Laura Hardaker-Graham, marketing manager at Verona, discusses why this artisan-inspired design has endured through the years and where terrazzo-effect tiles fit within current retail offerings.
Terrazzo designs have stood the test of time. Hundreds of years ago they adorned the walls of historic buildings and stood proudly across floors, while today they can often be seen in commercial spaces and in modern homes.
Prized for their artisan, handmade look, terrazzo tiles are renowned for adding decoration to walls and floors with different materials, flecks of colour and detail all bringing visual intrigue to a traditionally neutral grey tile. Modern day interpretations of terrazzo designs are increasingly colourful with greens, blues and pinks all filtering through to add a contemporary twist.
Terrazzo tiles are a bold choice and have always been more popular within commercial design schemes rather than residential. While the retail market has embraced terrazzo-effects as a design-led option, they are a confident choice, and are well suited to those looking to create an aesthetic where the walls and floors dominate.
Ceramic and porcelain terrazzo-effects lend themselves well to kitchens and bathrooms, where their unique artisan appearance and speckled design transform walls and floors, while providing a hard-wearing, waterproof solution that is easy to clean and maintain. Real terrazzo can be more difficult to install and maintain as its often made up of natural materials such as stone, quartz and concrete, making the material harder to work with.
Innovation within terrazzo designs has slowed down of late, with the variety of designs on the market refined to just a key few to appeal to homeowners searching for that unique, handmade surface solution. Grey designs with monochrome shade variation continue to dominate while white designs with a flecked colourful pattern are also strong sellers. Whether you chose to go traditional or opt for a more modern design, it’s always worth including a terrazzo-effect tile within your retail offering. Terrazzo is also making its way outdoor areas, too, and can now be seen in outdoor porcelain tile designs, bringing decoration to outdoor spaces, as well as providing a practical alternative to flagstones and decking.
www.veronagroup.co.uk
