Honing in on a French-inspired aesthetic, we’re taking a closer look at parquetry flooring with nine of our favourite Herringbone examples.
The Herringbone pattern can be traced back to the Roman times, named after its resemblance to the bones of a Herring fish, but it wasn’t until the 16th century that the Herringbone pattern started appearing in parquety flooring in France. Symbolising status and wealth, the Herringbone pattern has maintained its innate sense of sophistication thanks to clear geometric repetition and the quality materials used.
Unlike Chevron, Herringbone flooring has a distinct zig-zag arrangement that forms a unique, continuous V-shape. From gentle whitewashed finishes to rich browns, Herringbone flooring is a fitting flooring choice in heritage revivals, ensuring a home remains tied to its history and elevated for modern living.
This feature originally appeared in est magazine issue #38 and is produced in partnership with Tongue n Groove.
Oslo Herringbone Parquetry from Tongue n Groove in The Alexandra Penthouse by DITA Studio | Photography by Timothy Kaye.
Dinesen Grand Oak Classic – Light Oil
Constructed from family-owned German and French forests, the Grand Oak Classic floor by Dinesen has delicate knots sealed with a light oil. Like in Hans Verstuyft’s Kortrijk House, the washed Herringbone flooring references the home’s heritage while providing a calming base for the soft interior scheme.
Tongue n Groove Chamoisee (Herringbone Parquetry)
Tongue n Groove’s robust floorboards perform high on the durability scale, comprised of three solid European oak layers. Their Chamoisee Herringbone Parquetry is a modern take on the traditional Herringbone floor in a characterful honey-toned hue.
Admonter Twin Oak Aurum
Admonter’s Twin Oak Aurum features a rich chocolate colouring with wide boards produced in Austria, designed to be laid over both warm water and electric under-floor heating systems.
Mafi Herringbone Oak Brushed Grey Oil
As seen in the home of Camilla Freeman-Topper, Mafi Herringbone boards are pre-finished with a brushed textured surface for a natural, tactile appeal, like Mafi’s muted Herringbone Oak Brushed Grey Oil.
Imondi Oak Weathered
Imondi Oak Weathered is a hand treated floorboard with a natural oiled finish; a hardwearing option for high-traffic areas of the home.
Tongue n Groove Penza Herringbone Parquetry
Featured in the Prahran Home by Biasol, Penza Herringbone Parquetry from Tongue n Groove has an enriched aged dark grain, fitting to a heritage home revival.
Royal Oak Floors Ash Grey
Ash Grey from Royal Oak Floors’ Artisan Collection, the natural wood tone and texture of Ash Grey has been retained for a sophisticated yet approachable interior scheme.
Kahrs Schwarzwald Herringbone
The Kahrs Schwarzwald Herringbone is a suitable choice for family homes as it’s softer than timber, moisture and stain-resistant and completely scratch and dent-proof.
Tongue n Groove Raba Herringbone Parquetry
Raba Herringbone Parquetry from Tongue n Groove features a black base with dark brown knots for subtle variation, perfectly paired with white walls and brass finishes.
Graupa Herringbone Parquetry from Tongue n Groove in Lindfield House by Daniel Boddam | Photography by Pablo Veiga.
Graupa Herringbone Parquetry from Tongue n Groove in Lindfield House by Daniel Boddam | Photography by Pablo Veiga.
