Flight Paths and Floor Plans: My First Home and the Terrazzo That Started It All
A nostalgic look at how a 1960s Nashville home sparked my lifelong love of terrazzo—and how this timeless material is making a bold comeback in modern design.
When I was 27, I bought my very first home in Nashville, Tennessee—a mid-century gem from the 1960s that had once belonged to an airline pilot. The moment you stepped inside, it was obvious. The entire house was oriented toward the airport, with panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows that framed planes gliding in and out like a live painting.
I absolutely loved that home. It was full of quirks and surprises—my favorite being the original turquoise terrazzo floors paired with sunny yellow tile. At the time, it felt a little... retro (okay, dated), but even then I had a deep appreciation for terrazzo. Fast forward to today, and the terrazzo world has completely expanded—and I am here for it.
So, what is terrazzo?
Terrazzo is a composite material made by embedding chips of marble, granite, quartz, or glass into cement or resin, then polishing it down to a smooth finish. It can be made in virtually any color, with large or small chips, and finished to a high-gloss shine or a soft matte. It’s as functional as it is beautiful—which is why you see it everywhere from airport terminals to high-end cafés
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At MAROS Designs, we love when function meets flair.
I recently used terrazzo tile in a bathroom renovation in New Jersey, and let me tell you—it turned out so dreamy. I sketched out the design plan first, selecting a subtle yet playful palette, and the results were even better than I imagined. (Professional photos coming soon, but for now I’ve shared a few behind-the-scenes shots of the process below!)
Terrazzo isn’t just for floors anymore.
While it’s known for durability—making it a top choice for flooring—I’m all about pushing boundaries. I especially love terrazzo as a countertop material (check out Concrete collaborative if you're terrazzo-curious). Think bathroom vanities, shower walls, kitchen islands, even custom coffee or dining tables. It’s sculptural, unexpected, and can bring a bold moment into an otherwise serene space.
In short? Terrazzo is having its well-deserved renaissance—and I’m so glad I never stopped loving it. Love what you see? Please let me know in my comments below and head to my website for more info and subscribe today! Have a great week everyone. Happy designing.
.XO MAROS -