For anyone investing in beautiful hardwood floors, longevity is always going to be an important consideration. Trampling feet, playing children, or excitable pets can all put wooden surfaces to the test! This means that the right floor must marry gorgeous aesthetics with ultimate durability if it is to make the cut. Happily, resilient solid or engineered wood flooring and durable parquet wood flooring are readily available to today's consumers. Here, we will outline what to look for when selecting a dream hardwood floor that will truly be built to last. How Is the Durability of Wood for Flooring Measured? Understanding the toughness of wood types can get a little confusing—especially when we think of the terms “softwood” and “hardwood”. In reality, some softwoods can be very hard, and some hardwoods can be very soft! The true meaning of these terms actually has nothing to do with durability, but instead the type of tree species. Softwoods are cone bearing trees—like pine or cedar—and hardwoods come from deciduous trees. When we want to understand how robust different wood species are, we only need look to the Janka Harndess Scale for answers. The Janka Scale serves as a universal guide for measuring how well wood can resist wear and tear. Each type of wood is ranked through a test, which involves measuring the force required to embed a 11.28mm steel ball into the wood's surface to a depth of half its diameter. The resulting score gives us a great idea of how stunning board or parquet wood flooring made from that particular species will perform over time. Although, there are other factors to consider too, such as the moisture or temperature resistance needs of the interior in question. Durable Oak Wood Flooring: The Industry StandardWhile some exotic woods offer astronomical hardness on the Janka Scale—such as Teak or Brazilian Cherry—these types of wood tend to come with a similarly elevated price tag! Thankfully, oak is a far more accessible species, and its hardiness rating of around 1300 on the Janka Scale means that it is plenty tough enough for the creation of wonderfully durable engineered wood flooring, solid wood flooring, or parquet wood floors. When we consider that some of the most revered and ancient hardwood floors in the UK, and indeed the world, are made from oak, it becomes easy to see why this tree is so prized for use within spectacular interiors. Ash Keeps Oak Company on the Janka Scale Keeping oak company on the Janka Scale—with a score of 1320—we find ash wood. Also native to the European continent and the UK, European Ash wood flooring provides a wonderful spectrum of properties. These include being both resilient and fast growing, and tolerant to coppicing—making it an environmentally friendly choice too. Alongside its toughness, ash wood is also flexible and shock resistant. This makes it an optimal choice for both durable engineered ash wood flooring or solid ash wood flooring, parquetry, and indeed just about any kind of woodworking! For Durability and Resistance: Solid or Engineered Wood Flooring?
Many imagine that solid wood flooring is the only choice to make when seeking longevity. However, the truth is a little more nuanced. Because each board within a solid wood flooring is made of a single piece of timber, these types of floors can withstand near unlimited sanding and refinishing. That said, a high quality engineered wood flooring topped with a generous layer of aesthetic and resilient hardwood will withstand refinishing one or two times if necessary. Of course, when a suitable hardwood is chosen such as oak or ash, and diligence is applied, the need for this type of refinishing should be a rare occurrence indeed! Balancing that equation, quality engineered wood flooring can offer some additional rewards that may lead some to consider it favourably. Because of the multi-directional construction of durable engineered wood flooring, it can be far more resistant to temperature fluctuations and moisture. This makes it a good choice for kitchens, basement rooms, and for pairing with underfloor heating. Seeking Guidance on the Perfect Wood Flooring for Your Needs If you are left wondering if durable oak wood flooring is the perfect choice for your envisioned interior, or if you could use a little advice on how to navigate the ins and outs of parquetry, the expert team here at Hoff Parquet are always happy to provide guidance. Not only can we help you pin-point the wood species and finish that will meet your vision for both beauty and resilience, but we can also advise on the best wood flooring solutions to pair with the unique characteristics of the space at hand. Discover durable parquet wood flooring solutions, contemporary wide planks and creative finishes that are all ready to stand up to the tumble of every day life. Allow us to realise the resistant and resplendent floor you imagine!
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Today, we embark on a journey through the enchanting world of French Oak, exploring its distinctive qualities and comparing it with Baltic and American Oak. Discover why French Oak has become the epitome of sophistication and durability, making it the premier choice for discerning homeowners and interior designers. French Oak vs. Baltic Oak: 1. Growth Regions:
2. Appearance:
3. Durability:
French Oak vs. American Oak: 1. Growth Regions:
2. Appearance:
3. Popular Choice for Flooring: French Oak stands out as the preferred choice for flooring due to:
In conclusion, as we navigate the world of premium wood flooring, French Oak emerges as the quintessential choice, embodying a harmonious blend of aesthetics, durability, and versatility. Choosing French Oak from Hoff Parquet not only elevateHomes the foundation of your space but also signifies a commitment to enduring quality and timeless sophistication. Explore our exquisite collection to bring the allure of French Oak into your home, creating a haven of elegance and refinement that stands the test of time.
