Cement Tile – A Charming (and Still Hot!) Trend
Are you crushing on the still hot patterned cement tile trend as much as we are? Take a look at some of the most inspirational examples!
If you follow design trends at all, or peruse Pinterest frequently, I’m sure you’ve seen the trendy patterned tiles in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. I think I first saw them a couple of years ago, and from that moment on, I was smitten!
Design by Old Seagrove Homes.
Most of the tile seen on Pinterest and the like is caustic cement tile. Reminiscent of age old tile, it’s something that’s been used in Europe for centuries, but only became popular in the states in the last few years.
It has a unique matte finish which is one of the things I like best about it. It’s also very smooth to the touch with a silky feel.
Upon researching, however, it turns out it has a bit of a troubling reputation!
Design by Jennifer Muirhead via Style Me Pretty.
Like marble, there are those who love it and those who hate it. Cement tile stains more easily than porcelain tile, is handmade (read: more expensive to install due to the lack of consistency), and wears more quickly than other tile.
Developing patina over time, it may scratch or stain more easily than other surfaces, and needs to be continually re-sealed (does this not sound like someone describing marble?!)
Design by Taylor Borsari via Decor Pad.
It seems to me it’s really the same argument. Either you are okay with some patina (what that really means is, scratches and wear!) or you aren’t. These are, to my eye, perfectly imperfect.
Design by Joanna Gaines via HGTV.
And what’s more, because they are often bold in color and/or pattern, I think when they fade or wear some, it would soften them up and make them look even better!
English farmhouse style home via Life on Virginia Street.
And, I have to say, despite the naysayers, I’m in love! It feels very Old World to me and I love the handmade quality of it. Like marble or any natural stone, it adds character and texture that you just don’t get with perfectly smooth surfaces.
And it definitely adds lots of charm to any space you put it in!
Cement tile can also be used outdoors. Via Emily Henderson.
And, it turns out that since it has become so popular (no waning of this trend yet!) they are now making porcelain tile in similar patterns!
So for those who would prefer a little less “patina” or maintenance, you can now have the best of both worlds!
Design by Joanna Gaines via Pop Sugar.
Adorable mud room Via Kate Marker Interiors.
This laundry room – dying! Lexi Westergard via Decor Pad.
LOVE!! Kitchen designed by Kitchen Lab via Domino.
I’m crushing on it big time, and I would love to use it in my next home. I especially love it in a laundry room.
How about you? Would you use cement tile in your house?
Sheila
xo
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out more decorating ideas and inspiration below:
15+ Stunning French Farmhouse Kitchens
Rustic French Farmhouse Style Home Tour
The Timeless Charm of a Butler’s Pantry
What kind of quartz would you put with an encaustic floor ? I am looking at like silestone ethereal glow style any thoughts
I just purchased my first home, it’s a fixer upper! Don’t have the budget to hire a designer, but your blog has been extremely inspirational to me! I love the tiles design you’ve shown here – thanks for the post!
I’m in love with cement tile and you’ve shared SO many good examples! Thanks for such an inspiring post!
I just love it all! I could be on your site for hours looking at all these beautiful ideas and decorating tips!
Sheila
Aww thank you Sheila – you made my day! 🙂
Sheila
Because of the wear issues we used a ceramic version for our bathroom floor. We loved it from the very first day and continue to love the look in our tiny bathroom. It’s colorful yet soft. It’s one of those things that I like so much I wouldn’t care if it was totally out of style tomorrow. I wish I could send you a pic!
Yes!! That sounds amazing Margo! And I agree, for some installations ceramic that “looks” like the cement style is preferred – and still gives that chic look!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Sheila
Love this post! Love the cement tiles. We are planning to reno our powder room and would love to incorporate the cement tiles. I think they look so European and timeless. Also, I looked at your blogpost on gray and white kitchens. Love the second photo down. However, I did not see a designer name. Do you happened to know?
P.S. I love all your blogposts. Love french country and your blogs are always so inspirational and informative.
I so appreciate your kind words and your support Gina – thank you! I love hearing from readers and knowing you’ve been inspired means so much!:)
And the designer of the second kitchen down (if it’s the one you’re talking about) is Susan Richardson. Hope that helps!
Sheila
I’m in love with these tiles too! Thanks for all the inspiration, Sheila! I’ve been thinking, for quite some time, of doing this tile in my powder room, in an inset I have above my sink and behind my wall faucet. I think it adds so much charm! Now I just need to decide on both the tile and countertop to coordinate . I have been drawn to the medium/darker grey marble, mixed with my warm wood vanity. I have all light counters throughout my house, so this is something new for me, but since it is a powder room, I feel I can be a bit more bold.
Decisions, decisions!
Oh that’s exciting! I would definitely add it to your powder room if you can- it’s amazing and adds such character! Good luck and thanks for stopping by!
Sheila
These are gorgeous! We moved into our home last year, and it has cement tiles in the kitchen and bathroom. I love them except they have a bit too much “patina” in that they have what looks like smudges all over them. That means they hide the dirt, but they always look dirty. Love. Hate. Will do one similar to one of these in our little upstairs bath, I think. Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh wow, you’re so lucky to have moved into a home with cement tiles! So glad you found some inspiration here Karen, and good luck with the bathroom – I think they’ll look great AND you can choose one with less ‘patina’!
Thanks for stopping by!
Sheila
I LOVE all these examples you’ve shown! We are building a new house at the moment and I’m thinking of using cement tile in both the kitchen and the laundry room, so this couldn’t have come at a better time! Thank you!! (love your blog!)
Love this post! Thanks so much for sharing this. I’m about to start a kitchen remodel and I’m now thinking of incorporating cement tile somewhere so reading this was perfect timing!
Thank you for this fantastic post! Cement tile holds a special place in my heart and I love seeing all the different ways you can use it design-wise. I hope this trend of using cement tiles lasts!
So glad you love it, too! Thanks!!
Very nice post! Thank you for sharing this – I’m in love with cement tile and you’ve shared SO many good examples!
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!
Sheila
Thank you for your fabulous article and for supporting makers of cement tiles. I am the co-owner and designer at Tesselle Cement Tiles. We specialize in modern, exclusive designs; we carry over 100 patterns in stock, and we work with architects, interior designers and homeowners to create customized, project-specific designs that can be produced in small production runs.
Yes, I have been contemplating using it in a sunroom, and even carrying it out to an adjacent terrace. I keep waffling back and fourth but must make a decision now! My fear was that it was a dying trend. I too love the patina it will develop and think it could end up being very authentic in this old house I’m renovating. You may have just helped me make my decision with your post. Thanks!
I think it is timeless Sandy! Because it’s been used in Europe for centuries (like marble) I don’t think it’s “out” just because it’s less popular here in a few years. I don’t care if marble goes out as I will be using it in all my kitchens forever. If you truly love it (and it sounds like you do) then I say go for it. It will look lovely, especially in an older home that already has some character!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Sheila
Our Florida home was built in 1928. Like many others in our neighborhood, it still has the original cement tile on the front porch. While it does take some care – and does have a few wear issues (when I’m 90, I will also probably have wear issues) it still looks great and should hold up for another 90 years!
How wonderful and special that you have kept the old tile – I LOVE hearing that!!
Sheila