Have you heard of the terrazzo? For a few years now, this type of cladding has been popular with designers and architects. It can be found in certain emblematic places in Paris, such as Maison Kitsuné, but also, more and more, in homes, whether on the floor, ceiling or furniture. How do we explain this new craze? Besides, is it that "new"?
Terrazzo: understanding the origins of this trend
The real decoration trend in recent years is undeniably the terrazzo. Some companies have even made it their specialty, as is the case for the mineral studio. Recognizable among a thousand, this process simply consists of assembling "building site debris", such as recycled glass, pearly shells, or even marble in cement, before everything is polished.
The technique thus becomes an interesting alternative to marble or granite tiling. And the success is not to be proven, since it is seen everywhere: in floor and ceiling coverings, in furniture... But can we really talk about a "new trend"?
The answer is clearly no. Terrazzo, also known as granito, has its origins in antiquity. It is named after a town in the province of Verona, where this technique was first developed. So it's already been known to be more "new" than that! But as with everything that has to do with decoration, trends come and go.
Terrazzo was therefore brought back into fashion at the beginning of the 20th century, before being considered kitsch. Since 2015, it has been enjoying a new hour of glory. Designers and architects first began to celebrate it in some "trendy" places in Paris, such as the Maison Plisson, a Hermès boutique or the coffee shop La Crème de Paris.
Why is the terrazzo so popular?
But what is it about granito that appeals so much? Much more original than a cement paving (you can nevertheless find out how to proceed by clicking here), terrazzo is a unique material. The same assembly will rarely give the same result, and this random side has something to charm. While it is mainly found in kitchens and bathrooms, as an alternative to traditional tiles, it is also found in floor, ceiling and even furniture coverings.
Its advantages lie mainly in its composition. Granito is, in fact, a mix of natural stone or crushed elements such as marble, metal, glass or granite. The whole is often bonded with a neutral binder before being polished. The result? A chic and authentic, but above all inimitable cachet.
Colour and fantasy
While terrazzo was a definite success in the 1920s, largely due to the Art Deco movement, it eventually fell into disuse before being considered kitsch. But with each new generation of designers and architects, new opportunities can be given to old processes. Granito is therefore experiencing a new hour of glory, so much so that we see it everywhere.
If it is found in trendy places such as the Maison Plisson or the Maison Kitsuné, granito is also making a big comeback in homes. There are many reasons to crack. It lacks a bit of fantasy in your bathroom? Why not give in to granito? Other very good arguments can be found in this article.
It is undeniable, terrazzo is hitting the nail on the head, and we can be sure that this process still has a bright future ahead of it.