At Hoff Parquet, we understand that the beauty of wood flooring lies not only in the quality of the materials but also in the meticulous details of the installation process. One crucial aspect that demands attention is finishing the flooring around the edges, and we are here to guide you through the various options available to achieve a flawless result. Fitting Skirting Boards: Skirting boards serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing a seamless transition between the floor and the wall while protecting the lower part of the wall from scuffs and damage. When fitting skirting boards with your wood flooring, it's essential to ensure a snug fit. Start by carefully measuring and cutting the boards at a 45-degree angle for neat corners. Use an adhesive designed for wood to secure the skirting boards in place, ensuring a stable and lasting bond. Small Beading for a Refined Look: For a refined finish, consider using small beading to conceal the expansion gap between the flooring and the wall. Choose a beading that complements the wood species and finish of your flooring for a cohesive appearance. This subtle addition adds a touch of elegance while maintaining a clean and polished look. Cork Insertion for Noise Reduction and Flexibility: Cork insertion is an excellent option for enhancing both the acoustics and flexibility of your wood flooring or parquet flooring. Inserting a thin strip of cork between the flooring and the skirting board helps absorb sound, reducing the impact of footsteps and minimizing noise transmission. Additionally, cork provides flexibility, accommodating the natural expansion and contraction of wood due to changes in humidity. Borders for a Distinctive Touch: Introduce character to your space by incorporating borders into your Herringbone Or Chevron Parquet or Wood Flooring design. Borders can be created using contrasting wood species, stains, or patterns, adding a unique touch that sets your flooring apart. Whether opting for a simple border or a more intricate design, careful craftsmanship is key to achieving a seamless integration with the main flooring. Shadow Gap for a Contemporary Finish: In modern luxury homes with straight, plastered walls, the shadow gap is a popular choice. This minimalist approach creates a subtle gap between the floor and the wall, adding depth and a contemporary touch to the space. Precision is paramount in achieving the desired effect, and our team of experts at Hoff Parquet ensures meticulous installation for a flawless result At Hoff Parquet, we are dedicated to providing not only exceptional wood flooring products but also expert guidance to bring your vision to life. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of skirting boards, the refined look of small beading, the practicality of cork insertion, the distinctive touch of borders, or the contemporary appeal of a shadow gap, we have the expertise to make it happen.
Contact our flooring showroom in Edinburgh today to explore our exquisite range of parquet and wood flooring options and discover how we can elevate the aesthetic and functionality of your space. Hoff Parquet – Where Quality Meets Craftsmanship. Choosing the right wide plank wood flooring for your project is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact the overall aesthetic and functionality of your space. In this extensive guide, we'll delve into the technical and visual aspects of selecting wood flooring, comparing popular options like Oak Wood, Ash Wood, and Walnut Wood. Additionally, we'll explore considerations such as wood grades, colors, and regional influences, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique preferences and project requirements. Technical Considerations
Bellow 3 natural grade different wood examples (Oak, Ash, Walnut) Visual Considerations
Pros and Cons
Selecting wide plank wood flooring involves a careful balance between technical considerations and visual preferences. Whether you choose the timeless beauty of Oak, the understated elegance of Ash, or the luxurious allure of Walnut, understanding the technical aspects, regional influences, and visual impact is crucial. Consider the unique features of each wood species, the grades that match your desired aesthetic, and how these choices align with the specific requirements of your space. By integrating both technical and visual considerations, you can confidently choose wide plank wood flooring that not only enhances the aesthetics of your project but also stands the test of time in terms of durability and functionality. The decision to invest in wide plank flooring is an opportunity to create a lasting and impactful design element in your space, adding a touch of sophistication and personality to every room. As you embark on this exciting journey of selecting wide plank wood flooring, may your choices reflect your unique style and contribute to the creation of a space that is not only visually stunning but also a true reflection of your taste and personality. Your home's hallway is more than just a passageway; it's the first impression guests have of your interior space. Elevating this transitional area can set the tone for the entire home. At Hoff Parquet, we understand the importance of creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere, regardless of the size of your hallway. In this blog post, we'll explore design strategies for both large, spacious hallways and smaller, more intimate spaces. Additionally, we'll delve into unique flooring ideas, such as chevron parquet flooring and herringbone parquet, to add an extra layer of sophistication. Designing Large and Spacious Hallways:
Designing Small and Intimate Hallways:
Transforming your hallway into a luxurious and inviting space is a rewarding endeavor that requires thoughtful design choices. Whether you're working with a vast expanse or a compact area, the key is to marry functionality with elegance. Explore the possibilities of chevron and herringbone parquet flooring to add a touch of timeless beauty to your home. At Hoff Parquet, we are committed to helping you create a hallway that not only impresses but also reflects your unique style and personality. Elevate your home with sophistication and charm, starting with the first steps through your impeccably designed hallway.
