Glance down at the floors of anywhere from shopping malls and hotel lobbies to busy train stations and airports, and you'll probably find yourself standing on a fairly inconspicuous but pretty speckled floor.
Originallyused for flooring in Italian palazzos, terrazzo has made its way from grand Italian homes to large communal spaces across the world, and has now finally stepped into modern homes, through kitchen floors, bathroom tiles, pretty planters, patterned rugs and even Terrazzo print wallpapers.
Originating in 15th century Italy whenVenetian construction workers combined waste marble with clay to create durable and inexpensive flooring, there's nothing new about terrazzo. But while historically it consists of a mix of small pieces of scraps scattered in the concrete, modern terrazzo offers a combination of different marbles with bigger chips and a more striking graphic look.This is thanks to an unlimited variety of colourful chips ofmarble, quartz, granite and glass – which are then bound in cement and polishedinto a smooth surface.
Terrazzo is durable, decorative, inexpensive, hard-wearing and long-lasting. But let's be honest, that's not what makes it popular. We love it because it's just so damn pretty. And ever since it hasexploded onto the interiors scene,thematerial and print is now everywhere from side tables to candle holders, and from planters to patterned rugs.
The key to terrazzo's success? Aside from understated and relaxed beauty, the stone is also extremely versatile. It complements a variety of interior styles– whether it is understated, minimalist or out-there, maximalist.
Add a touch of terrazzo to your home with these inspired pieces...
FLOOR MAT
This Mirage non-slip vinyl floor mat is softer to walk on than terrazzo and suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas, if you want a quick and easy way to create the look.
CARAFE
Whether you use it to pour lemonade or to display a spring bouquet, the large Terrazzo-patterned Dassie jug is an easy way to bring the look home. Also available in a smaller size.
TABLE LAMP
The Nordic, minimalistic Concrete Table Lamp from Out There Interiors offers a super modern take on the centuries-old material.
RUG
Terrazzo stone patterned flooring that's soft and fluffy underfoot? Sign us up. A softer way of bringing the trend into bedrooms and living spaces. The speckled Terrazzo Rug by Lorena Canals also comes in pastel pink, both available from Nubie.
STORAGE TINS
Stack away your biscuits, trinkets, make-up or loose bits in Ferm Living's trio of Rose-Tinted Terrazzo Tins. Pretty, and practical.
WALLPAPER
What's white and grey and black and pink all over? Graham and Brown's Pink Terrazzo wallpaper. The bright and cheerfulgeometric design features a graphic Terrazzo scatter pattern that's brought to life through pretty pops of pink – or also comes with pops of cobalt blue.
PENDANT LIGHT
Give your dining space or kitchen island a modern update with Bloomgville's snazzy Terrazzo-style Concrete Pendant Lamp, from Ross & Brown.
SIDE TABLE
We love the contrast of the timeless Terrazzo top with the super modern, sleek lines of the metal frame in the Rectangular Side Table by Daniela Rubino Designs, available from Notonthehighstreet.com.
TERRAZZO TILES
Pave your hallway with the mosaic-like pattern. We rather like Terrazzo Tiles' Sotilo variety – with jewel-like emerald chips.
CANDLE HOLDER
These double-ended candlestick holders have complementing terrazzo patterns in cheerful, bright colours, with one end fitting ataper candle and the other side fitting a tea light.
TERRAZZO SLAB
Whether you use it as a candle plate to catch candle wax drips from staining your dining table, or prefer to use it as a stylish placemat, coaster or other protective surface, the Iben Candle Plate by Broste Copenhagen is pretty perfect in all its multi-coloured terrazzo glory.
GARDEN TABLE
With winter behind us we're finally dreaming of alfresco dining, and sundowners on the patio – and the Terrazzo bistro table from Made.com is pretty damn gorgeous as far as garden furniture goes. And when the sun eventually packs up and leaves again, it would make a rather lovely lamp table, too.
SCENTED CANDLE
A Mediterranean scented candlein a Tom Dixon designed, Terrazzo-patterned vessel? We're sold. The Terrazzo Candle would look stylish and modern whether in a monochrome bathroom, on a bedside table or atop a mantelpiece.
TROMPE-L'OEIL
The naturalisticPavonazza Birch wallpaper from Designers Guild looks so convincing it'll have guests do a double-take. Available in nine colour ways.
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