Fads may come and go, but timeless design stays with us for a reason: it really never goes out of style.
Ed Swanson, owner of Atlanta Flooring Centre here in Mission, offers an inside look at one current design trend that dates all the way back to 16th century France – sure to give your modern home a sense of classic beauty and charm!
“Herringbone and chevron floor designs are enjoying renewed popularity with more and more products showcasing them as alternative design options to standard wood plank flooring,” Swanson says. “Just remember there’s a reason we don’t see this stunning works of art very often in modern builds – labour costs alone are often triple what you might expect with normal hardwood floors and material waste is often up at 25 per cent, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of adding these beautiful floors to your home.”
The short version of the long history of herringbone and chevron flooring
Both of these unusual wood flooring patterns can trace their histories back to ancient times! The herringbone pattern starts popping up all the way back in the Roman Empire where it served as a clever solution for building stable and long-lasting roadways. It later debuted in parquet floor design in early 16th century France.
The word “chevron” can be traced back to 14th century English from the Latin word “caprio” which translates loosely to “rafters” and referred to the pattern’s resemblance to adjoining roof beams. Chevron patterns in parquet flooring gained popularity in Europe, primarily France around the same time as herringbone patterns.
Herringbone…Chevron? What’s the difference?
While similar on first glance these patterns are distinctly different in cut, layout and end result. Herringbone pieces are cut to a 90-degree angle, while chevron pieces are cut to a 45-degree angle at the ends and then fitted together to create their recognizable “V”design.
Herringbone floors are often viewed as more traditional, giving your home a distinguished feel while chevron floors can appear more modern, Swanson says. Additionally, chevron flooring can be a popular choice in smaller spaces due to its unique ability to give the illusion of a bigger, more open space – using it strategically can help make a big impression in a small space.
Whether you opt for a chevron or herringbone pattern, these particular floor layouts should be left to the professionals and are not recommended for homeowner DIY projects, Swanson says.
Looking for more information on these gorgeous, historically inspired floors or needing some expert advice for an upcoming renovation? Call 604-820-1456 to chat with the flooring experts at Atlanta Flooring Centre or visit them in store at 101-7057 Beatty Dr., Mission BC.