It seems year after year, terrazzo keeps reinventing itself and is, once again, having a resurgence of popularity. We looks at its past, present, and future…
I think this is perhaps the third time in five years I’ve pitched the return of terrazzo to my editor. It’s one of those materials where, when it’s rising in popularity, you simply can’t help but be drawn to it.
In the past few years, it’s been reappearing in interior design projects, which prompted me to dive deeper into its past, explore how it’s used in the present, and investigate its future.
What is terrazzo?
First, in case you are new to this material, what actually is terrazzo and how did it come about? “Terrazzo is one of the world’s oldest and most versatile composite materials, with roots stretching back to ancient Mediterranean floors and a modern legacy shaped by Venetian artisans in the 16th century,” says Louisa Alice, creative director of Mosaic Factory.
Terrazzo was originally developed to repurpose offcuts of natural stone, being one of architecture’s earliest forms of upcycling, Louisa tells me, and it later became a design icon during the Art Deco era in the 1920s and 1930s.
Now, it is enjoying a renaissance. “Advances in production techniques have transformed terrazzo from traditional flooring into a versatile material suitable for wall cladding, furniture, and custom architectural features alike, expanding its applications well beyond what those early Venetian craftsmen could have imagined,” she adds.
But what is it about this material that stands out to renovators?
Why is it popular now?
“It offers the rare combination of historical authenticity and modern adaptability that contemporary homeowners crave,” explains Louisa. And it’s its versatility, durability, and aesthetic adaptability that makes it such a popular choice for anything from flooring, worktops, splashbacks, to statement feature walls and smaller design details such as shower seats, tabletops, and basins.
So, to successfully use terrazzo in a contemporary setting, Louisa advises letting it shine: “Whether in a sculptural basin, striking feature floor, or standout kitchen island, terrazzo rewards bold choices. Keep the surrounding palette simple to allow the material’s natural character and unique personality to shine.”
Sustainability
There is no doubt that terrazzo has evolved since its early days, and now brands are getting even more creative with its composition; think porcelain lookalikes or sustainable solutions. “Homeowners have different materials to choose from, such as recycled wood chips instead of marble, in a collection of colours,” says Edward Eagle, Havwoods’ sales director.
I first saw this during a design festival in London when I visited Havwoods’ showroom – its TreeAzzo range puts a twist on classic terrazzo using wood chip wastage, bound with eco-friendly resin, to achieve a striking surface suitable for a range of applications, from cabinetry to splashbacks.
Foresso’s timber terrazzo is another eco-friendly material, which can be used for countertops, walls, and floors. “By replacing traditional mineral aggregates with reclaimed wood, and switching out high-carbon cement for low-impact binders, we’ve created a surface that feels both familiar and refreshingly different. It has the nostalgia of terrazzo but tells a new story, one rooted in circularity, craftsmanship, and local sourcing,” says Conor Taylor, the brand’s director.
The future of terrazzo
Looking to the future, the beauty of terrazzo lies in how it continues to be reinterpreted. “It used to be all about durability and mass application. Now, it’s about expression, sustainability, and meaningful material choices. I think that evolution mirrors a broader shift in how people approach their interiors: not by just how things look, but what they’re made of, how they’re made, and the values they represent,” concludes Conor.
I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to see the heights terrazzo will achieve.
Get the look
From real terrazzo and porcelain tiles that mimic the look to sustainable alternatives, these days, you can find a range of solutions for various applications across the home. Get inspired…
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