Moroccan Tiles to Mid-Century Modern: Styles That Inspire Cement Tile Design
From ancient courtyards in Morocco to sleek kitchens in Los Angeles, cement tiles have traveled across centuries and styles—always adding a bold, beautiful layer of personality. Whether you’re designing for a modern house, renovating a rustic house, or restoring the charm of a vintage tile-filled space, cement tiles deliver timeless style and artisan value.
In this guide, we’ll explore how different design styles—from antique elegance to contemporary cool—can inspire your next interior project using cement tiles. Along the way, we’ll show you how Original Mission Tile helps turn design inspiration into reality.
What Are Cement Tiles?
Cement tiles, often called encaustic cement tiles, are handmade tiles crafted from cement, sand, and natural pigments. Instead of being fired, they are hydraulically pressed and cured, giving them exceptional durability and a smooth, matte finish that ages beautifully.
Unlike mass-produced tiles, each piece is made by hand—resulting in artisan tiles that feel unique, timeless, and full of character.
Key Features:
- Handmade and highly customizable
- Suitable for wall tiles and floor tiles
- Eco-friendly materials and production
- Available in hundreds of pattern tile options
- Extremely durable, perfect for high-traffic areas
Why Cement Tiles Are Ideal for Accent Walls
If you want to add drama, color, or texture to a space, look no further than a cement tile accent wall. From bathrooms to boutique hotels, accent walls instantly create a focal point—and cement tiles offer an artistic edge that makes them stand out.
Where to Use Accent Walls:
- Bathroom Design: Use encaustic tiles behind vanities or in shower niches
- Kitchen Design: Tile your backsplash or the side of a kitchen island
- Living Rooms: Use Moroccan tile patterns to frame fireplaces or TV walls
- Entryways: Welcome guests with a wall of geometric or floral patterns
Benefits:
- Visually anchors a space
- Makes small spaces pop
- Brings handcrafted texture to contemporary or vintage settings
Wall vs. Floor Applications: Creative Design Ideas
Cement tiles shine on both walls and floors. Their versatility makes them ideal for nearly any surface inside your home or business.
Best Wall Uses:
- Kitchen backsplashes
- Shower walls
- Fireplace surrounds
- Entryway feature walls
- Restaurant and café branding areas
Best Floor Uses:
- Bathroom floors
- Kitchen floors
- Dining areas
- Hallways and foyers
- Boutique commercial spaces (shops, salons, studios)
With a wide range of decorative tile patterns, you can go bold or subtle, traditional or modern.
From Moroccan to Mid-Century: Cement Tile Styles by Design Era
1. Moroccan Tiles
With bold colors and intricate patterns, Moroccan tiles are a classic influence in cement tile design. Their symmetry and vibrancy work beautifully in eclectic, bohemian, or Mediterranean interiors.
Use them to:
- Brighten up small spaces like powder rooms
- Add authenticity to Moroccan-style patios or courtyards
- Create feature floors with saturated color and charm
2. Vintage and Antique Tiles
Drawing inspiration from early 20th-century homes, vintage tiles and antique tiles often feature floral motifs, star patterns, or muted pastels. Perfect for Victorian homes or spaces that need a touch of old-world romance.
Try them in:
- Restorations of heritage homes
- Bathroom floors and wall panels
- Fireplaces or reading nooks
3. Mid-Century Modern Design
Minimalist shapes, crisp lines, and neutral color palettes define mid-century tile design. Pair encaustic cement tiles with sleek furniture, terrazzo surfaces, and brass hardware for a modern twist.
Perfect for:
- Kitchens with wood cabinetry and matte black accents
- Living rooms with geometric-patterned tile floors
- Open-concept layouts with visual zoning
4. Farmhouse and Ranch Styles
Warm tones, natural materials, and artisanal textures define farmhouse and ranch house design. Terracotta tiles, cotto tiles, and neutral cement tile patterns are right at home in these settings.
Inspire your spaces with:
- Classic checkerboard floors
- Soft herringbone backsplash designs
- Weathered textures and custom patterns
5. Contemporary and Urban Homes
For modern house design, cement tiles bring clean lines and subtle sophistication. Choose monochrome palettes, terrazzo-inspired tiles, or bold geometric layouts.
