Notation Design: The Art of Terrazzo

South African design studio Notation Design is giving concrete and stone a fresh perspective, creating contemporary terrazzo furniture, lighting and architectural surfaces that celebrate the beauty of natural materials and the skill of making by hand.

Some materials have a way of catching your eye, not because they demand attention, but because there is so much to discover in their detail. Terrazzo is one of them. With its colourful stone fragments, subtle variations and beautifully polished finish, it brings an element of surprise to a material that is often associated with hard-wearing architectural surfaces. For South African design studio Notation Design, this is precisely where the appeal lies.

What began as a creative experiment with concrete has grown into a design business with a collection of furniture, lighting and decorative objects that showcase just how versatile terrazzo can be. Established in 2015, Notation Design started out making small concrete candle holders and vases. Over time, the experiments became more ambitious, and in 2019 the business became a full-time venture. Today, the owner-run studio creates contemporary terrazzo pieces for residential and commercial spaces, bringing together an appreciation for natural materials and a hands-on approach to design.

A Material with Character

Terrazzo has enjoyed a renewed appreciation in contemporary interiors, and it is easy to see why. Its combination of stone fragments and cement creates surfaces that are rich in texture, colour and pattern, with each composition offering something slightly different. While the material has a long history in architecture and flooring, Notation Design has found exciting ways to take it beyond these traditional applications.

The studio has developed its own concrete formulation, using high-quality ingredients and ultra-performance cement to achieve its distinctive finish. Stone aggregates are sourced from mines and quarries, while marble offcuts from fabricators are given a second life in the mix. Some colourways even incorporate semi-precious stones, adding another layer of interest to the finished surface.

The magic happens when these different elements come together. Small flecks of marble, contrasting stone and variations in colour create patterns that are almost impossible to replicate. Some combinations are subtle, while others are bold and playful. The result is terrazzo with plenty of personality, where the individual fragments contribute to a much bigger picture.

Made by Hand, Made to Last

Behind every Notation Design piece is a process that takes time, skill and a fair amount of hands-on work. Rather than relying on mass production, the studio’s small team is involved in every stage of making, from measuring raw materials and building moulds to mixing, pouring, curing and finishing each piece.

One of the most satisfying stages is the grinding process. Once the concrete has cured, the surface is carefully ground back to reveal the stone and other aggregates hidden within. It is here that the character of the terrazzo really comes to life, as colours and patterns that were previously concealed begin to emerge.

There is something particularly rewarding about this process. Each piece develops its own appearance, and the finished result is a reflection of both the materials selected and the people who have worked with them. It is a reminder that beautifully made furniture doesn’t happen by accident. It takes an understanding of the material, an eye for detail and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

From Statement Tables to Sculptural Lighting

Although terrazzo is often thought of as a surface material, Notation Design demonstrates how beautifully it translates into furniture. The collection includes coffee tables, side tables, dining tables, lighting and smaller decorative accessories, with each design exploring a different way to work with the material.

The Pebble Coffee Table is a lovely example. Its organic terrazzo top is paired with a solid American Ash slatted base, bringing together the natural warmth of timber and the distinctive patterning of stone. The combination gives the table a relaxed, contemporary feel, making it an interesting focal point without overwhelming a space.

For something with a little more presence, the Tube Dining Table makes a statement. Its oval polished-concrete top rests on substantial cylindrical bases, creating a sculptural silhouette that feels both modern and grounded. It also highlights the versatility of terrazzo, showing how the material can be used to create furniture that is as much about form as it is about function.

The studio has also taken its love of terrazzo into lighting design. The Pebble Wall Light features an organic disc-shaped form, allowing the texture and colour of the material to become part of the overall design. Paired with warm illumination, it offers a softer way to introduce terrazzo into an interior.

These designs make a strong case for looking beyond conventional materials when choosing furniture and accessories. A terrazzo table or light can bring texture and interest to a room, while still offering the practicality needed for everyday living.

Colour with Personality

One of the most appealing aspects of terrazzo is the freedom it offers when it comes to colour. Notation Design has developed a palette of distinctive combinations, giving clients the opportunity to choose something that suits their space and personal style.

Names such as Emerald Punch, Citrus Punch, Midnight and King Protea offer a glimpse into the range. Some colourways are richer and more dramatic, while others introduce brighter, more playful combinations of stone and aggregate. Each has its own character, making the choice of finish an important part of the design process.

For those looking for something more specific, the studio also offers customisation. This is particularly useful when incorporating terrazzo into a considered interior scheme, where the colours and finishes need to work alongside existing materials, furniture and fittings.

Whether you prefer a subtle neutral palette or a surface that brings a little more personality to the room, terrazzo offers plenty of scope for creative expression.

Taking Terrazzo Beyond the Furniture

Notation Design’s work doesn’t stop at furniture and decorative objects. The studio also produces made-to-order terrazzo slabs for architectural applications, offering designers an alternative to conventional granite and marble surfaces.

At 25mm thick and available in sizes up to 2.4m by 1m, the slabs can be fabricated and installed in much the same way as traditional stone. They are suitable for counters, work surfaces and a variety of commercial and outdoor applications, opening up further possibilities for using terrazzo in both residential and hospitality settings.

For interior designers, this means the material can be considered in a much wider context. A terrazzo surface might become a kitchen counter, a reception desk or a striking feature in a commercial interior. It can also be paired with complementary materials such as timber, metal and natural stone to create a cohesive look.

The opportunity to specify custom finishes makes this an especially interesting option for projects where individuality matters.

The Beauty is in the Details

What makes Notation Design’s work so appealing is the way it takes a familiar material and finds new ways to use it. Concrete becomes a beautifully patterned tabletop, marble offcuts find a new purpose, and carefully selected aggregates turn an otherwise ordinary surface into something worth looking at.

There is also a lovely sense of connection between the material and the making. Every stone fragment has its place in the finished composition, and every piece reflects the time and care that goes into producing it.

From its early days making concrete candle holders and vases to its growing collection of terrazzo furniture and architectural surfaces, Notation Design is carving out its own place in the South African design landscape.

And perhaps that is the real beauty of terrazzo. It doesn’t rely on perfect uniformity. Instead, it celebrates the unexpected combinations, little imperfections and individual details that make each piece different. In a home filled with carefully chosen objects, that is something worth making room for.

Notation Design