I hate saying that terrazzo is “back” or “on trend” right now because, in my eyes, it is a design staple. Like many Floridians, my mom’s house has terrazzo floors. I grew up seeing terrazzo in homes and commercial buildings all throughout the Tampa Bay area. The different colors in terrazzo have always been an inspiration to me and I love how they can bring out other colors in a space.

A little history lesson on terrazzo… It originated in Italy as a cheaper way to create flooring material. If you have traveled to Italy or Europe, you have probably seen terrazzo everywhere. It’s basically just small pieces of marble, quarts, or other stone materials bound together with some form of concrete, then polished for a smooth surface. It’s on floors, walls, tables, and probably looks a little like the image below:

Traditional terrazzo tile floor via Pinterest

Terrazzo made its’ way into the US around the late 1800s and was a material used by many modern architects around the 1950s (think mid century modern design). It’s probably why those of us who grew up in Tampa are used to seeing terrazzo, most homes were built around that time and the material was used by many builders.

As much as I hate to say it is now “trending,” it’s true. Designers and builders are embracing this terrazzo style, but of course, modernizing it. We are now seeing larger chucks of stones, modern color combinations, and intricate tile cuts, delivering bolder designs. This evolution has been incredibly fun to watch because, well, you know, I love color!

Table top with grey and pink terrazzo details at The Wing, image via Pinterest

Mixed terrazzo tile design via Ambiente tile design

The trend started, as they usually do, in the hospitality industry. Bold terrazzo designs started popping up in restaurants all over Europe and then the US, giving these spaces vibrant personalities.

Large terrazzo flooring design via Dyke & Dean

Now this new terrazzo style is making it’s way into modern home design! Images of how terrazzo is transforming modern kitchen and bathroom designs can be found all over Pinterest and being featured in interior design publications all over the US.

Walk-in shower, modern bathroom design via Wallpaper

Dark green bathroom with Terrazzo tile via Dwell

Modern kitchen with terrazzo countertop via The Scandinavian Feeling

Neutral Terrazzo countertop, design via COCO LAPINE DESIGN

“Beach Rock” Terrazzo design by Naturali Stone

The multi-colored stone pattern has inspired so many designers. I love that we are seeing it on fabrics, wallpaper, and even custom designed murals like the INCREDIBLE one below by House on Sugar Hill.

Orange Terrazzo Wallpaper via Walls By Me

Terrazzo sofa, Sunroom design by Jeweled Interiors

Blue terrazzo stairs, image via Pinterest

Warm Terrazzo Tile Pattern via Mosaic Factory

If huge murals and re-flooring your house isn’t in the cards for you, there are a lot of terrazzo home decor pieces that can still add a unique element to your home. I am personally always looking for an excuse to buy more pots and planters…

If you are interested in adding somer terrazzo to your home, I highly recommend Concrete Collaborative. I love their work (checkout their instagram) and recently ordered some samples for a bathroom remodel I am working on. For fun, I put together some flatlay inspiration below using some of their samples.