A home is more than a structure; it’s a composition of choices, materials and details that reflect the people who live there. Every element, from the floors to the fixtures, shapes the character of a space. Most decorative-tile options on the market are flat, uniform and forgettable, designed for efficiency, not artistry. Kibak Tile in Sisters offers an artisanal alternative.

Each piece is handcrafted and made to order, with makers creating intricate designs that carry the warmth of the human hand. By blending centuries-old techniques with contemporary design, Kibak produces tiles with depth and texture that mass production can’t match. It’s time-consuming, yes, but well worth the one-of-a-kind ceramics that transform spaces from cookie-cutter to custom.

“It may sound a bit ‘woo-woo,’” said Carli Strachan, Kibak’s head of product development and outreach, “but I truly believe that if you live in a home where the tile was carefully handcrafted by caring people, the love we pour into each piece will translate into your home and have a lasting positive impact.”

For Strachan, the work is personal. “My mother, Susanne Redfield, founded Kibak Tile, so my journey technically began 30 years ago when I would visit her at work,” she said. Childhood curiosity and summers spent painting tiles would eventually lead her to join the company, full-time in 2015. “I couldn’t resist the creative pull any longer,” she added. “There’s something special about working in a trade that embraces quality and infuses objects with life.”

The creative process at Kibak begins long before the first brushstroke. Design inspiration comes from various sources. Sometimes, it’s drawn from Spanish, Moroccan, Danish or Japanese design motifs. Other times, it’s an unexpected color palette or an interplay of textures.

Whatever the point of inspiration, artistry must be balanced with practicality. “Making a new pattern can be challenging,” Strachan explained. “It has to be paintable, with no space too small or intricate, and it has to work well as a repeat.” This ensures the final product is beautiful and functional, a standard that has earned Kibak the attention of respected names in architecture and design, with patterns commissioned by Daltile, Ann Sacks, Fireclay and Malibu Tile Works.

Clients are also central to the creation process. Instead of simply flipping through a catalog, they co-create something that aligns with their vision. “Tiles have incredible storytelling power,” Strachan said. Clients become part of the process, with the Kibak team working closely with them to refine patterns and select colors, whether the space is modern, farmhouse, coastal, craftsman or another. If the perfect hue isn’t available commercially, the teams will customize glazes to match cabinets, countertops or paint.

Once the design is finalized, the dry-line technique brings it to life. Rooted in Islamic ceramic art, this method uses the wax resist technique to trace patterns, keeping glazes crisp and defined.

“The story of tile and tile making is so rich, with historical roots that date back thousands of years,” Strachan explained. “It’s a craft that deserves to be honored, and that’s exactly what we do here.”

After glazing, the tiles are kiln-fired at thousands of degrees, permanently sealing the color and finish. The intense heat alters the pigments, deepening some shades and softening others. No two tiles are ever identical, a touch of unpredictability that gives each piece its individual quality.

Traditionally confined to kitchen backsplashes and bathroom floors, tile was valued more for durability than design. But Kibak sees tile as architectural, shaping a room’s entire mood.

“We tile in unexpected places, fireplace surrounds, stair risers, pools, door frames, even custom furniture,” Strachan said. “We’re actually developing a tile and steel table that will be available soon.” Thinking beyond the backsplash allows tile to elevate even the most practical spaces and corners of a home.

The belief that tile should enhance a space rather than fade into the background extends to color and pattern. “Although we can work with neutrals and have our twists on how to make them more interesting with textures and patterns, we love a project that embraces color, pattern, richness and depth,” she said.

Strachan’s advice for those considering custom tile is simple: Start with a vision, but stay open to discovery. “Think about the mood, color palette and vibe while considering how the tile will interact with other design elements,” she said. “Most importantly, you should love the tile you choose.” It’s an investment in quality, legacy and artistry.

Looking ahead, Kibak is expanding its offerings beyond traditional installations. The business is also developing wall hangings, murals and even footwear featuring its signature patterns, allowing the spirit of Kibak Tile to find its way into projects of all sizes. Local showroom visits are now welcome, and collections are available for direct purchase through its website.

“Our tiles are designed to bring joy, beauty, excellence and a personal touch to your space,” Strachan says. “It’s a timeless choice that requires no maintenance and will never fade”—a lasting reminder that some things are worth making by hand.