At this time of year it's almost impossible to avoid talk of interior design trends. Whilst I don't believe in buying into the latest trends for the sake of it, we can't pretend they don't exist. If you're looking to make changes to your home this year then you are bound to be influenced by them. Done in the right way, 'trendy' design elements can last a long time.
Take concrete for example – it started out as a high end choice for dramatic and modernist interiors. Hotel lobbies and restaurants started to embrace it and it soon filtered down into poured concrete floors in home extensions; concrete worktops in kitchens; concrete-effect tiles and even concrete lighting. Don't get me wrong, I still love concrete – but I sense a new 'hard surface' in town, and it's definitely dividing opinion: Terrazzo. If you haven't already heard of it, then you soon will. (And by the way, where have you been?)
So what is Terrazzo?
Terrazzo is a composite material made up of chips of stone (usually glass, marble, granite etc) mixed into cement or a similar binder and polished until smooth. It can be poured over large areas, or formed into blocks or tiles. It is incredibly hard-wearing and can be created in almost unlimited colours, depending on the chippings put in. As you might have guessed from the name, it originated in Italy (some time around the 16th century apparently) as a way of using discarded stones – so the real deal can be considered sustainable too.
Terrazzo in the home
Terrazzo is already regaining popularity in the interiors world, and it looks as if it will keep on growing. It seems to be big in bathrooms – whether in bold, warm tones like this bathroom:-
Or in more subtle, comfortable grey tones like this:
It is an increasingly popular alternative to granite or marble in kitchens and bathrooms too. This kitchen in the home of Danish photographer, Peter Krasilnikoff features a terrazzo island against a raw brick wall and row of metal storage cupboards – stark but beautiful! (Note the concrete on the floor too – a great combination).
But terrazzo isn't just limited to hard surfaces. It's increasingly being used as a motif on decor items. So if completing your bathroom in terrazzo seems a step too far, then a terrazzo accessory or two might be just the thing. Dzek has an amazing range of Terrazzo tables, shelves and lights. My favourite has to be this sleek wall light:
Trouva has these fab terrazzo jugs by Dassie:
And even John Lewis is in on the act, stocking these lampshades with a terrazzo motif:
I have to admit I've fallen for terrazzo. I love the texture it adds, the subtle pattern and that slightly retro feel. So what do you think about terrazzo in the home? Love it or hate it? Here to stay or gone tomorrow?
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