Cement Tiles: An Artisanal Touch

If you're looking for a softer, more artisanal look in your home, you may want to consider cement tiles. Cement tiles give the appearance of a handmade product. And in the case of the tiles you see here, you can get the look of an encaustic tile, which is known for the use of multiple colors of clay within a single tile.

They're a bit different than the typical tiles you see at Mission Stone & Tile. While porcelain tiles gain their strength from firing in a kiln, cement tiles gain their strength from curing. The saturated pigment on these cement tiles ensures that the material will remain beautiful and durable for years to come, while the inherent characteristics will give it a natural patina over time. The tiles will get worn a bit - like your favorite pair of jeans.

Electra Encaustic Cement Tiles are available in Marine Bone (blue) and Steel Grey and can be used on walls and floors. Just be sure to understand the inherent characteristics of cement tile before you buy! The material will scratch and patina, showing a worn, or patinaed look over time. If you like the artisanal look (and so many of our customers do - and we do too!) then cement tile is for you. If you prefer a material that holds up to wear and tear while remaining relatively unchanged over time, check out our Electra Grande Porcelain Tile, which has a similar look, a larger size, more colors - and a different material composition & production process, making it very durable.

Electra - Steel Grey

Decade-adent: Classic Subway Tiles

Shag carpeting. Olive green refrigerators. Geometric patterns. Trends come and go. So isn't it delightful when we see a design element that spans decades? The original subway tile is one of few design elements that remains every bit as popular today as it was when it was first invented. And - in the case of the subway tile - that would be the early 1900's.

You probably already know that, as its name suggests, the tile was originally used in subway systems. It became known for its durability, ease of maintenance, low cost and simplicity in design. Today, we find that it complements some of the most beautiful kitchen and bathroom designs in the world.

The original white subway tile is a classic. And with some styles around only $3 a square foot, it's one of the most economical ways to give your kitchen or bathroom a makeover.

Snow White - 2x4 Glossy Subway Tile 

Whether you're looking for the classic white subway tile or a new, modern take on the classic subway tile, you can find it here in our Essentials Subway Tile Collection.















Get inspired!

PINTEREST
Check out today's modern take on the 1900's style in white subway tiles on Pinterest.
Find trends and classic styles in backsplash tiles on Pinterest.

BLOGS / INTERESTING READS
See what Design Milk has to say about subway tile in Design Milk's Article: Tactile Subway Tiles: An Updated Spin on a Design Classic.


And check out this write-up in the New York Times about the original subway tile.

Apartment Therapy also did a wonderful article called A Brief History of Subway Tile.

The Essentials Collection

The Essentials Collection

The Essentials Collection

The Essentials Collection 

The Essentials Collection

Photos courtesy of Leslee Mitchell