Whimsical Tile, Painted Floors & Stencil Ideas

They can inject so much personality, texture, and color into a design whether used on a floor or wall. And so often finding a beautiful tile can inspire a direction or color story for the rest of the space. Make sure to peek at tile ideas on Pinterest (pretty please follow my boards!) to get inspired too. Whimsical Tile, Painted Floors & Stencil Ideas explores a variety of options for tile or a tile look.

Summer Thornton's beautiful sun room with large scale scheckered floor, lattice, and breezy rattan furniture. #summerthornton #checkeredfloors — Summer Thornton – See more of Summer’s home in THIS

Whimsical Tile, Painted Floors & Stenciled Looks to Inspire

Encaustic & Cement-Look Whimsical Tile for Flooring

Bathrooms, laundry rooms, mud rooms, and kitchens are prime places for tile and areas where it is fun to be a little more daring.

Handmade multicolored tile in an eclectic bath with clawfoot tub in a 19th century French cottage in Toulouse by Lucinda Chambers - photo by Paul Massey. #frenchcottage #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesignl — House and Garden UK – see more of this home HERE

The colorful whimsical tile above? Handpainted by the creative homeowner…so custom!

Beautiful blue and white tiled bathroom with soaking tub - Jessica Risko Smith. #bluebathrooms #bluefloortile — Jessica Risko Smith – Whimsical Tile, Encaustic Tile & Ideas to Get the Look

In this bath in our son’s condo, we removed vinyl sheet flooring and added these fun encaustic look tiles.

Sherwin Williams Carbonized paint color on a traditional vanity in a renovated bathroom - Hello Lovely Studio. #sherwinwilliams #carbonized #charcoalgrey #paintccolors — Hello Lovely Studio – color on walls: Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

Encaustic (cement) tiles have a different installation process since they are much heavier and different to work with from porcelain or ceramic.

Stunning black and white cement tile flooring in bathroom (and zellige tile in shower) - @riadtile (design by @the.little.bird). #cementtile #tileflooring #bathroomtile — @riadtile Maya White cement whimsical tile on floor as well as Snow Zellige on shower walls (design: @the.little.bird)

If you’re a DIYer, it is likely a safer bet to install an “encaustic look” tile rather than the real thing.

Plaid encaustic floor tile pattern in a lovely laundry room by Joanna Gaines on Fixer Upper. #plaidfloor — Magnolia Home – HGTV Fixer Upper Episode…hello charming indeed.

The advantage is not just an easier installation but a much friendlier price tag.

Stair risers with various encaustic tiles ascending - Art Carreaux Ciment. #encaustictiles #staircase — Art Carreaux Ciment

But if your heart is set on cement tiles and you’re up for the expense and installation, there are gorgeous examples.

A beautiful mud room with built-in cabinetry, cement tile flooring, and shiplap walls. Design by Bria Hammel Interiors. #mudroom #cementtiles #Scandinavian #lightgrey — Bria Hammel Interiors

This tile above is still my favorite! What a beautiful light grey tile!

Medina 8" x 8" Cement Field Tile — 8×8 Medina Cement Field Tile by Moroccan Mosaic

Cement tiles are easy to care for and live with.

Edgy, dramatic, and organic, this cement tiled fireplace (@renoveau_hom) has geometric chic and rustic elegance. #cementtile #fireplace #interiordesign — @renoveau_hom

The reason encaustic tiles continue to to be popular is because of how durable they are. Additionally, they can add instant age and character to new builds that need soul.

Encaustic tile (Nomads Tile by geontile) in a contemporary bathroom with vessel sink and open storage vanity. — geontile

You may find this article from HGTV helpful for the scoop on cement tiles.

Victorian home entry with encaustic tile flooring, stained glass, and deep blue millwork - Victorian Tiling Wales. — Victorian Tiling Wales

Why Do Encaustic Tiles Cost More?

Seeing their creation helps you grasp the full picture.

You may be noticing that checkered floor patterns are wildly popular again. Such a whimsical choice, and if you have the budget for reclaimed tiles (or are lucky enough to score them from someone remodeling!), their patina adds so much character.

Beautiful deep green bath with handpainted mural, console sink, and encaustic tile floor - @Talkingtileandstone. #greenbathrooms #muralinbath #encaustictile — @talkingtileandstone

This post contains affiliate links which I hope you will use since they won’t cost you a penny extra yet may earn this blog a small commission.

Kitchen With Cement Tile Backsplash

Argana 8" x 8" Cement Field Tile — Argana Cement Field Tile by Moroccan Mosaic…in case you love a bold dramatic backsplash.

Atlas 8" x 8" Handmade Cement Tile in Green/White — Atlas Cement Field Tile by Moroccan Mosaic…hello lovely indeed.

