A Terrazzo Love Story: Why We Are Still Obsessing about Terrazzo Floors
Terrazzo may very well be one of the unique styles you can spot gracing our floors today. During the mid-20th century, this trend was all the rage, yet despite its extensive use and recognizable look, many people wouldn’t be able to point it out in a design or explain what it is.
It’s had a long history, and that story is far from over, as terrazzo is getting back into fashion and doing so quickly. We’re still obsessing about terrazzo floors, and here’s why:
Terrazzo Is a Material with a Lot of History
Terrazzo is a beautifully unique material made by incorporating marble chips in concrete. Legend says that it was invented when mosaics craftspeople of Venice noticed how marble chips could become a resilient surface if they’re flattened to the ground and walked on. Terrazzo first saw the light of day as a style during the Republic of Venice, and today you can see it all over Europe and the United States when it had its highest peak of popularity during the ’30s and all the way to the ’70s. The Hollywood Walk of Fame itself is done in terrazzo style!
Terrazzo Has a Multitude of Different Looks
The main appeal of terrazzo, especially today, is that it has a vast range of possible looks. You could vary the size of the aggregates (the specks of marble) and combine them with vastly different colors of the composite material, which is the background for the specks. The possibilities are truly limitless, especially if you’re looking for a modern twist on a vintage look. Tampa Tile’s Ofelia vintage tile has a terrazzo look done with large stones, a different variety for America that would look perfect in a small bathroom that you’d love to make appear larger.
Modern Terrazzo Is Durable and Beautiful
Modern terrazzo is made by adding epoxy resin to the mix, which can also contain other materials to enhance its beauty, such as glass. Resin improves the durability of terrazzo and makes it easier to mold as well as less prone to cracking. It’s especially great for making terrazzo items, like chairs, tables, and even jewelry. However, resin terrazzo isn’t suitable for outdoor use, so it’s still preferable to use concrete-based terrazzo for outdoor floors and large floors inlaid with brass.
Terrazzo Feels Natural and Handmade
Terrazzo is once again becoming the darling of interior designers as it gives a unique feel to every design. That’s mostly because terrazzo looks like a lot of effort has gone into making it. That makes it pair well both with elaborate, expensive-looking rooms and with more pared-down, natural elements. It’s flexible, one of a kind, and there’s no other material with such consistent all-around strengths. Big and bold or understated and natural, it always makes an impact and evokes nostalgic feelings.
Designers who dare to experiment with trends will find a lot of joy in the revival of terrazzo. The direction is sure to stay relevant for a while, so we might as well enjoy the fact that we’ll be seeing it everywhere again.
