Herringbone floors have seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years, rivalling traditional plank styles in many modern homes. Rooted in 16th-century design, herringbone parquet has stood the test of time, remaining a firm favourite in contemporary interiors, offering timeless elegance with a modern feel. One question we often get asked, especially from those considering herringbone flooring for the first time, is “Will it suit my room?” It’s a fair question, with concerns ranging from whether it might make a room feel smaller, to whether it’s suitable for kitchens or high-traffic areas. We think there is hardly a room in the home that doesn’t suit herringbone flooring. And here are some of the reasons why. Is herringbone suitable for a small room? For small spaces you might think that the detailed pattern of herringbone may make a space feel even smaller, but the opposite is often true. The formation of the wood blocks draw the eye naturally down and across the room, which promotes a feeling of space in a room. Pair that pattern with a lighter toned herringbone, and you’ll also naturally lift the feeling of light in the room too, so that small room starts to feel a whole lot bigger. Small spaces with herringbone inspiration Tundra Misty Grey in a dressing-room design The elongating effect of the slender proportions of our Tundra herringbone floors make this modern walk-in wardrobe space feel light and spacious. The room features our Misty Grey, which is finished with light grey oils to give the floor its contemporary feel. The addition of block border detailing, created with the same oak blocks, adds a further lengthening element into the space. Deco Frozen Umber in a cloakroom design It may be the smallest room in the home, but your cloakroom is also a space that suits herringbone. This panelled cloakroom is narrow, but with the addition of herringbone laid to accentuate the width of the room, the flooring gives the feeling of a wider space. The warm mid-tone oak surface of our Frozen Umber from our Deco Herringbone Collection is a perfect mix with the green panelling and decadent wallpaper. Deco Natural Oak in a small bedroom used as a home office space This small bedroom, used as a home office, features our Natural Oak herringbone from the Deco collection. The generous block size makes the flooring a standout feature in the space, without overpowering the room. Can I have herringbone floors in my kitchen? Engineered herringbone floors are a great choice in kitchen design. Your kitchen demands floors that are durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, and engineered wood flooring is a top choice for all of these needs. Yes, there are things you need to consider when installing any wood floor in a space like kitchens, because they are more prone to come into contact with moisture and spills, but follow some basic care and maintenance steps, and your floors can stand-up to kitchen life no problem. Kitchens with herringbone inspiration Deco Frozen Umber in a white kitchen design This kitchen design features a striking tonal contrast, pairing white kitchen cabinetry with our Deco Frozen Umber. The oak blocks have been expertly installed to run seamlessly around the kitchen breakfast bar, and into the casual dining area, promoting an effortless flow to the space. White Smoked Oak in colourful kitchen design Colour, colour and more colour was the order of the day for this open plan kitchen design in London. With the wonderful layers of colour and texture they were introducing into the design, they wanted a wood floor that would add a natural finish into the design. Our White Smoked Oak floors, which are darkened in a smoking chamber then finished with white oils, give the room a calm and natural backdrop. Smoked Oak in wood themed kitchen design Stored in a smoking chamber to naturally darken the oak surface, our Smoked Oak herringbone gives this beautiful wood kitchen an extra layer of wooden charm. The herringbone blocks weave around the kitchen, creating a seamless design, working its way around the island and into the open dining space, for a room that feels spacious and connected. Is herringbone a good choice for bedrooms? Yes, engineered herringbone floors are ideal for bedrooms, and there are lots of benefits to choosing them. Real wood floors are naturally warm underfoot, visually calming, and timeless in style. From a practical perspective, they’re easier to clean than carpets, and a healthier option for allergy sufferers as carpets can collect dust, pollen, and other particles that cause irritation. A regular sweep, or vacuum, and a wood floor surface is clear of any dirt. They are also a great choice if you have wood flooring downstairs and want to maintain the same style of floor throughout the home, creating a seamless and connected flow to your home. Bedrooms with herringbone inspiration Deco Natural Oak in blush pink bedroom design The beautiful blush pink tones in this bedroom design are a perfect pairing with our Deco Natural Oak blocks. The surface of this rustic herringbone is simply sealed with clear oils, giving the floor its subtle natural sheen, adding a soft and natural backdrop into the bedroom design. American Black Walnut herringbone in lavish bedroom design The theatre of this lavishly designed bedroom is elevated with the elegant tones introduced by our walnut herringbone. The American Black Walnut surface is naturally filled with rich tonal variety, and when you add in the herringbone pattern, its warm textures, and tactile sheen, fill the space with an inviting luxury. Deco Natural Oak in Cotswolds barn conversion bedroom This Cotswold barn conversion features our Alpine Upland Oak planks throughout the ground floor, on the stairs and into the landings. The owners chose to continue the same rustic oak floor finish into the barns bedrooms, introducing the more characterful pattern of herringbone in our Natural Oak finish. Other great spaces for herringbone flooring Beyond small rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, herringbone wood flooring suits almost every part of the home: In living rooms, herringbone creates a centrepiece with this classic pattern underfoot. In hallways it makes a stylish first impression that is elegant, but also durable for the busy footfall. On stairs and landings you can continue the flow of herringbone for a truly cohesive home design. Ready to choose your V4 Herringbone Floor? If you’re feeling inspired to bring herringbone into your home, take the next step. Explore all of our herringbone floorsOrder free samples of your favouritesFind a V4-approved retailer near you where you can view our floors in larger formatsTry our Room Visualiser and see how different herringbone styles will look in your space
