Terrazzo Is The 'New Marble' And Designers Are Going Crazy For It

We’ve all been lusting after a touch of marble in our homes of late, but now it’s terrazzo we’ve got a crush on. While the material dates back centuries – originating in 15th-century Italy, when Venetian craftsmen used it as a cheaper alternative to real marble – it has been given a contemporary twist, lending homes a cool art deco vibe. Check out these real homes for some inspiration and shop the look with our key buys.

Terrazzo has always been a great choice for floors, especially in high-traffic areas such as kitchens. This particular style has a subtle pattern, which adds interest to this minimalist, white kitchen.

Can’t afford the real thing or want a contemporary feel? This fun wallpaper design is a great alternative and creates real impact.

Pink and blue terrazzo wall mural, £25 per m²

Marble has been a hugely popular option for contemporary bathrooms of late, but now terrazzo is starting to take over and it’s easy to see why – not only is it low maintenance, but terrazzo can create a unique and distinctive look that’s often more interesting than marble. This bathroom in Paris by Dzek has been covered in Max Lamb’s Marmoreal slab.

‘Marmoreal’, engineered marble by Max Lamb

Naturally, it’s great for kitchen worktops, too – in Chez Marie Sixtine, the compact pastel-coloured kitchen is complemented by a terrazzo counter and splashback that matches the tonal mix of pinks and blues in the rest of the space.

Get the look

Invest in a small piece of terrazzo for your own home with one of the these buys:

1. Terrazzo cushion in light grey by Bloomingville, £45, Amara | 2. Terrazzo serving platter, £12.50, Twentytwentyone | 3. The Props range by Besler & Sons, from $90, Moca | 4. Allueva honed terrazzo, £7.34 per tile, Terrazzo Tiles | 5. Unearthed small bowl by Sevak Margarin, £60, 12Thirteen Store | 6. Terra table in blue, £299.90, Normann Copenhagen | 7. Knot bean bag in terrazzo in rose, €120, Ferm Living | 8. Ettore table lamp, £40, Oliver Bonas

About the author

Charlotte Luxford

Architecture & Design Editor

As Culture Trip's architecture and design expert, Charlotte has more than 12 years' industry experience, working for an array of national publications. Prior to joining Culture Trip, Charlotte was the editor of Grand Designs Magazine, steering the magazine in a new direction and overseeing a new look for the title. She has also worked for mass media organisation TI Media, providing content for Livingetc, Ideal Home, Country Homes & Interiors and Homes & Gardens. Charlotte has always had a passion for design and is also a qualified interior designer, having completed a diploma in her spare time. At Culture Trip, Charlotte has worked closely with institutions including the Design Museum and London Design Festival, as well as interviewing design heroes such as Thomas Heatherwick and Sir Terence Conran.