Long associated with sun-drenched courtyards and meandering garden paths, crazy paving is undergoing a quiet reinvention – and it’s happening indoors.

Designers are now bringing this once outdoor-only surface into living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and entryways, drawn to its organic irregularity and tactile warmth that help counter the sharp geometry often found in contemporary interiors.

“Crazy paving, also known as flagstone paving, is ideal for softening hard surfaces as it introduces a natural rhythm and a sense of calm, which is what people are craving right now,” notes Ben Kerr, founder of Eco Outdoor.

Unlike machine-cut tiles, crazy paving is made from freeform pieces of natural stone, shaped by geology rather than design. The result is a surface that is perfect for blurring the line between indoors and out spaces, bringing the imperfections and textures of nature into the heart of the home.

“Crazy paving also incorporates a sense of play as it’s irregular, spontaneous and gloriously imperfect,” explains Kerr.

Designers are seeking surfaces that are tactile and authentic. They want to feel stone as nature made it, not factory processed.

Crazy paving’s freeform composition offers flexibility as it can be laid with tight joins for a clean, modern look or with wider grout lines for a relaxed, Mediterranean feel.

According to Kerr, there’s a richness with crazy paving that you can’t fake. Each piece holds the marks of time with visible strata, veining and mineral bursts. These natural qualities bring soul to a space.

New interpretations, such as terrazzo crazy paving created from mixed marble offcuts, extend the material authenticity and is sustainable by design.

“Using terrazzo as a crazy paving solution allows us to close the loop by creating something that is truly beautiful from what might otherwise go to waste,” Kerr explains.

The next chapter in natural surfaces

As architects and designers prioritise warmth, texture and a closer connection to nature, crazy paving is becoming more than just a surface trend – it’s a material philosophy.

“We see crazy paving as more than just a look. It’s a mindset that embraces the imperfections and unpredictability of natural stone,” says Kerr. “In a world chasing perfection, it feels refreshingly real.”

Gully House by Andrew Burges and Dangar Barin Smith

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The grey tones of Eco Outdoor’s Endicott crazy paving tie in with the concrete and timber, creating a perfect base for the home. The mix of rough and smooth textures featured throughout Gully House creates a sense of balance and reinforces the home’s connection to nature.

Main image: Gully House by Andrew Burges and Dangar Barin Smith | Photo credit: Peter Bennetts

Architecture & Design Team

Eco Outdoor

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