The terrazzo look… without terrazzo. Terrazzo-inspired decors in Architype’s collection.

Terrazzo is back in favour. Not so long ago, it was mainly associated with staircases from the 1970s and 1980s, but today it is one of the most popular interior design themes. No wonder, as when chosen correctly, terrazzo can be decorative, aesthetic and look good in various styles, from minimalist and eclectic to more daring ones. Despite its many advantages, classic terrazzo also has its limitations. That is why designers are increasingly turning to materials that look exactly like terrazzo, but whose composition and manufacturing process ensure better quality and greater comfort of use.

Terrazzo is a composite of cement or resin filled with aggregate (e.g. granite, marble, basalt, glass). Its characteristic asymmetrical pattern, resembling scattered particles, is created in the process of mixing the ingredients. The finished terrazzo is processed to give it the desired finish. It is a durable, strong and attractive material, but depending on the type of binder, it has its weaknesses. In the case of cement-based terrazzo, it is worth remembering that after some time the material may crack or turn grey. On the plus side, it is resistant to weather conditions, moisture, abrasion and scratches. In the case of terrazzo with a resin binder, it is important to note that it is easily scratched, quite expensive and not suitable for outdoor use. However, its advantages include resistance to moisture and stains, as well as flexibility that prevents cracking. It is therefore worth choosing materials that combine the advantages of terrazzo but do not have its disadvantages.

Among the substitutes for classic terrazzo, we can distinguish quartz surfaces, large ceramic slabs and acrylic solid surfaces. Their range of available designs includes decors that perfectly reflect the appearance of terrazzo, while being more resistant, easier to process and install, and more ‘predictable’. This is a significant advantage for designers and architects, allowing them full control over pattern repeatability, format availability and technical parameters.

Everywhere! All the materials in our range, including terrazzo substitutes, are resistant to moisture and stains and have a smooth surface free of pores and microcracks, which promotes hygiene. They are characterised by high strength and durability, thanks to which they will remain unchanged for many years. They are easy to care for and undemanding, so they do not take much time. All this makes them perfect for use in the kitchen as countertops, islands, backsplashes, furniture fronts, in the bathroom as countertops, washbasin or bathtub surrounds, and throughout the home as flooring, wall cladding, decorative panels, table and coffee table tops, TV surrounds and stairs. It is worth paying attention to the possibilities offered by individual materials. Large ceramic slabs are characterised by exceptional resistance to temperature fluctuations, chemicals, frost and even fire. This makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It is used not only in residential projects, but also in specialised applications: in public transport, tunnels, airports, underground stations and railway stations. On the other hand, GRANDEX acrylic solid surfaces offer designers completely different possibilities – it is flexible, can be thermoformed, bent and joined without visible seams. This allows for the creation of unusually shaped countertops, rounded kitchen islands and custom-sized furniture.

Decors inspired by terrazzo are a way to introduce a touch of design courage into the interior and show that we are breaking the pattern, and that terrazzo is no longer associated exclusively with unrepresentative solutions from several decades ago. Today, there are fashionable, interesting patterns that will decorate your home, flat or commercial space in an original way. If you are wondering which decor will be best for your project, contact us. Our specialists will help you choose the right material, finish and format so that the whole is consistent, durable and suited to the conditions of use.