Around this time every year, we start to see wrap-ups of the year that was (and, really still is). In our (professional) world, that usually means home design trends.
All year, designers and Realtors take note of what buyers are feeling drawn to, and in 2016, according to the National Association of Realtors, the herringbone pattern was/is among the big “Home Design Trends to Watch.”
Similar chevron had a big moment not so long ago, and a lot of us still really love those dynamic angles and energy. So yeah, it could definitely be herringbone’s time to shine.
We took a look at listings in the Nashville area — either new or renovated properties, so they’re in the moment with 2016’s trends — and picked out examples of well-done herringbone patterns. Take a look!
A big (back)splash
1914 Kimbark Drive
Nashville, TN 37215
$695,000
In this large, luxury home in Green Hills, the designer went for a monochromatic color palette, and used texture to create interest. Simple shaker cabinets and sleek, light stone kitchen countertops get a boost of energy from the backsplash, which looks like herringbone (it could be a chevron, it’s a little tough to see in the photo — the difference is subtle, but with herringbone pattern, the edges aren’t cut on an angle, but left whole). The whole look is still clean and bright, but the added pattern keeps the space from feeling one-note.
All the way up
1501 4th Ave N Unit 301
Nashville, TN 37208
$499,900
Like in the Green Hills home, this Germantown kitchen goes angular for the backsplash, and it’s classic and classy. Extra points here for going all the way up to the ceiling — it sets off that range hood in a really lovely way.
More on the floor
1542 Arthur Ave.
Nashville, TN 37208
$429,900
For this new construction in Historic Buena Vista (near Germantown), they chose large, light-colored tiles in a herringbone pattern for the master bath. It makes neutral tiles feel a little more artful, by adding movement. It’s a nice complement to the tiny penny tiles on the shower floor, too.
Dark and daring
531 A Moore Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
$519,900
In this Wedgewood-Houston home, the designer butted deep, blueish gray herringbone floor tiles up against a white marble shower. The effect of the light/dark contrast is dramatic, and dynamic.
A little inset interest
1919 Kimbark Drive
Nashville, TN 37215
$679,900
You don’t need to bring in much herringbone to make a statement — in this Green Hills kitchen, an above-the-range inset breaks up the running bond subway tile pattern, and adds a little extra luxury.
What about wood?
122 Cheekwood Terrace
Nashville, TN 37205
$1,190,000
Wood floors in your average new home don’t often step outside the standard staggered pattern. Which is understandable — it looks great, and timeless. But adding an accent with a herringbone pattern, especially in a space like the foyer, makes a grand and gorgeous statement, doesn’t it?
Fancy on the ceiling
2014 Castleman Drive
Nashville, TN 37215
$1,249,000
To be fair, this isn’t herringbone detail on the ceiling, but it does bring in some cool sharp angles. Use a little imagination and you get the idea: added warmth, added interest and added cool, complementing an otherwise traditional design.
Don’t forget the fireplace
709 Bresslyn Rd
Nashville, TN 37205
$1,225,000
There’s nothing wrong with getting a little fancy with your firebrick pattern, even (maybe especially) in older houses. This totally renovated 1955 Brook Meade home has a beautiful living room fireplace, and inside the firebox, a little bit of herringbone pops against the stacked stone.
Do you agree with the the National Association of Realtors about herringbone pattern’s renewed moment in the sun? Do any of these Nashville examples speak to you? If we can help you on your househunt, reach out and let us know!
Listings via MLS, not under agreement with ACRE and/or Benchmark Realty, LLC, except where noted.