Terrazzo Marble

TERRAZZO MARBLE originated in Italy in the 15th century as a way for poor Venetian marble workers to reuse off cuts of stone, glass and metal to create a cheaper mosaic-style marble to use across their floors and walls– it seems like using recyclable and sustainable materials was popular even then! This style of composite material is created using chunks of marble and marble chippings that are set into cement and highly polished.

Due to its recycled nature, the versatility of Terrazzo marble is almost endless. Its appearance can vary in fleck size from chunky to dapple and the colour options for this type of marble are simply endless. The flecks themselves could be made from any material from glass and quartz to metal and granite giving this marble a unique and one of a kind look. The vast array of finishes that can be achieved with  Terrazzo style marble means that it can fit into a wide variety of trends from industrial and rustic homes to Scandinavian and art deco rooms to create visual style and elegance.

Terrazzo marble is set to be a huge player in interiors this year due to its sustainable nature and the rise in eco-friendly and environmentally conscious rooms. Once sealed this type of marble is strong, durable and versatile and can be used in many rooms of the home. Terrazzo makes a great material for walls and floors and gives a strong base that will last for many years. Due to its ability to retain heat, it also makes a perfect choice for rooms with underfloor heating. This type of marble can be used in the living room, bathrooms and kitchens and also makes a great material for kitchen worktops and bathroom sink areas and can be coordinated with your interior colour schemes for a sleek designer finish.

For a traditional finish, Terrazzo can be laid in slabs, each of which will have its own unique finish of fragments and colour. Alternatively, terrazzo flooring can be poured in its liquid state, left to harden and then sealed and polished for a linear and smooth finish. More modern methods have seen marble fragments being set into resin as opposed to cement for a more durable finish that is not prone to cracking, unlike cement. This process is more expensive than traditional methods but does give a flawless finish that is more suited to contemporary or minimal spaces.

If you feel like Terrazzo marble may be a little out of your price range then why not opt for items and accessories with a Terrazzo style pattern that will create style and colour in your chosen room at a fraction of the cost of real marble. Cushions that feature a Terrazzo style pattern will look wonderful scattered on a plain sofa or sleeping area. These can be combined with resin candles with Terrazzo patterns, Terrazzo style photo frames, lamp bases and mirrored furniture that will look amazing in both modern and traditional rooms.

For more ideas on using Terrazzo Marble in your home interior, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Terrazzo Marble.