team to finalize color, pattern, and layout
- Place your order and track delivery across the U.S.
🛒 Start your project at www.originalmissiontile.com
Final Thoughts: Floors That Tell a Story
Interior designers know that every detail counts—and floors are no exception. With cement tiles, you can transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. Whether you’re after rustic charm, modern edge, or custom sophistication, Original Mission Tile offers the selection, service, and craftsmanship to bring your flooring vision to life.
Make your floors more than a surface—make them a statement.
