With this speckled material making waves in interior design, we explore all the ways you can welcome it to your bathroom…
Terrazzo is one of the world’s oldest composite materials (originally created to repurpose offcuts of natural stone), but these days, brands and designers are getting more creative with its composition, from practical porcelain lookalikes to sustainable solutions crafted from recycled wood chips instead of marble.
No wonder terrazzo’s had a resurgence in popularity, adorning kitchens and bathrooms. Here, we’re exploring the latter and all the wonderful ways you can use it in your bathing or showering space, both boldly and in smaller doses…
Why should you use terrazzo in your bathroom?
Being an incredibly versatile material, terrazzo is suitable for anything from wall cladding and flooring to bespoke vanities and basins, so the design opportunities are limitless. “Because it’s a composite, it can be formed, cut and shaped in almost endless ways, which is why we love using it across so many applications,” Nicky Mudie, founder and director of Violet & George, tells me. “It’s durable enough for floors in high-traffic areas, refined enough for kitchen worktops, and can even be used for bespoke furniture pieces or exterior paving.”
According to Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms, each application brings its own character, and the craft matters. “With true poured or precast terrazzo, crisp jointing and proper sealing are essential to maintain that uninterrupted, honed look,” she explains. “Porcelain terrazzo-effect tiles are far less demanding in this respect as they don’t need sealing and offer more predictable patterning, making them a practical alternative where maintenance or budget is a concern.”
And colour plays an important part, too. “Bold pigments and high-contrast chips can deliver a contemporary, statement look which is particularly effective when used across a full-height shower or on a vanity to anchor the space,” says Louise. “Softer, more muted tones offer a gentler touch; when paired with natural stones, they sit comfortably in more traditional schemes, adding layers of quiet texture without overwhelming the space. Done well, terrazzo becomes the thread that ties all elements of a bathroom together,” she continues.
So, if you, like us, are swooning over this material, let’s take a closer look at some clever ways to embrace terrazzo in all its beauty…
Terrazzo walls and floors
If you love bold, maximalist designs, why not give the pattern drenching decorating technique a try? Envelop a compact bathroom or a downstairs loo in terrazzo to truly let the material shine. “I find larger formats can help open up smaller rooms, while patterned or smaller scale tiles can highlight key areas like a shower or a splashback,” says Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May. And Katerina Tchevytchalova, director of K’Arte Design, adds that large-format slabs offer a more seamless finish with fewer grout lines, ideal in modern bathrooms or those who desire minimal maintenance, while “smaller tiles or more expressive patterns bring character and personality, and are perfect used as feature walls, splashbacks, or accent details.”
However, when it comes to terrazzo flooring, whether it’s tiled or poured, remember to consider adequate anti-slip ratings, advises John Krause, managing director at Diespeker & Co. “A honed rather than highly polished finish is preferable. It still gives a smooth surface but is much less slippery when wet,” he says.
Tiled baths
Fitted tubs are a practical option, especially in a smaller space or family-friendly design. Elevate it by carrying your speckled floor tiles onto the side panels, which will not only create a cohesive scheme but will also help give the illusion of a more ample room.
Statement shower zones
With the help of tiles, you can visually zone your bathroom, too. Whether you opt for the real deal or a lookalike, large-format or smaller slabs, use terrazzo to section off your shower. You can opt for a fully drenched space, or simply create interest by choosing speckled wall or floor tiles to stand out against the main bathroom coverings.
“One of my favourite ways to incorporate terrazzo into a bathroom is by pairing it with more neutral tiles or natural stone. This contrast helps define different zones within the space – for example, a terrazzo-clad shower enclosure can subtly separate the wet area while adding depth and interest,” advises Katerina.
Beautiful basins
If you love the look of terrazzo but don’t want to go all out, a basin is a great choice to ease you into decorating your bathroom with pattern. “Terrazzo works best in bathrooms when it’s specified as a design feature, not an afterthought,” says Claire McCann, managing director at Synk. “Rather than scattering it around the room, choose one strong application like a statement basin, a vanity top, or a shower tray, and let that piece set the palette for everything else.”
Terrazzo vanity tops
Countertop surfaces are a great way to embrace terrazzo in your bathroom, from giving new life to a vintage vanity to upgrading a modern unit. “Terrazzo vanity units and shelving in a bathroom can add a contemporary, luxury, or even personalised element, depending on your design choice,” says John. “Remember that terrazzo isn’t a ‘bombproof’ material, and can be prone to cracks and crazing, although this is less likely with resin. For most applications, and with a little care and attention, terrazzo used in the bathroom is a great choice.”
Shower seats
Apart from boosting the aesthetics of your bathroom, a bespoke shower seat is also an incredibly practical addition. Use it to bring that spa aesthetic home or to futureproof your space, and clad it in terrazzo to add instant visual interest to your design.
Finishing touches
“For something understated, terrazzo can be introduced through smaller details like shower niches, where its colour and texture add a gentle pop without overwhelming the room,” says Katerina. And why not think vertically and horizontally, suggests Claire, for a design-led approach: “A terrazzo splash panel behind your basin can add depth. These smaller applications work especially well when they echo the main terrazzo piece through picking out one or two aggregate tones and repeating them in grout, paint, towels, or accessories.”
For a balanced look, she suggests introducing calmer materials, too, such as timber and fluted glass, “so the overall scheme feels layered and intentional rather than busy.”
With so many creative ways to use terrazzo, how will you welcome this speckled material to your bathroom?
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