Carocim Plain Cement Tiles: The Material of Color
In the world of interior design, color is often just a surface. At Carocim, color is a material. Our collection of solid-color cement tiles is not simply a color chart; it's a library of textures and mineral vibrations. For over forty years, we have worked with color with one obsession: to give it depth. Unlike glazed tiles, where the color is fixed on the surface by firing, our tiles are "blocks" of color. They are alive. This page is your gateway to our six major color universes. It invites you to discover how natural pigments, combined with marble powder, can transform the atmosphere of a room with their simple, silent, and velvety presence.
The Art of Pigment: Why Our Solid Colors Are Unique
What distinguishes a Carocim plain cement tile is its "skin." The secret lies in the wear layer, several millimeters thick (approximately 4 to 5 mm), which is made up of a carefully crafted blend of white cement, very fine marble powders, and high-quality metallic oxides. It is this thickness, colored throughout, that captures light in such a unique way. The light doesn't bounce off aggressively as it does on plastic or glass; it is absorbed and diffused gently. This is what we call the tile's "vibration." Many factors explain the different variations within the same color. Our artisans, working in the privacy of our workshops, measure these pigments by hand. The pigments are themselves mixed with the marble powder and sand. Depending on the veins of the rock, the color of the marble powder will not be exactly the same. The sand itself, depending on its origin, will also have some variations in tone. Finally, the tiles dry according to the seasonal temperatures. This artisanal process means that no two tiles are ever exactly identical. Slight variations, a subtle "flashing," may appear. Far from being flaws, these variations are proof of the authenticity of our plain cement tiles. They create a floor that breathes, that isn't flat, a floor with character.
Six Universes for an Infinite Number of Atmospheres
To guide your projects, we've structured our color research into six main families. Each tells a different story and responds to specific interior design desires. Click on the images to delve into each range.
The Greens: Plant Inspiration
From soft almond green to deep emerald, including shades of sage and khaki, our Greens range is an ode to nature. These solid-color cement tiles are perfect for bringing the garden indoors. They soothe the mind and harmonize beautifully with natural wood or houseplants. In the kitchen or conservatory, they create a timeless freshness.
The Blues: The Celestial and Marine Depth
Blue is a classic color for cement tiles. Our palette explores all shades: from airy sky blue and vibrant lagoon turquoise to deep midnight blue and the ever-popular duck egg blue. Choosing solid-color cement tiles from this range gives your space a sense of horizon. It's the perfect choice for bathrooms or for creating soothing floor coverings in living areas.
The Reds and the Purples: Earth and Fire
This is the range of warmth and character. It extends from traditional terracotta tiles, which anchor the house in its history, to powerful brick reds or sophisticated aubergine purples. These hues bring a vital energy. They are ideal for a welcoming entryway, a convivial kitchen, or for warming up a north-facing room.
The Yellows: The Light of Provence
Based in Aix-en-Provence, our company couldn't ignore the sunlight. Our yellows are never garish; they are ochre, gold, mustard, or straw. They evoke white-hot stone and the facades of the South. These plain cement tiles are light-catchers. They illuminate dark spaces and bring an immediate sense of joy.
Nude and Beige Roses: Mineral Softness
This is the underlying trend in contemporary decor: a return to softness and a more "cosmetic" home aesthetic. Our shades of powder pink, nude, sandy beige, and flesh tones are carefully crafted to evoke sensuality. They create cozy, cocoon-like atmospheres. These very current hues pair perfectly with brass, velvet, or rattan.
Whites, Greys and Blacks: Pure Architecture
These are the essentials, the neutrals, the indispensables. But at Carocim, gray is never just gray. It's anthracite, mouse gray, pearl, or concrete. Our whites aren't clinical; they're milky or ivory. Our blacks are deep and matte. This family of solid-color cement tiles is all about structure and graphic design. It serves as a foundation for all styles, from industrial lofts to Haussmannian classicism.
The Decorative Power of the Uni
Cement tiles are often thought of for their patterns, but plain tiles are a remarkably powerful decorating tool. They allow you to structure a space without visually overwhelming it.
- The Checkerboard: It's a timeless classic. By combining two colors from our collections (Black/White, Red/Beige, Green/Grey), you create a graphic rhythm on the floor that visually enlarges the space.
- Rugs and Borders: Plain cement tiles are the perfect complement to our patterned tiles. They allow you to create calm borders around a lush central rug, or to zone an open-plan kitchen within a large living room.
- The "Color Block": For bold projects, dare to use a completely solid floor in a strong color (ultramarine blue, fir green). The velvety texture of the cement makes the flat color soft and enveloping, never aggressive.
Durable and Patinated Quality
Choosing a Carocim plain cement tile is a long-term investment. The quality of our pigments and the density of our pressing guarantee exceptional durability. Unlike paint that flakes or glazed tiles that scratch easily, cement tiles age beautifully. Micro-scratches from everyday use and repeated foot traffic will polish their surface. Over the years, with proper care (black soap or a mild cleaner, never acid), the color will develop a patina, becoming more silky. Your floor will gain in elegance. It is this "improvement" over time that makes our plain tiles a choice for future generations.
Formats and Thicknesses: Technology at the Service of Aesthetics
All our colors are available in our standard square format (20x20 cm), but our expertise allows us to adapt these shades to other shapes (hexagons, octagons, baseboards) to suit your creative vision. We also offer two thicknesses to meet all technical requirements: 16 mm, robust for high-traffic floors, and 10 mm, lighter, ideal for wall installations such as backsplashes or in bathrooms. Regardless of the thickness, the richness of the color palette remains the same, guaranteeing perfect harmony between your floors and walls.
Explore our Color Chart
We invite you to click on the images above to explore each color family in detail. Let yourself be inspired by the richness of our shades. And remember: the screen never fully captures the essence of the material. If a particular color appeals to you, order a sample or come see it in person at one of our retailers. Encountering a plain cement tile is always love at first sight, both visually and to the touch.