Terrazzo’s Glow-Up: Why This Speckled Surface Is Suddenly Everywhere

Not long ago, terrazzo was the flooring you walked over without a second thought – probably in a school, hospital, or some kind of government building with fluorescent lighting and zero design ambition.

Fast forward to now, and terrazzo is having a serious glow-up. It’s on walls, worktops, plant pots, and homewares. It’s in high-end interiors and stylish little cafés. It’s even inspiring wallpaper and textiles.

So what happened? How did this humble, speckled material go from background noise to bold design statement?

From practical to Pinterest-worthy

Terrazzo’s origin story is surprisingly glamorous. It was first used by 15th-century Venetian artisans who repurposed marble chips left over from expensive stone projects. These were set into clay or lime and polished to create decorative, hard-wearing floors.

Fast forward a few centuries, and the material evolved into what most of us now know: a composite made of marble, quartz, granite, or glass chips set in concrete or resin.

Durable, low-maintenance and cheap to produce, terrazzo was the darling of institutional architecture for most of the 20th century. Until, of course, it fell from favour and joined the ranks of “dated” design.

Until now.

What’s changed?

Terrazzo is back – but not as you knew it. Today’s designs are softer, more refined, and endlessly customisable. No longer confined to greyish slabs with sad brown specks, terrazzo now comes in every imaginable colour combination.

Think blush pink bases with gold flecks. Sage green specks on ivory. Monochrome minimalism or full-on Memphis style madness.

Designers have rediscovered its versatility – and manufacturers have refined the material into something far more elegant and even sustainable.

Many modern terrazzo surfaces are made with recycled materials and low-VOC resins, making them kinder to the planet as well as easy on the eye.

Where it’s showing up

Terrazzo’s rebrand means it’s no longer just underfoot. You’ll now find it:

• In bathrooms: Think terrazzo basins, shower trays or entire wetroom walls in subtle pastel tones.

• In kitchens: From statement splashbacks to terrazzo-style worktops that add visual texture without the noise of a bold pattern.

• On furniture: Coffee tables, plant stands, side tables – all with that flecked charm.

• In accessories: Trays, coasters, vases, candles and textiles with terrazzo-inspired prints – perfect for dipping your toe into the trend without a full reno.

Why we love it now

• It adds texture without dominating a room.

• It works across styles – from minimalist to maximalist, Scandi to retro.

• It feels playful, especially in unexpected colours.

• It’s sustainable when made from recycled stone or glass.

• It’s durable – still practical, just way better dressed.

Think of terrazzo as the practical type who suddenly got a killer wardrobe – still reliable, just a lot more photogenic.

Think of terrazzo as the practical type who suddenly got a killer wardrobe – still reliable, just a lot more photogenic.

A few styling tips

• Keep scale in mind: Large-chip terrazzo makes a big statement. Small-chip versions tend to feel more refined.

• Watch the palette: Match terrazzo tones to other materials in your space – brass, timber, concrete and soft pastels all play nicely.

• Don’t overdo it: One terrazzo feature per room is usually enough. Too much and you risk sensory overload.

• Mix materials: Terrazzo loves being paired with solid surfaces – wood, plain tiles, linen – to let the texture sing.

The verdict

It turns out terrazzo didn’t need a total reinvention – just a little polish. It’s gone from functional to fashionable, without losing the qualities that made it useful in the first place.

And that, perhaps, is what makes its comeback so compelling.

So yes – terrazzo is everywhere. And this time, we’re actually looking down.