The Tilemakers – Jamaica Observer
Featured tile patterns from Indigo House: Horizon (centre), and (from left) Ipanema, Sunrise, Solid, Solstice, and Leaf of Life.
The buzz…
Indigo House was founded by two friends with a shared love of design. Amber Godfrey works in architecture while Michelle Arroyave brings expertise both in project management and interiors. Godfrey was first exposed to cement tiles while working in an architecture and interiors practice in London, and Arroyave has roots in Colombia — a country with a rich cement tile tradition. Both were drawn to the character and charm that cement tiles bring to a space.
Widely used throughout Europe, Central America and parts of the Caribbean, they are rarely seen in contemporary Jamaican buildings. Together, united by a love of materials and a shared curiosity to explore texture, pattern and colour, Godfrey and Arroyave set out to design and source cement tiles that reflect the vibrancy of Jamaica and the Caribbean. Their tiles go beyond the functional, treating every surface as an opportunity for beauty and craft.
The product… Cement tiles were first manufactured in the mid-1800s, and the fabrication process has changed very little since. Each tile is handmade by skilled artisans using Portland cement, marble powder, fine sand and natural pigments — a craft with origins in Catalonia, Spain.
The process begins with a mould, which forms the framework for the tile. Pigments are carefully poured into the mould to create the pattern, before the tile is placed under a hydraulic press and compacted under high pressure. It is then cured and finished by hand.
The result is a surface that brings warmth, character and artistry to both residential and commercial spaces. Subtle variations in colour and texture are part of the charm — a celebration of the individuality inherent in anything made by hand. Cement tiles are perfect for those who value authenticity, craftsmanship and the stories told by the materials they choose.
“At Indigo House, we believe in making things with intention — tiles that are considered in their design, handcrafted, and built to last. We believe in spaces with character, joy and craft. Known for their bold patterns and enduring quality, our tiles are fully customisable. Choose from our existing catalogue of designs and select your own colours, request modifications to an existing pattern, or design something entirely from scratch — our team can even colour match to a reference image or sample. Every tile is made to order, crafted specifically for you” Amber Godfrey, co-principal, Indigo House.
Photos courtesy of The Indigo House
Inside the Indigo House showroom
A look at a bathroom space tiled with the Starstruck pattern in the colours Cactus and Amber White.
A selection from Indigo House’s catalogue including Trinity (centre), as well as (from left) Starstuck, Midnight, Solstice, Pryramid, Eclipse and Maca
A bathroom view tiled with the Solstice pattern in the colours Breadfruit and Amber White.
Godfrey (left) brings her architectural expertise to the table, complemented by Arroyave’s background in project management and interior design.
A showcase of the diverse styles available from Indigo House
Rooted in centuries-old Catalan tradition, these hand-formed tiles combine Portland cement, marble powder, fine sand, and rich, natural pigments.
A showcase of the diverse styles available from Indigo House
A selection of the cement tiles at Indigo House
SO spotlights Indigo House, where co-principals Amber Godfrey (left) and Michelle Arroyave are handcrafting tiles.