Tadla 8" X 8" Handmade Cement Tile in Black/White — Tadla Cement Field Tile by Moroccan Mosaic…in case you’re considering encaustic tile.

Tafilalt 8" x 8" Cement Field Tile in Black/Gray — Tafilalt Cement Field Tile by Moroccan Mosaic…certainly a timeless design.

Cement Tile Lookalikes

If you love the look of cement, check out these alternatives. They may be mass produced, but there are lovely low priced options.

Encausto 8" x 8" Porcelain Field Tile in White/Black — 8×8 Porcelain Field Tile in White Black…cement tile info as well as stencil ideas.

Royalty Galactic 17.63" x 17.63" Ceramic Field Tile in Blue — 17.63″ Royalty Galactic Ceramic Field Tile – cement tile options as well as tile ideas.

Terracotta Tile

If you love Old World style, you probably admire ancient terracotta tile too.

Rustic elegant French country home near Paris belonging to Sophie Lambert, antique lover and shop owner of Autemps des Cerises. #countryfrenchhome #frenchnordic #scandinavianantiques — Autemps Des Cerises

These terracotta hex tiles in the French kitchen below are more than 150 years ago and not original to the home. The new owners found them elsewhere, and what an amazing way to “add” authenticity after the fact!

Authentic rustic elegant French farmhouse kitchen near Bordeaux with terracotta hex tile floor and putty cabinets - Vivi et Margot. #frenchkitchen #frenchfarmhouse — Vivi et Margot

Faux Cement Stenciled Tiles

Some folks skip demo altogether and paint a tile look over vinyl or even existing tile. While this probably isn’t a permanent flooring solution, it can be 1.0 until you’re ready for 2.0.

Black and white cement tile stenciled bathroom floor by @a.moroccanspinkandgold.dream. #cementtilestencil #tilestencil #stenciledfloor — @a.moroccanspinkandgold.dream…hello lovely indeed.

If your floor is hideous and you like DIY, how fun totry out the effect of cement tiles without the mess and expense. Just a few hours and a quality stencil may help you achieve the look!

Amazing transformation of a bathroom floor with a cement tile stencil and paint - @jessica_kaarina. #tilestencil #bathroomfloor #diystenciledfloor — @jessica_kaarina…hello dramatic transformation indeed.

What may be savvy about stenciling the floor is that even though encaustic tiles have been around since the 1850s, they continue to trend. If the look falls from favor, one could paint over the stenciled wall, floor, or patio.

Beautiful blue and white Spanish style cement tile stenciled backsplash by @stnecilslab. #cementtilestencil #stenciledbacksplash #spanishtilestencil — @stencilslab…in case you love a Spanish tile look.

Here is my favorite stencil which mimics the look of real cement tiles.

Faux cement tile stenciled wall in a kitchen for backsplash. Jewel Tile stencil by Cutting Edge Stencils. — Jewel Tile Stencil by Cutting Edge Stencils…in case you’re considering a stenciled backsplash.

Charcoal grey paint to get this effect: RIGHT HERE.

Jewel Tile stencil by Cutting Edge Stencils on a floor in a bathroom. #stencil #cementtile #fauxtile — Jewel Tile Stencil by Cutting Edge Stencils…in case you like the idea of a stenciled floor.

Painted Check Flooring

Airy, bright, white, and Scandinavian style in a modern farmhouse mud room by Bria Hammel Interiors. Glorious cubbies, light grey and white tiled floor, and shiplap walls. #mudroom #modernfarmhouse #shiplap — Bria Hammel Interiors…hello breathtaking serene laundry room floor indeed!

What if you’re inspired by the look of pricey marble, Belgian stone, or even encaustic tile checkered floors, but don’t have the patience of budget?

F&B Dimity on walls. Zoe Feldman Design - luxurious European inspired kitchen with grey marble checkered floor, Hallman range, honed marble counters, and Farrow & Ball Railings painted cabinets. #bespokekitchens — Farrow & Ball Dimity on walls, Railing on cabinets. Design: Zoe Feldman Design

Is a painted checkered floor the most timeless yet whimsical look of all?

Rustic yet elegant kitchen with cabinets painted BM Light Breeze and checkered wood floor (photo by Haris Kenjar). #benjaminmoorelightbreeze — Landed Interiors – Benjamin Moore Light Breeze – photo: Haris Kenjar

Yellow checkered floor in rustic country cottage in Leiper's Fork, TN known as storybook cottage - Hello Lovely Studio. — Hello Lovely

Find more checkered floor inspiration in THIS STORY.

