We’re always on the lookout for the next best design trend, and we recently came across something that caught our eye (and captured our design-loving hearts): cement tile. If you’re anything like us, then you’ve probably “oohed” and “aahed” at this stunning patterned tile without even knowing exactly what it was. Well, we’re letting you in on a little secret—that tile you were swooning over was probably made of cement, and we’re pretty sure it will become your new favorite design secret, just like it has become ours.
Cement tile is not only easy on the eyes, but it’s also incredibly durable, which makes it the perfect investment to add a little handcrafted charm to any space, indoors or out. Not to mention, cement tiles are generally made individually using natural pigments, so they can be customized to your taste and the needs of your space. Are you sold yet? Whether you’re seeking out that age-old look of tiles that have been around for centuries, or you’re going for a sleek and modern design, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for in cement tile. But before you dive right into installing the tile of your dreams, you’ll want to know a few things first to get it just right. Keep scrolling to read a few tips on adding cement tile in your space, and how you can nail the trend with just five easy tricks…
Design by Jennifer Muirhead, Photo by Amy Bartlam
Photo via Amber Interiors
1. Play With Placement
If you’ve been looking for the perfect tile to spice up that all-too-simple area in your home, then say hello to your perfect solution! One thing we love about cement tiles is the rich, artistic quality they possess, and how that quality can add the perfect charm to just about any space. With that in mind, don’t be afraid to play with the placement of your tiles. Cement tiles are made with a mixture of Portland cement, powdered marble, sand, and natural mineral pigments, making them incredibly durable and perfect for a variety of uses.
Whether you tile your kitchen backsplash, display them across your home bar, make them a focal point on your fireplace, or simply use them as flooring, cement tiles can make a big statement wherever they’re placed. When it comes to this trend, the sky really is the limit, so get creative with your placement.
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Photo via Tessa Neustadt
Photo via Becky Kimball
2. Keep Your Neutrals Classic
In most cases, the cement tile you come across is going to boast some pretty bold designs and color schemes (which is why we love it, obviously). However, if you don’t stick with the right undertones in your tile, making design changes around your tile in the future can turn into a nightmare. If you’re anticipating making any design changes in the future and leaving the tile—such as faucet finishes, cabinet paint, textile swaps, etc.—make sure to keep the neutral colors in your tiles as classic as possible. Avoid overly cool or warm tones like variations of taupe, beige, browns, and the like, because they may end up dictating any design choices you make later. Instead, when it comes to your cement tile, stick with neutrals like black, white, and cream, so that other décor accents can be swapped in and out around your tile without you even batting an eye.
Photo by Ivan Solis via Designlovefest
3. Keep Styles Consistent
Ceramic tiles come in a variety of motifs and styles, and most tend to be quite bold—which means you can’t overlook the style and time period of the rest of your space. While some tile may be simple enough to mix and match between upscale modern and European classic, in most cases, your cement tile will need to be carefully selected to go hand-in-hand with the other details in the room. Because cement tiles have so much character and charm, it can make your run-of-the-mill cabinetry and fixtures look especially drab and out of place. So, before you start installing your favorite cement tiles, pay close attention to the surrounding styles and details in your space, so that the end result looks seamless, up-to-date, and intentional.
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Photo by Kate Osborne, Design by Studio McGee
4. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Whenever a design trend becomes popular, there’s no doubt that at some point you’ll come across cheaply made knock-offs that try to sell you on getting “the look for less.” While dupes can easily pass as the real thing with some trends, when it comes to cement tile, don’t settle for substitutes. After all, one of the purposes of cement tile is for it to look carefully crafted and preserved of its artisanal charm.
Now, we don’t mean to say that you have to go out and buy the most expensive tile you can find—authentically made cement tiles come in a wide range of price-points! BUT, if you settle for something that sorta looks like the real deal from far away if you squint your eyes, then you’ll end up with a tacky look that only degrades the quality of your design, and ends up doing more harm than good. The good news? Although some cement tiles can cost a pretty penny, in most cases you’ll only be using the tile to accent a relatively small area, so don’t be afraid to make the investment on some high-quality tile that will really steal the show.
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Photo by Tessa Neustadt, Design by Amber Interiors
5. Spotlight the Unexpected
Perhaps the most fun thing about patterned cement tiles is that their unique design allows them to easily fit right into unique places. Using cement tile to spotlight unexpected areas, such as stair risers or the façade of a fireplace, draws just the right amount of attention to these small areas that sometimes get overlooked. Adding this beautiful handcrafted tile to unexpected places is the perfect way to make those details stand out and create a focal point in your room. The best part is—because cement tiles come in such a wide variety of colors and designs—highlighting these unexpected details can create a design element that is as loud or subdued as you like.
Do you feel like you’ve got a handle on this cement tile trend, yet? If you’re ready to get shopping, check out some of our favorite designs below…
Shop: One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine
How would you incorporate the cement tile trend into your home? Did you fall in love with any of these designs?
We hope these tips and tricks were helpful, and that you take the chance to show the cement tile trend a little love in your home!
Xx Team GM