Are you a fan of clean lines, simplicity, and the timeless elegance of Scandinavian or minimalist design? If so, consider making a statement with Unfinished Ash Chevron Parquet Flooring. This sophisticated flooring option effortlessly combines the natural beauty of ash wood with the classic chevron pattern, creating a visually stunning and versatile foundation for your living space. Why Unfinished Ash? Unfinished ash wood flooring is known for its light color and subtle grain patterns, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a neutral, understated aesthetic. The unfinished aspect allows the natural characteristics of the wood to shine through, adding warmth and authenticity to any room. The Chevron Parquet Pattern: Timeless Elegance The chevron pattern, characterized by its V-shaped design, is a classic flooring choice that has stood the test of time. When paired with unfinished ash, this pattern takes on a modern twist, offering a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary style. The chevron layout creates a sense of movement and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for spaces that embrace simplicity and functionality. Minimalist Design: Less is More
For minimalist design enthusiasts, the Unfinished Ash Chevron Parquet Flooring is a dream come true. The clean, unadorned surface of the ash wood paired with the geometric precision of the chevron pattern embodies the "less is more" philosophy. This flooring option allows you to create a serene, clutter-free environment that emphasizes functionality and simplicity without sacrificing style. Scandinavian Charm: Embrace Hygge In Scandinavian design, the concept of "hygge" is central—a feeling of coziness, comfort, and well-being. Unfinished Ash Chevron Parquet Flooring complements this ethos perfectly. The light color of the ash wood reflects natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The chevron pattern adds a touch of sophistication while maintaining the warmth essential to Scandinavian interiors. Versatility in Design Whether you're updating your living room, bedroom, or even a home office, Unfinished Ash Chevron Parquet Flooring adapts seamlessly to various spaces. Its neutral tones make it a versatile canvas for any color palette or furniture style, allowing you to personalize your space while maintaining a cohesive and elegant look. In conclusion, if you're looking to elevate your space with a flooring option that embodies the principles of minimalism and Scandinavian design, Unfinished Ash Chevron Wood Flooring is a perfect choice. Its timeless appeal, natural beauty, and adaptability make it a flooring solution that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of those with a discerning taste for simplicity and sophistication. The warm and refined presence of wood within the home is unquestionably transformative. One of the most impactive ways that this elegant and natural material can be harnessed is in the introduction of beautiful bespoke wooded stairs. Your dream staircase project may come in the form of a revamp of your existing staircase, or an entirely new design. Either way, Hoff Parquet are here to aid you in realising your vision! Whether seeking striking hardwood stair cladding, or exploring how to create something truly unique with engineered planks for stairs, read on to discover more about the process of staircase design and construction. A Vision of What You Want The wooden staircase design that you arrive on will depend very much upon the space it is set to inhabit. If aiming to manifest spectacular wooden stairs from scratch, the potential of what can be achieved is largely only limited by your imagination! Of course, your wooden stairs design will need to be space-appropriate. From a structural standpoint, you will be able to consider whether your staircase will be straight or curved, or feature turns – perhaps with landings. One of the wonderful things about wood is the diversity of aesthetics that are available. Solid Hardwood or engineered wood planks for stairs can be dark and majestic, or light and lifting. Wood may be smooth, sleek and minimalist, or decorated with characterful knots and grain patterns. You might choose to coordinate the finish of your wooden stairs with wood present in the surrounding areas – or you may wish to make a bold stand-out statement! Fundamentally, the choice is entirely yours. The Ins and Outs of Stair Cladding If your aim is to makeover an existing staircase, wood for stair cladding can deliver an astounding transformation that alters the air of your entire home. Bespoke stair cladding can be fitted to almost any existing staircase, creating the instant appearance of a solid wood staircase. Coordinated balustrades can be considered – or if going for a more contemporary look, glass panelling may be just the feature to create instant wow-factor. Once again, a near endless spectrum of wood finishes and grain aesthetics are at your fingertips when reimagining a staircase in this way. To ensure that you know how to describe your vision, stick with us as we examine the need-to-know terminology of the wooden stairs structure! Going Pro With Staircase Terminology When viewing a fantastically finished staircase, its component elements will likely be the last thing on your mind. However, when planning that staircase's design, understanding which parts are which can be incredibly useful – both in terms of communicating with anyone assisting in the design process, and the artisans bringing that polished composition to life. With that in mind, here are some of the key terms that will help you discuss your wooden stairs like a pro:
Navigating Building Regulations
If overhauling with stair cladding, in all probability you will not need to navigate the technicalities of building regulations. However, if designing something entirely new, it is best to know what can and cannot be done. You may enlist the help of an architect, or indeed a talented joiner from our team here at Unique Bespoke Wood, to assist in the design of your staircase. They will understand that there are a few rules that must be followed when planning a bold new staircase design, each implemented with safety in mind.
