Cuban Cement Tile Backsplash Feels at Home in Colonial Remodel

 Donna Hochberg completed a remodel of a 1790 post-and-beam Federal-style home in North Reading, Massachusetts. Not only was she kind enough to share the following images, but in her email, she stated, "I purchased cement tiles from you. The tiles have become the centerpiece of my kitchen remodel. It was a pleasure working with you on this project and I hope to have some other projects in the future!"

Hochberg created two custom colorways, choosing a palette to match her home and taste. She used the Cuban cement tiles for the kitchen backsplash and as an accent wall behind a wood stove. The kitchen backsplash in one colorway utilizes only the cross pattern; the wall feature behind the stove, in a different colorway, uses the alternating quarter design pattern. Avente Tile created renderings based on Hochberg's color choices. The renderings help to visualize the pattern before manufacturing strike-off samples or full-order.

Hochberg's kitchen features a Cuban cement tile backsplash.
Photo Credit: Cydney Scott.

Cuban cement tiles are an excellent way to add color and pattern to a commercial space or home. We introduced this unique line of encaustic cement tiles, Cuban Heritage, over 10 years ago and they remain popular today because of their unique patterns and rich colors. Originally designed as a durable decorative flooring choice, they have increasingly become more popular as a feature wall for a kitchen backsplash.

The most popular pattern and colorway in the Cuban Heritage Collection is Design 110-2B. The motif consists of two quarter design patterns on 8-inch square tiles: a medallion and cross. The pattern is very fluid and the cross and medallion alternate in checkerboard-fashion. However, both the cross and medallion can be used separately for a very different effect. Although we stock three colorways in this patterns, it's popular to customize the colors for a truly personal and unique touch.

Happily, the remodel of Donna Hochberg's home was featured in the The Boston Globe. It's a fascinating read and provides details about the design choices she and the architect faced. Read the complete article, Restoring an 18th-Century North Reading home for additional information.

"I purchased cement tiles from you. The tiles have become the centerpiece of my kitchen remodel. It was a pleasure working with you on this project and I hope to have some other projects in the future!"
- Donna Hochberg, North Reading MA

How to Design a Cuban Cement Tile Backsplash

Cuban cement tiles work well as an accent wall for a kitchen, fireplace or hearth. You can create a custom Cuban cement tile backsplash, just like Donna did. The warmth these tiles exude is further enhanced by their ability to be customized to fit any décor, or to complement surrounding materials such as a rich wood floor, tiled mantle, or the rustic finishes found throughout Donna's home. There is no better choice with more options than tile when creating a decorative and visually appealing design.

Further enhancing their allure is the fact that cement tiles can be customized. Just like Donna did in choosing colors from our Heritage Color Palette for her Cuban cement tile. After choosing colors, we recommend a "strike-off" or sample be made to verify the design and color choices on the tile before final production. Strike-offs are shipped directly to you from the factory and take about three weeks.

We are also proud to offer a complete line of Cement Tile Customization Services to assist you with the design process. Our Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile is an especially valuable resource to keep handy. Download a free copy, check out the Cuban cement tile backsplash designs, and let the inspiration begin!