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Texture plays a pivotal role in both the aesthetics and function of your space, whether that be the warmth of cork, the sleek sheen of laminate, or the classic authenticity of engineered wood, the surface beneath your feet sets the tone for your home's comfort and style. Each texture brings distinct advantages, and this guide will help you to make an informed decision for your space. The Unique Texture of Cork Flooring We’ll start with our newest flooring type, Cortejo cork, which stands out with its soft, cushion-like texture that can offer a more comfortable walking experience. The texture of cork flooring is unlike any other, characterised by its natural softness and yielding surface. This cushioned feel is courtesy of the cork’s cellular structure, composed of millions of tiny air-filled chambers, and also acts as a natural insulator against sound, making cork floors exceptionally quiet underfoot. Our Cortejo range comprises a solid underlayment, a dense core, and a top layer of cork veneer. This structured layering reinforces the floor's ability to withstand regular foot traffic. Cork and Wood Textures We offer two types of cork flooring, natural oak which is pure cork and a protective finish, and a wood-look option for those who want the best of both and a sustainable alternative. The topmost layer of our wood-look cork flooring features a protective sealant that guards against water damage and wear, but also achieves the natural ridges of real wood, both in look and feel. The Versatility of Laminate Textures Laminate flooring offers a wide range of looks and feels, from smooth and modern to more textural options that replicate the feel of real wood. Durable and easy to maintain, it stands as a practical choice for busy areas. Our laminates are all made from high-density fibreboard, with real wood grains printed on top and sealed with melamine. Advances in manufacturing technology have enabled laminate to offer textured finishes that closely mimic the grooves, knots, and ridges found in natural materials, with an embossed top layer much like our wood-look Cortejo range – only more rigid in its composition. These detailed textures can enhance slip resistance, making laminate both a visually appealing and practical choice for high-footfall areas. The Authenticity of Engineered Wood’s Texture Engineered wood features the classic texture of hardwood floors, with the added benefit of a stable, multi-layer construction. Engineered wood flooring offers a genuine wood surface that imparts a naturally warm texture underfoot. This is courtesy of its top layer, a veneer of real hardwood that presents the unique patterns, grains, and textures of traditional wood floors. Texturally, it sits somewhere between cork and laminate – built with both softness and rigidity. In comparison to solid hardwood, engineered wood provides a consistent and stable texture without the propensity for warping or gapping that can occur with natural wood in varying humidity levels. Its surface can be sanded and refinished, depending on the thickness of the top layer, which allows the preservation of its natural beauty and texture over time. Comparative Analysis The experience of walking on cork, laminate, and engineered wood floors varies significantly: Cork flooring offers a cushioned feel, making it gentle on the feet and conducive to standing for long periods. It is also naturally warm, which can be comforting in colder climates. Laminate, with its adaptive nature, can swing between the smoothness akin to polished stone to a more grainy, wood-like texture – depending on the choice of finish. It tends to be firmer underfoot, reflecting its dense composition. Engineered wood, however, brings the unmistakable sensation of genuine hardwood, complete with slight irregularities that add to its natural charm. All coupled with a solidity that speaks of its quality and craftsmanship. Aesthetic and Practical Implications Texture not only influences the tactile comfort but also the overall aesthetic and functionality of flooring: Cork's soft texture can imbue spaces with a welcoming, earthy look but may be susceptible to indentations from heavy furniture. Laminate offers a broad spectrum of styles, with the added advantage of being scratch-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. The authenticity of engineered wood's texture lends an upscale look and feel to interiors, echoing the timeless elegance of solid hardwood, while being more adaptable to diverse environmental conditions. The choice between these options will often depend on the balance of visual appeal and practical considerations tailored to the needs of the space. Find the Right Look and Feel for Your Space When choosing the right flooring texture, consider both its visual impact and its ability to meet the demands of your lifestyle. Each type brings its distinct personality and performance to the foreground, ready to define the character of your home. If you want to feel these textures for yourself, why not order some free samples today? Or feel free to visit our showroom for a comprehensive tactile experience.
