Ah, terrazzo! I've been having fun watching this material blow up in the design world. If you're new to this term, terrazzo is a material used most often in walls and flooring, created from small, irregular bits of marble, quartz or glass, and poured with a binding agent. The result is a texture that can vary quite a bit depending on the materials used, but can mimic a mosaic look or even a confetti depending on the size of the pieces.
While the design may feel new and fresh for home interiors, the fact of the matter is this technique is incredibly old. According to a few sources, terrazzo was invented as early as the 16th century in Venice. Workers who were creating larger mosaics were left with some odds and ends, strangely shaped pieces of marble, which they decided to put together to build terraces. Later, they discovered the marble shined the best when coated with goat's milk. What an origin story!
The technique wasn't brought to America for bit, though. In 1890, Italian workers were building the Vanderbilt home on Fifth Avenue in New York, and they used terrazzo. Then, like trends do, it took off. Throughout the 1920's-1940's, this was used in quite a few public buildings (think courthouses, state capitols, etc.) because the material is very durable. Most recently, designer Sarah Sherman Samuel decided to put terrazzo floors throughout Mandy Moore's home.
Due to the materials used and the durability of terrazzo, it can be a big commitment for homeowners — and nearly impossible for renters to get in on the trend! Here are a few budget-friendly terrazzo-inspired pieces I've found online if you want to incorporate a piece without making the commitment.
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| Terrazzo counter, image via dzekdzekdzek.com |
While the design may feel new and fresh for home interiors, the fact of the matter is this technique is incredibly old. According to a few sources, terrazzo was invented as early as the 16th century in Venice. Workers who were creating larger mosaics were left with some odds and ends, strangely shaped pieces of marble, which they decided to put together to build terraces. Later, they discovered the marble shined the best when coated with goat's milk. What an origin story!
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| Terrazzo floors, image via Pinterest |
Due to the materials used and the durability of terrazzo, it can be a big commitment for homeowners — and nearly impossible for renters to get in on the trend! Here are a few budget-friendly terrazzo-inspired pieces I've found online if you want to incorporate a piece without making the commitment.
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| Terrazzo credenza, image via Domino |
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Terrazzo vanity tray, image via Neiman Marcus
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Terrazzo desk, image via Domino
Here are a few more I've found that I'm liking, though I've seen everything from terrazzo shower curtains to bowls, and everything in between! I especially love the pour over dripper below — how cute would that look on a counter! What do you think about terrazzo? Would you put it in your home? |
