Terrazzo has been making a fun comeback recently, with modern twists (Image: Courtesy of Ceramica Sant'Agostino)
Cover Terrazzo has been making a fun comeback recently, with modern twists (Photo: Courtesy of Ceramica Sant'Agostino)

More than just a flooring material, terrazzo has received a contemporary resurgence lately. Here are some ways you can incorporate its playful retro look into your abode

In recent years, terrazzo has made a huge comeback as a trending material in interiors. Originating from Italy, the composite material is made by mixing chips of marble, quartz, granite, and other suitable materials before polishing them to a smooth surface. 

Today, modern terrazzo has evolved slightly from its predecessor. Alongside using traditional cement to produce terrazzo, resin is also favoured for its resistance to scratches and cracking. The speckled pattern is available in a kaleidoscope of colours, and the chips are typically bigger and chunkier to achieve a bold visual effect. Besides flooring, the new wave of terrazzo has also been making its rounds nearly everywhere—from countertops to textiles, and even on homeware.  

Loving how vibrant it is? Here, we’ve gathered several stylish ways to inspire you to incorporate terrazzo tiles and terrazzo-like designs into your abode.

See also: 11 Feature Wall Ideas That Will Instantly Transform The Look Of Your Rooms

1. Dress the walls

Tatler Asia
Turn to wall decals for a low-commitment terrazzo wall feature (Image: Courtesy of Evercasa)
Above Turn to wall decals for a low-commitment terrazzo wall feature (Photo: Courtesy of Evercasa)
Tatler Asia
Evercasa's confetti-like wall decals are available in various fun shapes (Image: Courtesy of Evercasa)
Above Evercasa's confetti-like wall decals are available in various fun shapes (Photo: Courtesy of Evercasa)

One of the most straightforward ways to include a terrazzo-like design into your interiors is by using wallpaper. This brings an artful atmosphere into any room, whether it's a statement feature wall or on all four walls.

If you’re not looking for a full-scale makeover, turn to wall decals instead. Homegrown decal brand Evercasa offers removable fabric decals in a range of terrazzo-like designs. Opt for smaller confetti-like shapes to mimic the look of natural terrazzo, or choose fun geometric shapes for a playful touch. 

See also: 7 Kid-Friendly Removable Wall Decals To Spruce Up Playrooms

2. Go big and bold

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 2 Available from Hafary, Ceramica Sant'Agostino’s Newdecò line of tiles feature a modern twist on terrazzo (Photo: Courtesy of Ceramica Sant'Agostino)
Photo 2 of 2 The Newdecò patchwork-themed terrazzo flooring from Ceramica Sant'Agostino, available locally at Hafary, makes for a vibrant and stunning feature (Photo: Courtesy of Ceramica Sant'Agostino)

For a modern twist on traditional terrazzo flooring, opt for graphic patterns with larger fragments. Italian ceramic tile manufacturer Ceramica Sant'Agostino’s Newdecò line of tiles, which retails at local material supplier Hafary, will make a bold statement in any room.

The glazed porcelain tiles are available in various unique patterns. A patchwork-themed option, for example, is a contemporary take on a classic pattern that adds a chic and unique flair to a room.

See also: Hafary’s New Showroom By Park + Associates is Designed as a Creative Journey
 

3. A playful twist to table tops

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 2 Designed by The Scientist, this workspace features a terrazzo table top (Photo: Courtesy of The Scientist)
Photo 2 of 2 Furnishings such as the Bolia Como coffee table, available at Danish Design Co, creates a quirky touch to living spaces (Photo: Courtesy of Danish Design Co)

Inject a cheerful spin into your workspace with a terrazzo table. This study designed by homegrown design firm The Scientist features a striking table with a terrazzo top and olive green drawers. The bright touch is visual delight in this cheerful home office.

Don’t limit the terrazzo tabletop to your study—the vibrant feature will look just as stunning atop coffee tables in the living room and dining tables in the dining area.