Ultimate fantasy she shed "garden studio" which is a converted carriage house - Mar Jennings. #sheshedgoals #gardenstudio #backyardbliss — @marjennings

Pink painted door (Farrow & Ball Pink Ground) in a London rowhouse with boots, basket, and checkered floor. #farrowandballpink #pinkground — Farrow & Ball Pink Ground on door

Nora Murphy's 1767 Connecticut farmhouse with beautifully designed relaxed and classic interior design. #noramurphy #farmhousestyle #interiordesign #historicfarmhouse #entry — Nora Murphy

Faux Cement Tile Stencil Tutorial

They don’t just make it look easy – it truly is as easy as rolling over a stencil with a little bit of paint – matching up registration marks – securing with painters tape – and repeating.

Isn’t it a good looking wall which cost next to nothing!?!

DIY Faux Cement Tile Stenciled Wall — Learn how these talented sisters transformed a boring wall into a Faux Cement Tile Stenciled Wall by Shanty2Chic

More Stencils To Get a Cement Tile Look!

Nagoya Tile stencil by Cutting Edge Stencils. Faux cement tiled floor with a stencil! #stencil #fauxtile #cementtile — Nagoya Tile Stencil by Cutting Edge Stencils…in case you’re after a bold dramatic floor.

Nagoya Tile stencil, Cutting Edge Stencils — Stencil: Nagoya Tile Stencil by Cutting Edge Stencils…in case you love this design.

Nagoya Tile Stencil — Tile Stencil by Cutting Edge Stencils…hello lovely indeed.

Amalfi tile stencil. — Amalfi Tile Stencil by Cutting Edge Stencils…in case you admire a painted backsplash.

Amalfi tile stencil by Cutting Edge Stencils — Tile: Amalfi Tile Stencil by Cutting Edge Stencils…in case you want a beautiful stencil.

Hello Lovely’s Stencil Projects

A feminine dressing room with dramatic stenciled statement wall. Fortuny stencil by Royal Design Studio was used in light grey over white. Hello Lovely Studio. #stenciledwall #interiordesign #stencil #shabbychic — A feminine dressing room. Fortuny Stencil by Royal Design Studio…in case you’re looking for a timeless design.

Need a Louis Ghost Chair or 6? I love them for desk chairs, extra seating, and outdoor entertaining since they are stackable…Find them HERE.

Springtime in Paris stencil was used for this DIY'd stenciled mirror by Hello Lovely Studio. — I stenciled right over an old mirror for an etched look which took minutes using a French Lettering stencil.

Springtime in Paris script stencil by Royal Design Studio was used on wall of bathroom by Hello Lovely Studio. — For a tonal look, off white paint was stenciled over a putty color wall – stencil here.

French farmhouse decor style in a courtyard garden with pea gravel, a vintage watering can, and a mirror stenciled with a French poem. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #courtyard #stenciled #mirror — This old wall mirror came out of the main bathroom we demo’d…instead of a land fill, it wound up in our front courtyard for the birds. I used my French Stencil by Royal Design Studio.

French Country decor inspiration in a French courtyard with pea gravel, boxwood, bench, and vintage decor. #hellolovelystudio #frenchfarmhouse #frenchfarmhouse #outdoordecor #courtyard #peagravel #boxwood — What a joy to watch creatures of the air and woods peeking at themselves in this mirror I kept outdoors all year long. French Lettering stencil by Royal Design Studio.

More Script Stencils to Consider

I have stenciled walls for myself and many others since the early 90s, and stencils have come a long way!

DIY French Script Stenciled Wall - Hello Lovely Studio. #stencils #frenchscript #accentwall #statementwall #diy #homedecor #bedroomdecor — French Script stenciled wall in a bedroom – Hello Lovely Studio

Script style stencils remain a favorite, and this example below is one I used in a bedroom.

vintage style script stencil — Vintage French Script Stencil by Stencil Stash

My white studio with Belgian style linen chairs and European country style - Hello Lovely Studio. #whitelinen #serenedecor — Hello Lovely Studio

I have seen all sorts of stenciled pillow covers online, and the effect seems nearly believable on vintage canvas fabric. (You can always add fabric sizing medium to paint on fabric).

French Lavender Vintage Script Label Stencil by Stencil Stash. — French Lavender Vintage Script Label Stencil by Stencil Stash…in case you admire vintage French style fonts.

This Parisian inspired stencil can be used for a variety of projects – imagine a rustic wood box, a pillow case, a door, or a decorative sign for the wall.

Cafe de Flore stencil by Stencil Stash. — Cafe de Flore Stencil by Stencil Stash

If you have shopped for antique grain sacks from Europe then you know how pricey they are. Here’s a low cost alternative to creating something suggestive of an antique. The lettering is so Old World and authentic!

Grain Sack Vintage French Script Stencil by Stencil Stash. — Grain Sack Vintage French Script Stencil by Stencil Stash

Ever transformed a wall with a stencil? Have experience with cement tiles in any of your spaces?

p.s. Find more inspiration for laundry rooms and mud rooms RIGHT HERE.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.