Try:
- Neutral bathroom floors with grid layout tiles
- Patterned accent walls in dining rooms
- Concrete-look cement tiles for minimalist aesthetics
Custom Tile Possibilities with Original Mission Tile
At Original Mission Tile, we don’t just sell cement tiles—we help you create them. Our custom tiles let you design the pattern, shape, and color scheme that works perfectly for your project.
Custom Options:
- Custom shapes: square, hexagon, octagon, and more
- Personalized patterns and motifs
- Color palettes curated by you or your client
- Mixed-material designs with brass tiles or other textures
Whether you’re reproducing an antique tile or inventing something entirely new, our design team brings your vision to life.
📌 Explore our Custom Design Studio
Cement Tiles vs. Other Tile Types: How They Compare
Here’s how cement tiles stack up against ceramic and porcelain alternatives:
| Feature | Cement Tiles | Ceramic Tiles | Porcelain Tiles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handmade | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Customizable | ✅ Fully | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited |
| Eco-Friendly | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes | ⚠️ Sometimes |
| Finish | ✅ Matte/Artisan | ⚠️ Glossy/Uniform | ⚠️ Glossy/Uniform |
| Design Depth | ✅ Deep Pigment | ⚠️ Surface Only | ⚠️ Surface Only |
| Best For | ❤️ Design-Driven | 👍 General Use | 👍 High-Traffic Areas |
For projects where aesthetics and quality matter, cement tiles are the standout choice.
The Handmade Tile Process at Original Mission Tile
Each tile begins as a design—often inspired by global patterns, client concepts, or heritage motifs. Our team of artisans in Mexico follows a time-honored process:
- Mold Creation – Based on your pattern and shape
- Color Layering – Hand-poured pigment mixes
- Hydraulic Pressing – For strength and stability
- Curing – Air-dried over several weeks for durability
The result? Tiles that are truly unique and made to last.
Why Interior Designers & Architects Choose Us
At Original Mission Tile, we work with creative professionals across the U.S. who trust us for:
- 100s of in-stock decorative tiles ready to ship
- Fast lead times for custom production
- Knowledgeable support from design to delivery
- Samples and renderings for client presentations
- Artisan quality and exceptional durability
Our partners include design studios, hospitality groups, and boutique showrooms that value authenticity and originality.
📩 Get in touch with us to discuss your next project.
Tips for Choosing Cement Tile Patterns and Colors
Things to Consider:
- Scale and Pattern Size: Smaller patterns suit bathrooms; large-scale designs suit floors and open spaces
- Color Temperature: Warm tones = cozy & traditional; cool tones = modern & sleek
- Light Levels: Dark patterns may make small spaces feel cozier; light tiles can open up a room
- Focal Point vs. Background: Use bold tiles as accents, or go full-pattern for a statement wall
Always request a sample to see the real-life impact before ordering.
Perfect Places to Use Cement Tiles: Room-by-Room Inspiration
Kitchen Design:
- Create tile backsplashes behind stovetops
- Use bold floor patterns under islands or dining areas
- Try terrazzo-style cement tiles for contemporary looks
Bathroom Design:
- Accent shower niches or full walls
- Tile bathroom floors for style + slip resistance
- Highlight vanities with patterned wall tiles
Living Spaces:
- Frame fireplaces with vintage tile patterns
- Use wall tiles to define shelving or TV walls
- Tile floors in mudrooms or foyers for durability + beauty
Commercial Interiors:
- Restaurants with Moroccan tile statement floors
- Retail shops that reflect brand colors in custom tile
- Boutique hotels that mix traditional and contemporary tiles
How to Order Cement Tiles from Original Mission Tile
Here’s how to bring your cement tile vision to life:
- Browse our collection of in-stock tiles
- Use the Custom Studio for personalized designs
- Order samples to finalize your selection
- Get design support from our friendly team
- Place your order and track your shipment
🏠 Visit www.originalmissiontile.com
Final Thoughts: Craft, Color & Custom Design
From Moroccan courtyards to Mid-Century lofts, cement tiles have the power to reflect heritage, express creativity, and define space with style. Whether you’re restoring, remodeling, or starting from scratch, Original Mission Tile is here to help you craft timeless interiors.
Let’s build something beautiful—one tile at a time.
