Randy In the 1970s, Spanish homes followed unspoken rules defining the “typical” dwelling. Hallways were essential, living rooms were reserved for special occasions, and Formica dominated kitchen furniture. Bathrooms were tiled from floor to ceiling, and parquet floors were gaining popularity, yet terrazzo remained a staple: ultra-durable and able to withstand the wear of large families.
Terrazzo originated in 15th-century Venice to use leftover marble and stone, valued for its functionality, resilience, and low maintenance. By the early 2000s, however, it was widely seen as outdated, lacking the sophistication of wood or microcement, and associated with rural or provincial homes rather than modern interiors.
“Terrazzo was common for floors in homes and public spaces. Over time, its use declined due to changes in aesthetic taste and the difficulty of finding skilled labor,” explains Fabiola Meignen, Product Manager at Badi Studio.
Yet, as the saying goes, “everything comes back in style.” Terrazzo saw a major revival in the past decade. By late 2017, Pinterest searches for terrazzo had surged 316%. Its comeback goes beyond flooring: terrazzo now appears in countertops, tables, lamps, and even stationery, combining artisanal craft with contemporary design.
Today, terrazzo is a signature material in luxury interiors. Its artisanal nature, visual versatility, and durability make it highly sought after, particularly in high-end residential projects where its production cost can be justified. Galán Sobrini Arquitectos note: “Its use is limited because manufacturing is more expensive compared to modern materials that are easier to install.”
In a Madrid apartment, the studio designed a bathroom with walls clad in pink terrazzo, balancing playful color with classic marble and aged brass fixtures. “Terrazzo is easy to maintain and comes in a wide palette of colors and patterns. Composed of stone, marble, and granite fragments, it is extremely durable,” they explain.
Similarly, Badi Studio applied neutral-toned terrazzo flooring in a Gràcia apartment kitchen, creating a retro feel that flows into the living room. “It appeals to clients who value timeless materials and want a coherent aesthetic throughout their home,” Meignen adds. Terrazzo is especially suited for boutique projects, full-scale renovations, and spaces balancing tradition with innovation.
Artisanal vs Industrial Terrazzo
Terrazzo dates back to the Renaissance, when Venetian craftsmen embedded marble fragments in clay to create durable, decorative floors. Antoni Gaudí famously embraced terrazzo for its texture and aesthetic depth, including at Casa Vicens in Barcelona.
Half a century later, Huguet in Mallorca emerged as a leading manufacturer of terrazzo. Originally producing cement pieces, the company expanded to hydraulic tiles, terrazzo, and modern materials. “Our goal is to create unique, authentic, and custom pieces that age beautifully,” says Biel Huguet, General Director. Collaborating with creatives like Herzog & de Meuron and Pentagram, Huguet elevates terrazzo from utilitarian to design-focused.
Industrial terrazzo is functional, cost-effective, and mass-produced, while artisanal terrazzo is handcrafted piece by piece, allowing customized colors, aggregates, and finishes. “Artisanal terrazzo offers richer texture, material depth, and more character,” Huguet explains. Additionally, using recycled marble and aggregates, terrazzo can be both sustainable and luxurious.
Terrazzo in Modern Interiors
Today, terrazzo combines practicality with aesthetic appeal. It is long-lasting, easy to maintain, and versatile, suitable for floors, walls, furniture, and decorative objects. Unlike microcement or wood, it withstands time, is low-maintenance, and complements varied design styles.
Iván Alvarado’s project Mosaista applies artisanal terrazzo to furniture, kitchen surfaces, and decorative objects, turning a once-mass-produced material into a luxury item. “Our pieces involve meticulous, handcrafted processes, elevating terrazzo to a high-end design material,” he says.
From humble origins as a practical family-home floor to a symbol of luxury, terrazzo’s journey reflects a broader trend in design: rediscovering craftsmanship, sustainability, and timeless beauty. Its tactile quality, color variety, and Mediterranean heritage make it a versatile choice for modern interiors.
Terrazzo has gone from overlooked to indispensable, proving that even materials from our childhood can be reinvented for contemporary design—combining style, resilience, and charm in every space.