As a form of flooring, terrazo is probably as vintage in style as linoleum. You may not know what terrazo is but you’ve definitely seen it around. Terrazo is a composite material made from setting broken marble chips in cement or clay, before compacting it and smoothing it down.
(Image credit: Dzek)
Terrazo was a popular and affordable way to cover large floor areas in the Sixties, but modern designers are bringing back the trend by incorporating new materials to create new terrazo designs.
(Image credit: Ceramic tiles Singapore)
Terrazo can be cast on-site or pre-cast and applied in tile formats. They were used in public spaces and outdoor patios because of their hardiness and durability.
Today, terrazo is not only used as flooring. It can also be used on various surfaces, from countertops (such as this lovely kitchen counter) to walls and tables too.
For those who love the look of terrazo but not sure about using the real deal, French wallpaper brand Paper Mint offers an ingenious solution with this wallpaper design that looks and feels like granite-infused terrazo.
This cool backsplash idea from Obumex uses a grey and neutral palette to create a sophisticated look.
Designers can also play on proportion by using varying sizes of the chips used to create the material, such as with this countertop from Dzek.
An entirely new look is achieved simply by changing the colour of the base cement as well.
The use of glass and quartz provides an added shine to the surface.
If you’re not sure about re-doing your walls or floors, opt to have terrazo in your furniture instead.
This table from Anthropologie features framed terrazo with gold trims.