Why Herringbone?

Since launching an interior design company in Litchfield County, Connecticut called "Herringbone Interiors." I am often asked "Why Herringbone?". I thought this would be an appropriate topic to address in my introductory blog post for "On Interiors."

Herringbone, for me, represents simple, classic design which has withstood the test of time for centuries.

Herringbone, or opus spicatum, is a pattern consisting of angled rows of brick or other material which, when placed end to end, form 90 degree angles, much like the bone structure of herring fish. (Having never seen herring fishbones first-hand I'll accept the word of others!) Herringbone dates back to Ancient Roman architecture and is commonly found in masonry, parquetry and textiles. There is also evidence of the Phoenicians using a 'herringbone' pattern to mark pottery. Herringbone bond was (and is) frequently used for pavement techniques as well as vertical surfaces.

This image from www.wikipedia.org shows a herringbone paving treatment in Trajan's Market, Rome.

This chevron patterned dining floor featured in Southern Accents shows how the pattern is commonly used today to add interest to a space.

Herringbone is so versatile, it can be applied to myriad materials and compliment any design genre from historic reproductions to contemporary design and everything in between.

This Metropolitan Home image by Nathan Kirkman shows a fireplace wall faced with Ann Sacks' 'Bellarita' tile in a more modern application of herringbone.

Maya Romanoff wall covering offers several 'herringbone' chevron options including Ajiro Chevron made from ultra-thin layers of wood applied to paper (shown at left) and Mother-of-Pearl Chevron, (shown at right) developed by layering genuine shell on tiles. Spectacular!

Most fabric houses have several herringbone patterns from which to choose. In addition to the standard linens, cottons and wools in navy, brown and grey, you'll find the pattern modernized by increasing the scale, using unexpected materials and offering bold, up-to-the-minute colorways.

Hawthorne Herringbone, from Thibaut Design's Chelsea Collection is available in 5 different colorways including Crimson (shown), Aqua & Green.



One of herringbone's greatest proponents in both fashion and interiors would be Ralph Lauren.
Seen here is Tyringham Herringbone in Jet by Ralph Lauren Home.

F. Schumacher has created this wonderful modern interpretation of a herringbone in velvet with a blown-up scale. Regent Velvet Herringbone is available in four rich colorways including Aqua, Teak, Champagne, and Terracotta, respectively.

And let's not overlook herringbone's popularity in fashion! Many closets hold an item or two, or ten with a herringbone pattern, especially in the suiting and outerwear departments.

So before dressing, whether for work in the morning, or your floors, walls or upholstery....think about adding a touch of a true timeless classic, HERRINGBONE!!