Terrific terrazzo! The retro finish is revamped, reinterpreted and we're into it

That flooring that once connoted "drab 1970s government building" is currently taking over the design world and if you can't quite picture what we're talking about, let us jog your memory.

It turns out that retro pattern has a name – it's terrazzo – and it's popping up in all sorts of new and contemporary treatments. Before you cringe and say, "never again", fear not. As with any trend that resurfaces, we're seeing it re-worked in a decidedly more modern way.

While it may harken back to Grandma's kitchen, this retro finish was popular long before the '70s. It turns out we've been traipsing around on this flooring for centuries. With roots in ancient Egyptian mosaics, terrazzo was a mainstay in Venetian architecture, incorporating marble pieces in mortar for a stylish 18th century paving. In its early days, it was a frugal flooring technique developed by marble workers who couldn't afford the expensive marble terraces they were creating by day. So they used up scraps from their work sites to make a pretty pavement for their own homes. This composite material consisting of "chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass" poured into a cement base became popular in the 1920s for flooring; because it's naturally waterproof and durable, it became a go-to for public spaces.

Far from glamorous, this material was found everywhere, poured into floors, walls, countertops, bathroom fixtures, you name it. And while it may seem decidedly dated, lately designers have been reintroducing terrazzo in ways that have us rethinking our stance on this material.

A departure from the orangey hues of the '60s and '70s as seen in the Insta from @hanna.k.l, this trendy material is popping up in a plethora of palettes.

Its resurgence comes as no surprise. Given the general design theory that fashion trends recycle every 20 years, it's natural decor and design would follow suit. And considering the design world's continued obsession with mid-century modern everything, we should have anticipated its arrival.

This Is Us star, Mandy Moore recently shared a look at her renovated home in Pasadena, a collaboration with Emily Farnhham Architecture and designer Sarah Sherman Samuel. They went for full-on terrazzo in muted tones that pair perfectly with Moore's mid-century home. And it's perhaps the project that solidified our love for this trend.

Is terrazzo the new marble? We don't know. But we are pretty certain they make for a stunning pair.

According to Pinterest, pins for terrazzo are up 315% from last year, and were willing to call its popularity a bonafide comeback. If you want to work this on-trend treatment into your living space, but aren't ready to commit to a full floor, bath or kitchen remodel, the good news is that it's entirely possible to add a touch of terrazzo anywhere in your home. These are our top picks.  

For the kitchen

This British boutique is making it possible for us to literally dine off of our fave new pattern. These vibrant plates are hand-painted in Portugal and each colourful plate is unique.

Artisan dinner plate, $47.24, bearstepscoffeeandcloth.com

Instead of going full-terrazzo for the tabletop, accent your table with some on-trend textiles. The best part about these placemats? They're silicone so they clean up nicely and the holes in the corner mean you can hang them to dry… or display.

Silicone placemats by Oyoy Denmark, $24, studiopazo.ca

Pull out this cutting board for your next charcuterie night. Although with its pretty palette, we'd be keeping it on display when it's not covered in delicious cheese.
 
Cutting board by Emanuela Carratoni, $44, denydesigns.com

The subtle terrazzo detail on this Fred Segal bowl is what snacking dreams are made of. It's cut, sanded and polished by hand for a "mild decadence of details while still being fun and inviting." Make it a daily statement piece on your countertop and then put it to work when entertaining.

Snack bowl, $109.95, CB2.com

For the living room

This blue-hued terrazzo mirror is perfect for your bedroom or as an accent in the entryway. Made by Danish design company, Lucie Kaas, and designed by Alberto Bellamoli, this piece blends our love of terrazzo with minimalist Scandinavian design.

Mirror, $154, luciekaas.com

As mentioned, we love marble paired with terrazzo. And if you're only looking to incorporate a touch of terrazzo, this set of three contemporary candlestick holders are simplistic in design and their palette of black white and brass make them easy to work into any space.

Mason marble candleholders, $145, eltemkt.com

For the bedroom

A duo of these table lamps, with their warm linen shades, would serve as stunning bedside lamps. They're structurally minimal, and oh-so pretty.

Shiro table lamp, $449, CB2

We'd call this pattern terrazzo-lite and it's a really pretty way to add a pop of spring to the bedroom. And for all of us who enjoy crisp sheets, it's made with a wrinkle resistant fabric.

Sommar duvet cover and pillowcase, starting at $19.99, ikea.ca

For gifting

Give the gift of terrazzo. And then wrap it in terrazzo. This pack comes with 8 sheets of a colourful and rather retro design so you can have the trendiest wrapping on the gift table.

Terrazzo wrapping paper, $10, drakegeneralstore.ca

We kind of want this brass and marble inlay bottle stand for ourselves, but with wedding season almost upon us, we know it would make for a very unique gift that the happy couple will use for years to come.

Bottle stand, $148, anthropologie.com

For the walls

This print is more of an abstract take on the trend and we are in love with the soft, but stunning colour combo. Made by artist Ingrid Petrie, you can add your initials to any wall in your home. We also think it's a great gift for new parents.

Terrazzo letter print (A-Z), from $27, ingridpetriedesign.co

This playful wallpaper is proof that you don't need to commit to concrete granite walls to cover them in terrazzo. It would be so pretty in an entryway, but would really be perfect for a kid's room.

Stone terrazzo wallpaper mural, $44.00/m2, muralswallpaper.com

This granite quartz art print is perfect if you're not ready to go down the wallpaper route, or if you don't love terrazzo enough to cover your walls in it, but still want a bit of it on display.

Glitter + Grit 2 by Simple Luxe, $15.99, society6.com

For the bathroom

This bath towel means you can literally wrap yourself in terrazzo – no cement and tile fragments in sight. The colour scheme is muted enough to work with most neutral decor and also feels very mid-century.

Bath towel, $12.99, society6.com

It seems like bathroom accessories these days are either boring neutrals or all beach-themed. We're in love with this punchy palette that would immediately brighten up any drab bathroom.

Shower curtain, $68.99, society6.com