TILE HISTORY - HERRINGBONE PATTERN

My imagination takes me to the person who after eating several helpings of herring, lays the bones out on a table and she, or he..... invents the layout pattern for a new floor! I'm betting the floor design came before the pattern made it's way into woven wool that is primarily used for suits and outwear. This pattern is known by several names; Herringbone, Chevron, Zig-Zag and Feather. The herringbone pattern also evolved in floor and wall coverings, fabrics and rugs through many other countries, notably Japan, India and Morocco.

15th Century Bohemian Heraldic Wall Hanging

Detail of 17th Century Kosode, Japan.

From wall coverings, fabric weaving, clothing, reclaimed wood floors, ceramic tile, stone. brick or glass; the Herringbone pattern is a classic that has evolved in every form of architecture since the ancient times of Rome and Greece. For centuries herringbone brick pathways have been leading us through gardens and parks. One of the main design elements in herringbone is the to know what you choose to highlight in the room or yard because just like a shooting arrow, you are leading the eye to something, make it worthwhile.

Herringbone brick pathway, leading out of the garden and into the countryside.

Reclaimed Herringbone, Exquisite Surfaces

TILE DESIGN - MOROCCAN STYLE CHECKERBOARD

Marrakesh by Ruggero Poggianella

Moroccan style when using checkerboard design is quite distinct. The tiles are ceramic, not stone and are ceramic sizes from 1 to 8 inches or 2 to 15 centimeters. When you are mixing patterns, the overall design is more cohesive if the ceramic tiles are about the same size. This allows your mind's eye to enjoy the pattern flow without being distracted by a change of material or texture. 

Marrakesh by Riad Kaiss

Adding details to Moroccan style can be accomplished by changing the orientation of the tiles, size and outlining the areas.  In the photo below the checkerboard in the pool and the deck are laid in a grid or straight lay. In the detail around the pool the tiles are smaller and the area outlined in black.  Changing the checkerboard on the main pool deck to herringbone or any other pattern is part of the fun of making each design unique.