For a while, it felt like terrazzo — or at least a watered-down, mass-produced version of it — was everywhere. From chain store fit-outs to homewares, the speckled pattern became shorthand for a very specific kind of (let’s be real, slightly basic) millennial aesthetic circa 2017.
That mainstream moment followed the launch of Marmoreal, a bold, oversized terrazzo-style engineered marble composite by Dzek and designer Max Lamb, which debuted at Salone del Mobile in 2014. You know the look: described as the “rebellious child of the terrazzo family” and looking “like a chunky nougat”, with oversized stone chips swimming in a colourful resin base.
But while trends come and go, terrazzo continues to stand the test of time. From the palazzos of Venice to the sleekest modern interiors, this centuries-old technique — first crafted by Italian artisans repurposing marble offcuts — symbolises the grandeur, ingenuity and opulence of Italian design.
Today, it’s been reimagined in bold, contemporary ways, gracing everything from polished floors to sculptural furniture, and appearing in the work of a new generation of designers pushing the material to fresh heights.
It's not just art and architecture embracing the flecked aesthetic. The terrazzo print — with its playful, confetti-like pattern — has made its way into fashion, accessories and even hair styling. Below, we explore stunning terrazzo-clad interiors across film, hospitality and art.
And, because we love a crossover moment, we’re also spotlighting terrazzo-inspired hair accessories from Chunks — so your hair can get in on the design trend, too.
Chunky! Marmoreal engineered marble was released in 2014, designed by Max Lamb and produced by Dzek. It’s composed of approximately 95 per cent marble and 5 per cent polyester resin, using four Italian marbles from the Verona region.
More Marmoreal terrazzo, as seen in the staircase of one of Maison Kitsuné's Paris stores.
Wes Anderson and terrazzo are a match made in heaven, so it's no surprise to see the traditional flooring at Bar Luce - the 1950s and 60s-inspired Milan café designed by the director in collaboration with Fondazione Prada.
Italian-sourced terrazzo tiles in designer Lucy Folk's home in Noosa, alongside concrete vanities.
There are other way to play with terrazzo, like the cosmic collage made using jade, marble and French glass for the trippy bar tops at Sydney's Bar Planet. They were created by terrazzo artist David Humphries.
A closer look at terrazzo work by Australian artist David Humphries, who has created many public artworks using the art form.
Fashion designer Zandra Rhodes at her Del Mar beach house, with David Humphries created terrazzo with mosaic inserts of onyx mirrored backed glass and semi precious stones.
Zandra has collaborated with her good friend David on lots of terrazzo pieces - even terrazzo inspired towels for Ikea.
T Magazine wrote about the "make-do joys of terrazzo", featuring an array of contemporary artists using the technique in their works - including (clockwise from top left_: a Strata Cube by Tron Meyer, Totem objects by Suzuki (inside stool, to the right of the stool and at bottom right); and “Bird Dump” (2020) and “Oyster Flowers in Red” (2022) by Ficus Interfaith.
Surry Hills hotel Paramount House has signature terrazzo bathrooms as a design feature.
Classic terrazzo flooring in the 17th-century Italian villa featured in Luca Guadagnino's film Call Me By Your Name - a more traditional, and lush, example of the technique.
Not just for flooring!
When you really, really love terrazzo... This green resin-based terrazzo is by home decor brand Ca Pietra, and made from recycled and waste marble materials.
Some of the most iconic terrazzo in the world: classic pink on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. These have been laid by a family-owned business, Top End Constructors, for decades.