See also: Home Tour: A Bold and Colourful Memphis-Inspired Apartment in Singapore
 

4. A tactile touch

Tatler Asia
The Kristín Terrazzo cushion cover from  hearth\home (Image: Courtesy of  hearth\home)
Above The Kristín Terrazzo cushion cover from hearth\home (Photo: Courtesy of hearth\home)
Tatler Asia
The Terrazzo rug from upholstery maison Pierre Frey (Image: Courtesy of Pierre Frey)
Above The Terrazzo rug from upholstery maison Pierre Frey (Photo: Courtesy of Pierre Frey)

Fabrics and upholstery featuring terrazzo-like patterns are a great way to create a fun tactile atmosphere. The Terrazzo rug from French upholstery and furnishings company Pierre Frey features abstract shapes that are tufted by hand, adding a whimsical and sophisticated flair to spaces.  

Cushion covers, such as the Kristín Terrazzo set from local retailer Hearth\home, are also an easy and effortless way to bring the beauty of terrazzo into your interiors.

5. Tile it up

Tatler Asia
The bathrooms at The Siren Hotel features terrazzo tiles and vanities (Image: Courtesy of The Siren Hotel)
Above The bathrooms at The Siren Hotel features terrazzo tiles and vanities (Photo: Courtesy of The Siren Hotel)
Tatler Asia
The bathrooms embrace terrazzo in full splendour (Image: Courtesy of The Siren Hotel)
Above The bathrooms embrace terrazzo in full splendour (Photo: Courtesy of The Siren Hotel)

Line your bathroom walls with terrazzo tiles for a chic and modern statement. Located in downtown Detroit, the bathrooms in The Siren Hotel feature custom terrazzo tiling in vibrant blue, red and green variations. Created by design development firm ASH NYC alongside American architectural firm Quinn Evans Architects, the team opted to also dress the vanity counters in terrazzo for double the impact.

6. Create a retro kitchen counter

Tatler Asia
Designed by Avenue Design Studio, this kitchen features a terrazzo sink and countertops (Image: Courtesy of Avenue Design Studio)
Above Designed by Avenue Design Studio, this kitchen features a terrazzo sink and countertops (Photo: Courtesy of Avenue Design Studio)
Tatler Asia
The terrazzo effect adds an interesting graphic feature to the kitchen (Image: Courtesy of Avenue Design Studio)
Above The terrazzo effect adds an interesting graphic feature to the kitchen (Photo: Courtesy of Avenue Design Studio)

Most terrazzos are durable and highly resistant to heat, making them a suitable material for kitchen countertops. In this townhouse located in The Hague, Netherlands-based practice Avenue Design Studio created a chic kitchen featuring a terrazzo worktop with a built-in terrazzo sink. Blue cabinetry adds to the allure of the kitchen, while oak open-shelves create a touch of rustic charm.

7. Opt for terrazzo accents

Tatler Asia
Brambe's homeware goods feature cheery terrazzo prints (Image: Courtesy of Commune)
Above Brambe’s homeware goods feature cheery terrazzo prints (Photo: Courtesy of Commune)
Tatler Asia
Commune’s Tierra bar cart features a terrazzo surface with natural wood surfaces (Image: Courtesy of Commune)
Above Commune’s Tierra bar cart features a terrazzo surface with natural wood surfaces (Photo: Courtesy of Commune)

The easiest way to liven up your living space with terrazzo accents is through decorative pieces that can be swapped out easily if the look doesn't grow on you. Top picks include Commune’s Tierra bar cart, which features a terrazzo top that’s combined with neutral hues and refined finishes. 

You can also incorporate touches of the confetti-like designs into your home with smaller decor pieces. These handcrafted pill trays and coasters from local eco-friendly homeware label Brambe feature terrazzo-inspired prints that are full of stimulating colours and shapes.  

See also: How Local Design Brand Commune Builds On Its Family History Of Furniture Making

Topics