Why Terrazzo is Making a Major Comeback in Asheville Homes
Remember terrazzo? That speckled material you probably saw in your elementary school hallways or maybe your grandmother's bathroom? Well, it's back, and it looks nothing like what you remember. Today's terrazzo has gone upscale, and designers can't get enough of it.
What Exactly is Terrazzo?
Terrazzo is made by mixing marble, granite, quartz, or glass chips into a cement or resin base, then polishing it to a smooth finish. The result is a surface that's both durable and visually interesting, with endless color and pattern possibilities.
The old-school terrazzo was typically quite basic, featuring small chips in neutral colors. But modern terrazzo? That's a whole different story. Today's versions use larger chips, bold colors, and creative combinations that look more like art than institutional flooring.
Photo Courtesy of Sonoma Tilemakers
Why Everyone's Talking About Terrazzo Now
It Photographs Beautifully
Social media has played a huge role in terrazzo's comeback. Those speckled patterns create visual texture that looks amazing in photos, especially in bathrooms and kitchens with good natural light.
Sustainability Matters
Many terrazzo products incorporate recycled glass and stone, making them an eco-friendly choice. This appeals to homeowners who want beautiful materials that align with their environmental values.
Each Piece is Unique
Unlike manufactured materials that look identical from slab to slab, terrazzo has natural variation. No two pieces are exactly the same, which gives your space character and personality.
Photo Courtesy of Sonoma Tilemakers
Terrazzo Countertops: Bold but Balanced
Terrazzo countertops make a statement without being overwhelming. The speckled pattern helps hide everyday wear and minor scratches better than solid-colored surfaces.
Color Options
Modern terrazzo countertops come in everything from soft neutrals with subtle flecks to bold, colorful combinations. Popular choices include white or cream bases with brass, gold, or copper flecks for a warm, luxurious feel. For something more dramatic, dark bases with contrasting light chips create striking visual interest.
Practical Benefits
Terrazzo is heat-resistant and durable, making it practical for kitchen use. It's also naturally antimicrobial when properly sealed, which is always a plus in food prep areas.
Design Considerations
Terrazzo works best when it's not competing with too many other busy patterns. If you choose a terrazzo countertop, keep backsplashes and cabinet finishes relatively simple to let the terrazzo be the star.
Photos Courtesy of Sonoma Tilemakers
Backsplashes: Where Terrazzo Really Shines
This might be the perfect way to try the terrazzo trend without fully committing. A terrazzo backsplash adds visual interest without the investment of full countertops.
Scale Matters
For backsplashes, you can go bolder with chip size and color since it's a smaller area. Large chips in contrasting colors create more drama, while smaller, subtle chips blend into the background more.
Installation Tips
Terrazzo backsplashes work best as single slabs rather than tiles with grout lines. This creates a cleaner look and is easier to maintain in areas prone to splashing and spills.
Photos Courtesy of Sonoma Tilemakers
Flooring Applications
Terrazzo flooring is having a moment, especially in bathrooms and mudrooms where its durability really shines.
Bathroom Floors
In bathrooms, terrazzo provides slip resistance while looking sophisticated. It's naturally water-resistant when properly sealed, and the speckled pattern helps camouflage soap spots and water marks.
Transition Spaces
Mudrooms and entryways benefit from terrazzo's durability. It can handle wet boots and heavy foot traffic while still looking intentional and designed rather than purely functional.
Radiant Heating Compatible
Terrazzo works well with radiant floor heating systems, making it comfortable underfoot even in mountain climates like ours here in Asheville.
Photo Courtesy of Sonoma Tilemakers
What to Consider Before Choosing Terrazzo
Sealing Requirements
Like natural stone, terrazzo needs proper sealing to prevent stains and water damage. This means periodic maintenance, though it's not difficult.
Cost Factors
Custom terrazzo can be pricey, but prefab options make it more accessible. The key is finding the right balance between uniqueness and budget.
Design Integration
Terrazzo works best as an accent rather than the dominant material throughout a space. It pairs beautifully with warm wood tones, brass fixtures, and clean white or black elements.
Photo Courtesy of HomeSource
Making Terrazzo Work in Your Home
The key to successful terrazzo integration is restraint. Choose one area to feature it prominently (maybe a powder room vanity top or a kitchen backsplash) rather than using it everywhere.
Consider the existing elements in your space. Terrazzo complements both modern and traditional design styles, but the chip colors and base should coordinate with your overall palette.
Seeing Terrazzo in Person
Like any natural material with variation, terrazzo really needs to be seen in person to appreciate its character. Photos don't capture how the light plays across the surface or how the different chip sizes create depth.
Visit our showroom to explore our current terrazzo options and discuss with one of our designers whether it might be a suitable choice for your project. We can help you understand how different terrazzo styles would look with your existing finishes and color choices.
The terrazzo trend isn't going anywhere soon, but like any bold choice, it's worth taking the time to ensure it fits your lifestyle and long-term design goals. When done right, though, it adds a unique character that you just can't get with more conventional materials.
Let’s Talk!
Visit us and shop our extensive range of tiles, counters, cabinets, and more.