Terrazzo
Love Terrazzo and are wondering how to use it in new creative ways? Read on to know some unconventional ways to incorporate it in your design!
Terrazzo, which means “terrace” in Italian, was originally used in public spaces for its durability and low maintenance but was eventually found to be easily customizable and chic. If you think it only belongs on the floors of ancient churches or elementary school hallways, think again. This trendy tile is rapidly taking over the architectural and interior design world in more ways than you might think. While flooring is the most traditional use of the material, designers are seeing a rise in terrazzo countertops, backsplashes, wall tile, furniture, lighting, and decor. Rather than just having one traditional use, designers and customers are now choosing to incorporate as much or as little terrazzo into their homes as they want.
Terrazzo on Stairs
The most popular use of terrazzo is in flooring and staircases. Staircases can be cast using poured concrete with terrazzo chips, while flooring could either be cast in situ or laid with terrazzo tiles.
Terrazzo in Kitchen Tops
The cast in situ technique can be used on kitchen counters or in a breakfast nook, tabletops, kitchen backsplashes, and so on. It can even be used to cast the kitchen sink itself, for a lovely, seamless surface.
Terrazzo as decoration
Product designers have also experimented with terrazzo in quite a few ways. You can find Scandinavian prototypes of terrazzo flower pots, creatively designed stools with speckled seats, even accent pieces like table coasters and flower vases in flowing patterns fashioned out of this material. Given its versatility, it’s easy to imagine decorative items such as terrazzo boxes, paperweights, lamp-shades, wall murals with different colors of terrazzo, or broken tiles creating patterns. As far as Terrazzo is concerned, the sky’s the limit to your creativity.
Terrazzo Bathroom Vanity
Terrazzo vanities can become a central accent piece in a bathroom. These styles of vanities can give a customized, built-in appearance. Often, terrazzo washbasins can give a stylish minimalist feel while maintaining a higher level of functionality than more traditional types of bathroom sinks and vanities.
Terrazzo Tabletops
What is possibly one of the most stylish, subtle, and economic ways to utilize terrazzo in your custom home decor is by using it as a tabletop. A terrazzo dining room table can prove to be the perfect accent feature that can also be perfectly matched with wood, premium laminate, tile, cement, or other kinds of flooring choices.
Likewise, end tables, sofa side tables, or coffee tables are also great furniture pieces for incorporating terrazzo. End tables and coffee tables, especially, can receive significant amounts of use. Finished wood table tops are beautiful but often begin to show wear rather quickly. Terrazzo tabletops for living and family room furniture provide a durable option and a stately look to the decor within these rooms.
Terrazzo is one of the most versatile finishes to work within the interior design space. If you are designing your home, you can totally unleash your creativity with this material; you can choose to go subtle, or go wild, as you wish!
Featured Image: Courtesy Terrazzo room by Max Lamb
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