Herringbone in hotels: three real solutions — wood, colour and cork

Herringbone is the most requested floor pattern in hotel interiors. Three real projects show how differently it can be read.

Classic: Hilton Podgorica

About 500 m² of Ideal Legno Bistrot in Italian herringbone across the ballroom, restaurant and Executive Lounge. The pattern holds the scale of large rooms, while separate greys for the rooftop bar and presidential suite change the character with the same species.

Colour: The BEAUSiTE, Zermatt

In this Alpine boutique hotel’s restaurant, AUSTRIAWOOD oak herringbone is stained a bespoke pink and paired with richly coloured fabric wall panels; the lobby uses Edeldielen planks in dark green and icy tones. Here herringbone is the main colour statement, not a background.

Cork: FoxCroft restaurant, Cape Town

Two Wicanders Cork Pure Signature designs — dark Identity Chestnut and light Originals Symphony — form a custom zigzag across the room. Cork gives the same pattern but quieter and warmer underfoot; according to Amorim, the owner plans to repeat it in four more venues.

How to choose

• Large halls — classic or Italian oak herringbone in a calm tone.
• Restaurants and bars — colour or a two-tone contrast makes the floor the hero.
• Rooms, spas, busy restaurants — cork herringbone reduces footfall noise.
• Match the slat width to the room: narrow for small rooms, wide for halls.