Traditionally associated with mediterranean homes, terrazzo originates from 16th century Italy where it was introduced as a way to reuse stone offcuts. Since then, this decorative finish has enjoyed continued popularity around the world. We take a journey through the ELLE Decoration archives to see how terrazzo can enhance and elevate the modern kitchen.
This playful kitchen is designed for entertaining
For the cooking-mad owners of this apartment in a 1930s block in Madrid, the brief was a place for entertaining. ‘They told us the most important part was the kitchen,’ says Ana Arana of Studio Plutarco. The studio completely redesigned the interior from small dark rooms into a bright open-plan colourful space, with the kitchen at its heart. The bespoke terrazzo kitchen floor acts as a focal point, whilst also zoning this central area.
The Oxfordshire property that takes inspiration from the water
A lakeside property purchased off plan was the blank canvas for designer Katie McCrum to design a home rooted in nature. ‘We chose reflective surfaces to mimic the play of light on water, and natural textures,’ she says. This use of natural textures is no more evident than in the kitchen, where a sizeable multicoloured terrazzo island was installed, a nod perhaps to the original textures of the former gravel pits that are now replaced by the tranquil lake.
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The London home that’s an homage to mid-century design
The desire to transform a dilapidated 1960s house into a warm and uplifting home that felt connected to its mid-century history was at the heart of this project. Researching homes from this era informed the use of materials and colour palette for the London property designed by Novak Hiles Architects. In the kitchen, a deep green terrazzo worktop is peppered with brick coloured stone to complement the warm terracotta hues used in the kitchen and throughout the downstairs space.
Eclectic style is key in this Parisian kitchen
Designed for a young couple working in the fashion industry, the neutral tones of this Parisian home designed by Pierre Yovanovitch are punctuated by a dark teal and rust orange, which add pops of dramatic colour throughout the apartment. The palette forms a backdrop for a terrazzo table by Yovanovitch, the statement piece adding another dimension of texture to the kitchen/dining area.
A calm and minimalist take on terrazzo
In the home of architects Jonty Hallett and Madeliene Ike of Studio Hallet Ike, their love of Danish furniture and design informed the simple, pared-back aesthetic of the newly built extension. The terrazzo splashback in the kitchen complements the natural plywood of the kitchen cabinets and the single simple shelf above. ‘It’s minimalist,’ says Jonty, ‘but not a sanitised take on minimalism. It’s comfortable, warm and welcoming’.
Paired with colour for a contemporary twist on country style
Returning to their native homeland of Scotland after over two decades abroad fulfilled a dream for this couple, as they set about renovating a traditional stone-built lodge set within the wild and majestic beauty of Loch Rannoch. The desire to keep as many of the original features as possible was at the heart of their decisions. In the kitchen, terrazzo worktops along with the sunshine yellow painted panelling offers a contemporary twist to their traditional lodge.
Terrazzo complements the palette in this Edwardian home
The discovery of brightly patterned Edwardian hallway tiles was the launch point for the redesign of this north London home. Tiffany Duggan from Studio Duggan introduced the pink, tan and mustard tones of the tiles throughout the home, saying ‘It’s nice to be able to use all of those colours, but in a different scale and pattern’. Nowhere is this more evident than in the kitchen and dining area, where the terrazzo flooring highlights the palettes, giving a contemporary nod to its Edwardian past.
The flooring that gives terrazzo a hyper-local twist
This classic Swiss alpine chalet uses a refined palette of natural materials to complement the rugged landscape outside. Atelier Zurich collaborated with the owners of this spacious family home to create a unique terrazzo floor that greets you at the entrance hall through the kitchen to the breakfast bar. By incorporating large local river stones, chosen by the owners as a reflection of their love for this stunning landscape, it pushed the boundaries of the art form.
A home full of modernist ideas that have stood the test of time
Designed by Hans Heller in 1960 and inspired by the Brazilian ‘modernismo’ movement, popular in South Africa in the post war years, current owner and architect Lisa Rorich and her partner Garth Robinson were keen to maintain the integrity of the original space of their Durban home, with just a few modifications. To complement the original dark floor tiles in the main downstairs areas, they replaced the wall-to-wall carpets with a white terrazzo tile across the entire upper level.
The statement island that was created by happy accident
This Parisian home on the Isle Saint-Louis in Paris designed by Fleur Delesalle is an ode to elegance. The space is filled with exquisite hues of pinks, greens and oranges that offer an elegant but calming palette. However, the statement dark, graphic lines of the terrazzo kitchen island, flecked with four varieties of marble from this chosen palette, was a happy accident. ‘Originally, we wanted it in white, but there was a mistake with the order,’ says Fleur. ‘We decided to keep it.’
