Terrazzo, a material with roots dating back to ancient Italy, is making a grand comeback in contemporary interior design. Once considered a relic of mid-century modern homes, terrazzo has evolved and found its place in the modern design world. Thanks to its versatility, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, terrazzo is quickly becoming a favorite among designers, architects, and homeowners alike. At Scale & Structure, we are passionate about revitalizing classic materials and incorporating them into modern designs, and terrazzo is the perfect example of how old can blend seamlessly with the new.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the resurgence of terrazzo, how it’s being reimagined in contemporary interiors, and how you can incorporate it into your own home.
1. What is Terrazzo?
Traditionally, terrazzo is a composite material made from chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, or other aggregates that are set in a cement or resin base. Once it is poured, the surface is ground down and polished, creating a smooth, durable surface with a speckled appearance. The beauty of terrazzo lies in its unique ability to mix and match different materials, colors, and textures, resulting in an eye-catching surface that is one-of-a-kind.
While terrazzo has been around for centuries, it gained prominence in the 1920s and 30s, especially in flooring, and became synonymous with mid-century modern aesthetics. Fast forward to today, and terrazzo is experiencing a renaissance as designers find new ways to incorporate this timeless material into a variety of applications, from floors to walls to furniture and accessories.
2. Why Terrazzo is Making a Comeback
There are several reasons why terrazzo is back in the spotlight and being reimagined for modern spaces:
a. Sustainability and Durability
One of the key benefits of terrazzo is its sustainability. As an eco-friendly material, terrazzo is often made from recycled chips of stone, glass, or metal, which means it’s an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Additionally, terrazzo is incredibly durable, resistant to wear and tear, and can last for decades with minimal maintenance, making it a long-lasting investment.
At Scale & Structure, we love incorporating terrazzo into projects for clients who prioritize sustainability. Whether used for countertops, flooring, or even small décor pieces, terrazzo offers a timeless, eco-conscious option that adds both beauty and longevity to any space.
b. Customization and Versatility
Terrazzo’s adaptability is another reason for its resurgence. This material can be customized in virtually any color palette and can incorporate a wide range of aggregates, from traditional marble chips to recycled glass, metal, or even natural stone. This versatility allows designers to create terrazzo surfaces that complement any design style, from minimalist and modern to bohemian and industrial.
You can use terrazzo in a variety of ways, including:
- Floors: Terrazzo flooring creates a stunning, durable surface that can anchor a room. It works beautifully in both residential and commercial settings.
- Countertops and Vanities: Terrazzo countertops and vanities are not only functional but also visually striking. The unique, speckled design adds character and personality to kitchens and bathrooms.
- Walls: Terrazzo on walls, especially as an accent or feature wall, can turn any room into a piece of art. Its texture and pattern create depth and interest.
- Furniture and Accessories: Modern terrazzo furniture, like tables, stools, or light fixtures, gives a nod to mid-century style while embracing contemporary design.
At Scale & Structure, we use terrazzo creatively across a range of applications, ensuring that it enhances the aesthetics of the space while offering long-term functionality.
c. Timeless Aesthetic with Modern Appeal
While terrazzo has a rich history, it remains relevant today because of its timeless aesthetic and modern appeal. The material is naturally chic and adds texture to any room, providing visual interest without overwhelming the space. Whether it’s used in large quantities or as a subtle accent, terrazzo can be tailored to suit various interior design styles, including modern, industrial, Scandinavian, and eclectic.
Terrazzo’s combination of classic craftsmanship and modern sensibilities makes it the perfect choice for homeowners and designers seeking something both bold and timeless. It’s a material that continues to evolve, with new colors, textures, and finishes being introduced regularly, ensuring its place in future design trends.
3. How to Incorporate Terrazzo into Your Home
If you’re considering incorporating terrazzo into your home design, here are some of the best ways to do so:
a. Terrazzo Flooring
The most classic use of terrazzo is for flooring, and it remains a fantastic option for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. The material is highly durable and easy to maintain, making it perfect for both residential and commercial spaces. In larger rooms, terrazzo floors can create a striking visual statement, with colors and patterns that add texture and depth to the space.
- Bold Statement Floors: For those who want to make a bold statement, consider using terrazzo flooring in contrasting colors or unique patterns that match the rest of your décor.
- Neutral Floors: If you prefer a more understated look, opt for terrazzo floors in neutral tones such as beige, gray, or white. These versatile colors complement almost any interior style.
b. Terrazzo Countertops
Terrazzo is making a huge comeback in kitchens and bathrooms in the form of countertops. Its polished surface gives any space a sophisticated look, while its speckled finish adds character and individuality. Whether you go for a traditional terrazzo finish or a more modern, resin-based version, terrazzo countertops are durable, easy to maintain, and a real conversation starter.
- Kitchen Countertops: Terrazzo adds a unique touch to kitchen spaces, offering an eye-catching surface for food prep or serving. Pairing it with minimalist cabinetry or open shelving allows the terrazzo to be the focal point.
- Bathroom Vanities: In the bathroom, terrazzo countertops can bring a luxurious yet functional aesthetic. Its durability makes it ideal for high-moisture areas, and its wide range of colors lets you match your design vision.
c. Terrazzo Accents
Not ready to commit to terrazzo on your floors or countertops? Start small by incorporating terrazzo accents into your space. Terrazzo can be used for small items such as:
- Tabletops and Side Tables: A terrazzo tabletop can be a standout feature in your living room or dining area, combining both functionality and style.
- Home Décor Accessories: Look for terrazzo accessories like vases, trays, lamps, and coasters to add a touch of this classic material to your space without overwhelming it.
These smaller pieces can work wonders in a variety of design schemes, from mid-century modern to contemporary and eclectic.
d. Terrazzo Walls
For an even bolder statement, consider using terrazzo on the walls. This works especially well in bathrooms, kitchens, or as an accent wall in living spaces. The natural texture of terrazzo on the walls adds dimension and elegance, transforming a simple space into an artful masterpiece.
- Feature Wall: A terrazzo accent wall in the living room or entryway creates visual intrigue. Pair it with simple furniture and decor to allow the terrazzo wall to take center stage.
- Kitchen Backsplashes: Terrazzo is a fantastic material for kitchen backsplashes, bringing texture and interest while complementing other materials like wood or stainless steel.
4. Modern Takes on Terrazzo
While the classic terrazzo look remains timeless, today’s designers are taking the material in exciting new directions:
- Resin-Based Terrazzo: A modern version of terrazzo, made from resin, is more flexible and lighter than traditional cement-based terrazzo. This makes it easier to work with, and it’s ideal for use on furniture and accessories.
- Bold Color Combinations: Modern terrazzo incorporates vibrant, bold colors like bright yellows, blues, or even pastels, often combined with unconventional aggregates like recycled glass, shells, or metals.
- Sustainability Focus: Many modern terrazzo versions use recycled and sustainable materials, making it an eco-conscious choice for green interior design.
5. Conclusion: Embrace the Timeless Beauty of Terrazzo
The resurgence of terrazzo represents a perfect fusion of history and modernity. Whether you choose to incorporate it in large-scale installations like floors and countertops or prefer subtle terrazzo accents, this classic material has the power to elevate any space with its beauty, durability, and sustainability.
At Scale & Structure, we love incorporating terrazzo into our projects because of its versatility and timeless appeal. If you’re ready to embrace the resurgence of terrazzo in your home, reach out to us today, and let’s explore how this incredible material can transform your space.