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As the temperatures outdoors continue to drop, you need to foster a cosier environment indoors, and natural floors such as those made from wood or cork are the perfect way to achieve this. Their inherent warmth underfoot contrasts sharply with the stark weather outside, while their earthy tones bring a sense of warmth and softness to your indoor spaces. The Essence of Hygge in Home Comfort Hygge, a concept originating from Denmark, represents the essence of comfort and contentment in life's simple pleasures. It is the warm glow of candlelight, the soft addition of a woollen throw, and the feeling of a hot drink on a cold day. This concept extends through to interior design as well, translating into spaces that are warm, peaceful, and inviting. Natural flooring plays a pivotal role in this philosophy, and the organic textures and tones of our engineered wood and cork floors lay the groundwork for a Hygge-inspired home. Bring In Warmth With Engineered Wood Floors Engineered wood flooring exhibits the depth of natural grain patterns and a variety of hues, ranging from light golden ambers to deeper browns. From a practical standpoint, engineered wood's multiple layers enhance both its stability and its insulation capabilities. The core of the flooring acts as a natural barrier, retaining heat and maintaining a comfortable underfoot experience even when the winter chill sets in. Unlike stone or tile, which can be cold to the touch, engineered wood holds warmth, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce the reliance on artificial heating. This natural insulation contributes to a snug environment. Achieve Optimal Comfort With Cork Flooring Cork’s cushioned feel is derived from its unique cellular structure, which provides a gentle give with every step. Beyond this tactile aspect, cork flooring is a natural insulator of both heat and sound. The warmth it retains contributes significantly to the overall thermal comfort of a space, and its acoustic properties make for a quieter home environment. An Almost-Wood Alternative Laminate flooring emerges as a practical alternative for those seeking the aesthetic warmth of wood or cork without the associated costs. Modern laminate can convincingly replicate the appearance of natural materials, providing a room with the inviting allure of a traditional wooden floor or the organic charm of cork. But laminate's advantages extend beyond its visual appeal. It is also a viable contender in areas of high traffic, offering durability and resistance to wear and tear that natural materials may not withstand as well over time. The ease of maintenance is another selling point, with a simple sweep or mop keeping it looking fresh and inviting for longer. Some Practical Tips for Warming Up Your Space To complement these warm floors, incorporate plush rugs in complementary colours that add layers of comfort. Consider soft lighting to create a gentle glow that enhances the natural beauty of the wood and cork textures in the room, before introducing accessories like thick throws, cushioned seating, and heavy-weight curtains in rich, earthy tones. For a touch of elegance and added warmth, you could also integrate brass or copper accents into light fixtures and decorative elements. By carefully selecting a cohesive palette and textures, you can create a harmonious space that radiates warmth throughout even the coldest months. Wintertime Flooring Installations Before laying down engineered wood or cork flooring, it’s crucial to allow the material to acclimatise to your home's environment. Store the flooring inside the room where it will be installed, in its original packaging, for at least 48 hours. This step prevents expansion or contraction post-installation due to temperature fluctuations. Increased indoor heating during winter can cause subfloors to dry out and contract, so check for any gaps or uneven areas that could affect the flooring's stability before installing. It is also advisable to check the indoor humidity level, as this will help you maintain optimal conditions for both the subfloor and the new flooring. Choose Floors That Outlast the Seasons We invite you to explore our range of hardwood and cork floors today, with plenty of free samples available to preview. Their exceptional quality and thermal capabilities prime them for any weather, keeping your home temperate all year round.
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