Interior Obsessions – Chevron

Back in March, Brittni, the owner of papernstitch, brought up her interest in herringbone wood floors. The herringbone pattern is generally made by butting the short end of a rectangular piece of wood or tile to the far end of the long side of another, and continuing in this pattern that creates a zig-zag with a slight offset. Today we’re taking a look at a similar pattern, but one with no offset – the chevron. The chevron created with wood, tile or other materials is made with mitered ends that both butt up to each other on the small side, forming a zigzag with no offset, perfect points and a line running through those points.

But along with the resurgence of herringbone, the chevron pattern is making quite a comeback. With the stunning popularity of the Missoni for Target line, chevron and zigzag is re-entering the home in a big way. Although a simple chevron-set monochromatic floor is a great way to add texture and pattern without overdoing it, many designers are using the chevron in new and different ways. That same distressed wood set on a wall becomes a focal piece, while others are shifting to two-color schemes for flooring, or bringing in the chevron with accessories such as rugs or pillows. And paint is a great and inexpensive way to add this pattern to your home, either with a monochrome or two or more color scheme. Personally, I’m still a fan of those old board floors, but you might even think of repainting a reclaimed piece of furniture – it’s all up to you!

(above) Black Wood Floor

Chevron Rug + Marmoleum Pattern

Wood Wall with Bookmatch Line

Stenciled Separate Shapes + ZigZag Monochrome

Unfinished Wood

Amy wrote this post. She is the designer and owner of FormFire Glassworks, where she creates modern lampwork glass beads and jewelry, and by day designs custom homes for a small firm in Southern California. You can follow her twitter @formfireglass.