With origins stretching back more than two millennia, the herringbone pattern is one of the oldest and most enduring forms of architectural design. First developed by Roman engineers as an interlocking brick arrangement to strengthen roads and public spaces, the pattern evolved through medieval Europe before becoming a defining feature of the great French and Italian palaces of the Renaissance. Today, herringbone remains a symbol of craftsmanship and timeless design—combining historical character with a striking sense of movement that feels equally at home in contemporary interiors.
The Beauty of Scale
The relationship between the 240mm plank and the 120mm herringbone was carefully considered during the development of Otto. The herringbone format provides rhythm, movement and detail, while the wide plank delivers a calmer and more expansive visual experience. Together they create a balanced design language that can adapt to both contemporary and traditional interiors. The contrast is not between different materials, but between different expressions of the same material.
A Collection Designed to Work Together
At George Fethers & Co, we believe flooring should be considered as part of the broader architectural narrative of a home. Otto was designed with this philosophy in mind. Rather than viewing herringbone and plank flooring as separate products, the collection was developed as a coordinated system that allows designers to explore pattern, scale, and spatial definition while maintaining a consistent aesthetic throughout a project. The result is a flooring collection that honors the rich history of herringbone while responding to the way we design and live today.
Designed as One Collection
Rather than treating planks and parquet as separate products, Otto was designed as a unified flooring collection. The generous 240mm planks pair effortlessly with the 120mm boards, allowing different layouts to coexist harmoniously throughout a project. The wide planks are ideal for expansive open areas, thresholds, and staircases, creating clean transitions and a consistent material language throughout the home. Beyond classic herringbone, the 120mm format lends itself to an array of creative installations, including double herringbone, stack bond, brick bond, and basket weave, giving designers the freedom to tailor each space while maintaining a cohesive architectural aesthetic.
Innovative Installations
Double Herringbone: This pattern amplifies the traditional herringbone look, creating a more dynamic and textured appearance. Ideal for making a bold statement in larger spaces.
Stack Bond: A modern twist that involves laying the planks in a straight line, offering a sleek, contemporary look that is perfect for minimalist designs.
Brick Bond: Mimicking the classic brick wall pattern, this installation provides a familiar yet fresh take on flooring, suitable for both modern and traditional settings.
Basket Weave: This intricate design interlaces planks in a way that resembles a woven basket, adding an element of sophistication and visual intrigue to any room.
Ladder Lay: Parallel planks with regular cross joints create a clean, timeless design. An elegant rhythm of parallel planks that feels both familiar and quietly contemporary.
