The rise, fall and rise of parquetry

If you are anything like us and keep a close eye on what’s trending in interiors, you may be wondering why there is a sudden rise in parquet imagery being floated around the world today like darts on a design board. There has been a marked increase in the popularity of wooden parquetry flooring in the last few years, and more recently quite a dramatic rise.

So what is causing this resurgence?

In short, we think it’s the connection of social media outlets to the world of design, and the fact that it’s a little something special that most people would want if they thought they could afford it. The generous online sharing of work by top designers and architects using social platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram, or architectural databases such as ArchiPro, have added the final push for parquet to be at the top of the flooring design pile.

Why do we find parquet so attractive?

Apart from its residual feelings of exclusivity, there is more of a psychological science behind what makes people clamber for parquet in their homes and workspaces. The psychology of Gestalt theory ‘an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts’.

Geometric patterns that are pleasing on your eye provide a way of achieving symmetry in your mind. Parquetry therefore, provides the viewer a harmonious feeling of balance without ever knowing why. Let’s face it, chaos isn’t fun to look at, but ordered patterns subconsciously make us feel like we have it together.

There seems to be a change in the cost of parquet…

In parquet’s early beginnings the astronomical cost was mostly due to this kind of work being extraordinarily labour intensive, with craftsmen having to hand cut and then painstakingly lay each wooden piece.

Today, although still labour intensive compared to a normal tongue and groove (T & G) plank timber floor - we are able to offer parquetry at far reduced installation times, and therefore cost - as the boards come pre-cut, boxed and delivered to site. In saying that - don’t get too excited as it’s still a ‘don’t try this at home’ product. It takes expert knowledge and significant years of experience to know how to set up and mathematically execute the perfect parquet floor. It’s not something that you would want to risk on a DIY project!

The influence of new technology

The advent of new tech is continually shifting the goalpost on creativity with parquet. When you look at the latest parquet products from the likes of Jamie Beckwith and Listone Giordano it’s hard not to get so excited you’d sell all your furniture and possibly a family member or two to get one of those patterned floors for yourself... just saying.

So do the same rules apply for parquet as for regular T&G plank flooring?

Well, the short answer is yes. You can get solid and engineered types of parquet so there is a product for any specification such as underfloor heating and various types of subfloor applications. We haven’t experienced any issues with any kind or brand - of course this is not forgetting that our parquet installers are basically technical geniuses and stick to the ‘rules’.

What kinds of patterns are the most popular?

The traditional herringbone pattern still far outstrips any other, with the chevron pattern coming in a close second. People tend to make a feature in an entrance or large area, and some will parquet their whole project. It just depends on the client and the style of the project.

Adding parquet does give a good excuse to add some pretty features such as brass and metal detailing around the edge or even through the pattern. Everyone thinks about visual statements in walls and furniture, but don’t forget your flooring for wow factor, it is the biggest feature in your space after all and your imagination is your limit.

Parquet flooring might be reducing in costs and time but it’s still the Creme de la Creme of flooring, and classy never fades - so get creative!

Want to know more about parquet flooring? Be sure to visit Freedom Flooring on ArchiPro today or drop into their Auckland showroom to learn more.