Kitchen Tiles: How Cement Tiles Bring Life to Modern Kitchen Design
Reviving Old Spaces with Antique-Look Cement Tiles
Do you ever look at your kitchen and wish it had more personality, more soul? Something timeless yet unique?
Welcome to the world of cement kitchen tiles—a revival of age-old beauty that blends vintage charm with modern functionality. Whether you’re renovating a ranch-style home, updating a farmhouse kitchen, or starting fresh in a modern loft, cement tiles bring life, texture, and art to your kitchen.
What Are Cement Tiles?
Cement tiles—sometimes called encaustic tiles—are artisan-crafted tiles made from a mixture of cement, sand, and mineral-based pigments. Unlike ceramic or porcelain, they’re not fired in a kiln. Instead, they’re cured at room temperature under pressure, resulting in a thick, matte tile that’s naturally cool to the touch.
At Original Mission Tile, our tiles are handmade one by one using molds that bring every intricate pattern and hue to life.
Why Cement Tiles Are Perfect for Kitchen Spaces
Let’s be honest—kitchens get messy. There are spills, splashes, heavy foot traffic, and heat. Cement tiles are not just a pretty face—they’re built for it.
Durability That Lasts
Cement tiles are incredibly resilient when sealed correctly. They stand up to daily wear and tear for decades—no chips, no cracks, no worries.
Heat & Water Resistant
Perfect for backsplash areas and around stovetops, these tiles hold their own in hot and steamy environments.
Eco-Friendly & Low Maintenance
Handmade using natural materials and no toxins, they’re as sustainable as they are stunning. Cleaning is easy with a pH-neutral cleaner and an occasional reseal.
Floor vs. Wall Tile Applications in the Kitchen
Wondering where cement tiles work best in a kitchen? The answer is—everywhere.
Floor Tiles
Make a dramatic statement with bold, patterned floor tiles that can anchor the entire space. Whether it’s a modern hex design or a rustic cotto tone, the possibilities are endless.
Backsplash Tiles
Turn your backsplash into a piece of art. Think geometric patterns, Moroccan mosaics, or antique tiles with faded patina. Bonus: They’re easy to clean!
Island Accents
Don’t forget the kitchen island. Tiling the base with contrasting patterns makes your island a true showstopper.
Design Styles: From Modern to Rustic Kitchens
Our tiles fit every design style. Here’s how:
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Modern House – Use monochrome or black-and-white patterns to create crisp, clean lines.
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Farm House – Pair soft terracotta tiles with open shelving and rustic wood.
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Ranch House – Go bold with starburst encaustic tiles to bring dimension to wide, open spaces.
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Rustic House – Choose warm tones and traditional motifs to evoke a cozy, heritage feel.
Decorative & Pattern Tiles for Kitchen Use
Pattern and decorative tiles are what make a kitchen truly yours. Some ideas:
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Moroccan Tiles – Vibrant, complex, and full of story.
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Cotto Tiles – Earthy reds and oranges for a rustic look.
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Zellige Tiles – Irregular textures and glazed surfaces add handmade warmth.
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Brass or Inlay Tiles – For luxury touches in upscale kitchens.
Each tile tells a story—and yours can start right here.
Custom Kitchen Tiles with Original Mission Tile
Want something that’s uniquely you? You got it.
Original Mission Tile offers custom tile services so you can bring your vision to life. Whether you have an antique tile you want to reproduce or an entirely new concept, we can make it.
Custom Process:
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Send us your inspiration—photos, sketches, color swatches.
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We’ll design and create a sample.
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Once approved, your custom tiles are handmade, sealed, and shipped directly to you.
Cement Tiles vs. Ceramic, Porcelain, and Glass Tiles
| Tile Type | Look & Feel | Durability | Customizable | Eco-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement Tiles | Matte, handmade | Excellent | Yes | Yes |
| Ceramic Tiles | Glossy, mass-made | Moderate | Limited | No |
| Porcelain Tiles | Dense, glazed | High | Some | No |
| Glass Tiles | Reflective, fragile | Low | Some | Moderate |
Why Cement Tiles Win: They’re handcrafted, customizable, sustainable, and age beautifully over time.
The Artisan Handmade Tile Process
Each tile is a labor of love.
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Color pigments are poured into molds.
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A mixture of cement and sand is layered on top.
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Tiles are pressed under 2,000 lbs of force.
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They’re cured for 28 days, resulting in unmatched strength.
You don’t get this kind of craftsmanship from machine-made tiles. Ever.
Why Interior Designers & Architects Love Cement Tiles
From upscale penthouses to rustic farmhouses, designers love working with our tiles because they offer:
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Total creative freedom
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On-brand customization
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Environmentally conscious sourcing
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Support from our expert tile consultants
Our clients include some of the top names in interior design—and once you work with us, you’ll understand why.
Tips for Choosing the Right Patterns and Colors
Here’s how to pick your perfect match:
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Light Tiles for Small Spaces: Open up tiny kitchens with soft, pale tones.
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Dark Tiles for Drama: Add contrast and depth in large kitchens.
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Bold Patterns for a Focal Point: Use sparingly to draw the eye.
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Mix & Match: Use two complementary tile styles—one for the floor, one for the backsplash.
Kitchen & Bathroom Use Cases: Key Differences
| Feature | Kitchen | Bathroom |
|---|---|---|
| Foot Traffic | High | Moderate |
| Heat Exposure | High | Low |
| Water Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Recommended Finish | Matte/Sealed | Sealed/Polished optional |
Cement tiles work wonderfully in both spaces—but kitchen tiles get the extra edge when it comes to performance under pressure.
Kitchen Tile Inspiration Gallery
Here’s what you can do with cement tiles:
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A patterned backsplash in navy and gold with brass fixtures.
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Zellige tiles paired with butcher block countertops.
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Hex floor tiles with dark grout for a retro diner feel.
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Starburst encaustic tiles for a colorful touch under your island.
Need more visuals? Check out our project gallery.
How to Order from Original Mission Tile
Steps:
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Browse our in-stock collection at Original Mission Tile.
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For custom orders, submit your design idea.
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We’ll provide a quote and production timeline.
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Review your tile samples.
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Place your order—then let the transformation begin!
We work with contractors, showrooms, interior designers, and homeowners alike.
FAQs About Kitchen Cement Tiles
Q1: Are cement tiles safe for kitchen floors?
Yes! When sealed, they’re slip-resistant and very durable.
Q2: Can I use cement tiles behind a stove or sink?
Definitely. Their water and heat resistance makes them ideal for these zones.
Q3: Will they stain or fade?
Only if unsealed. With the proper sealant, cement tiles retain their beauty for decades.
Q4: Are the tiles easy to clean?
Yes, just use a neutral cleaner. Avoid acidic products.
Q5: How soon can I get my order?
In-stock items ship fast. Custom designs have a longer lead time, but we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
Final Thoughts: Kitchen Tiles That Redefine Everyday Spaces
When you invest in cement kitchen tiles, you’re not just updating your space—you’re creating a legacy of design, durability, and beauty. From the skilled hands of artisans to your kitchen floor or backsplash, each tile tells a story that lasts a lifetime.
Ready to get started?
Visit Original Mission Tile, browse our catalog, or connect with a tile expert today.
