Terrazzo, the widely-popular flooring material has seen a major revival and is now replacing marble in many design aspects. The composite material (comprising chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, etc.) is gaining popularity because of its endless colour and material palette, making it an interesting alternative to granite and concrete.
Material matters
While terrazzo was historically made of marble scraps mixed with concrete, modern day varieties have introduced granite, quarts and agate to make something truly appealing and it’s a perfect fit for modern-day homes.
With its dazzling display of speckled colour which is versatile and visually appealing, it can be featured anywhere in the home. “While terrazzo flooring is solid and durable, it can also be very hard. If you are looking to use it in areas like living rooms and bedrooms, it is best to consider incorporating an area rug to soften up the space. Terrazzo tiles in dramatic dark shades such as black add a modern and clean look to the room and its shine complements the crisp feel of the space,” says Hemil Parikh, Founder of the Mumbai-based Elysium Abodes LLP.
While most residential rooms feature flooring in shades of white and beige, commercial spaces are the perfect spots for showcasing the vibrant possibilities of terrazzo. One can go bold with green terrazzo flooring which portrays a tempting emerald look, or a red shade which portrays a bold and classy look. The durable nature of terrazzo makes it perfect for the kitchen and dining areas. Its industrial look can add an up-to-the-minute feel to contemporary houses.
Quick makeover
What most people do not know is that although terrazzo is available as tiles, it can also be cast in-situ.
This is done through a method wherein the concrete is poured directly on a surface where the granite or marble chips have already been laid out. It can be made smooth to form a seamless finish that moulds itself around edges and curves, and looks pretty neat when completed. “This technique can be used on kitchen or breakfast counters, table tops, kitchen splash backs and bathroom walls. It can even be used as the bathroom or kitchen sink itself. Product designers have also experimented with terrazzo in quite a few ways,” says Tania Shelma Rogers, Sr. Associate Designer at homelane.com, adding how you can now find Scandinavian prototypes of terrazzo flower pots, creatively designed stools with speckled seats, even table coasters and flower vases in flowing patterns fashioned out of this material.
Given its versatility, it’s easy to imagine terrazzo boxes, paper weights, lamp-shades, wall murals with different colours of terrazzo or broken tiles creating patterns. The gleaming chips embedded in terrazzo marble make for a stunning wall cover in the living room or bathroom.
Design tips
l It is advisable to use terrazzo in home interiors because it is durable, requires very little maintenance and never goes out of style.
l While incorporating terrazzo flooring in bathrooms, do ask your contractor about applying non-slip additives to the surface since it is a slippery material.
l Dust and mop your terrazzo floors on a regular basis.
l Wash newly installed terrazzo floors at least thrice a week for a few months. Always rinse the terrazzo well to prevent build-up of cleaner residue that could cause the floor to become slippery.