Current Obsession - Cement Tiles

I am always struck by a room that uses cement (or encaustic) tiles.  Because each tile is made by hand they feel more like works of art as oppose to just simply tiles.   A few years ago I can across an image of a beautiful restaurant patio in Mexico and was immediately smitten!

After a bit of image sleuthing, I found the original restaurant!  I love how the tile wraps up the wall!

After a bit of image sleuthing, I found the original restaurant!  I love how the tile wraps up the wall!

A much better view with which you can truly see the tile.

A much better view with which you can truly see the tile.

The central meeting point - love it!

The central meeting point - love it!

It’s amazing that such a simple pattern can create such drama.  Cement tiles are known for their shapes, their pattern (always geometric), and their colours.

The tiles really make the design - love the star pendant used with the star tiles!

The tiles really make the design - love the star pendant used with the star tiles!

Tile from the Cement Tile Shop - they have a fantastic selection!

Tile from the Cement Tile Shop - they have a fantastic selection!

Here they are being used in a more modern bathroom.

Here they are being used in a more modern bathroom.

They can be used on the floor and the walls, both inside and outside.  I have even seen them used for sidewalks in Cuba, harkening back to the pre Castro days.

Here they are being used as a dramatic backsplash.

Here they are being used as a dramatic backsplash.

A striking feature wall.

A striking feature wall.

These colours give off a much more time worn feel.

These colours give off a much more time worn feel.

Mixing and matching different tiles.

Mixing and matching different tiles.

I love how the tile wraps up the wall from the floor - very striking in contrast to the white subway tiles.

I love how the tile wraps up the wall from the floor - very striking in contrast to the white subway tiles.

They are commonly used in courtyards in Morocco and Spain – beautiful!

What a beautiful green!

What a beautiful green!

Look at the incredible tiling around and in the fountain -

Look at the incredible tiling around and in the fountain -

Needless to say, I am dying to use these tiles on a project!  I am personally more drawn to the simple tiles but nothing says drama better than a wall of more ornate cement tiles.  Enjoy!