Wood Provides Quality At Every Step With the above information at hand, you should be able to begin exploring the possibilities of your destined staircase design. By opting for wooden stairs – either with stair cladding, solid wood, or engineered planks for stairs – you will certainly ensure longevity. Hardwoods are a perfect choice for one of the most trafficked areas of your home, providing optimal durability while serving as a timeless aesthetic focal point. By partnering with professionals who can turn their expert eye to manifesting your staircase design, you can also achieve the flawless finish and functionality that you hope for. If you would like to discuss the many incredible options available to you for your upcoming staircase project, don't hesitate to contact our team. We are always thrilled to advise, and steer you towards the result you desire! Underfloor heating is becoming more and more popular – whether introduced as part of a contemporary new build or as a modernising luxury in a renovation project. The appeal is easy to grasp, as underfloor heating offers the pleasure of a consistently heated environment, with no cold spots to be found. It entirely eliminates the cluttering presence of radiators, leaving your interior an unfettered canvas to creatively make your own! Engineered wood flooring lends perfectly in this case for a number of reasons, and with the correct guidance and collaboration between your underfloor heating supplier, and our team at Hoff Parquet, you can enjoy both the decadence of a warm floor beneath your feet, and the spectacular beauty of hardwood throughout your home. A Tactile Choice Wood is naturally warm to the touch when compared with stone or tile, and contributes to the cosiness of a space not only through temperature, but also through the beautiful colours and textures that only wood can provide. When we imagine walking barefoot through a hallway, or our children playing on the floor, a wooden surface seems somehow gentler, and more homely. Our meticulously constructed engineered wood floors match the elegant aesthetic and tactile appeal of any hardwood floor, while offering the flexibility of a variety of installation applications. The Intelligence Of Engineered Wood Flooring As a natural material, the fibrous nature of wood means that it will breath with it's environment – slightly expanding and contracting as moisture levels go up and down within the air around it. When it comes to underfloor heating, this is an important factor to be aware of, as changes in temperature will have a direct impact on moisture levels. To accommodate this, engineered wood flooring is constructed layer by layer, alternating the direction of the grain within the wood. This strategy means that the resulting floor is highly stable and resistant to fluctuations in temperature and moisture. A degree of care is still required to ensure that your engineered wood floors are maintained in their original, stunning condition, but with expert advice you will find that care for your floor is not difficult to apply. Choosing Your Underfloor Heating System
The type of underfloor heating that you opt for will likely depend on the nature of the property in which it will be installed, taking into account the current sub-floor and any height restrictions. Primarily, you will need to choose between a hydronic – or water pipe – system, or an electrically heated system. At this point, discuss with your suppliers your intention to combine your underfloor heating system with engineered wood flooring, and ensure that the system you select allows for accurate temperature control. Seeking a qualified and experienced supplier that is familiar with the exact specifications of your underfloor heating system, as well as it's compatibility with engineered wood floors is vital. It is widely considered that the underside of engineered wood floors laid over underfloor heating should not exceed 27°C, as beyond this point excessive drying may cause damage to your floor. Isolated hot-spots also pose a risk, but can be mitigated by adding an additional insulating layer to distribute the heat more efficiently. Exploring the various options available before committing to an ideal system will result in a combination of floor and heating system that work in perfect symbiosis. Care In Installation Of Your Floor Ensuring that every care is made before your engineered wood flooring is installed will guarantee excellent results. Checks must be made to confirm that the sub-floor has low enough humidity levels to proceed. The heating must be turned off, and the temperature and humidity levels within the room monitored during fitting if the weather is changeable or any other factor may impact the conditions required. Once your resplendent new floor is in place, you will no doubt wish to experience your new underfloor heating immediately, but a little patience is required! Sudden and substantial temperature changes will not benefit the result of your investment, and so a gradual increase of temperature is necessary over several days. In fact, following guidance on how to increase and decrease the temperature of your floor whenever you alter the settings of your heating system will ensure longevity. You will no doubt consider it worth the wait, as you continue to enjoy your energy-efficient and entirely hidden heating system over the years to come! If you are curious to discover more about your options when it comes to combining underfloor heating with one of the many beautiful engineered wood floors we offer, don't hesitate to get in touch. Ash is without question one of the most versatile woods available in the world of hardwood flooring, with many styles – from ash parquet flooring, to ash wide plank wood flooring – enjoying robust popularity. The ash that we to enjoy within our homes and workspaces tends to come from only two species, although ash is part of the Fraxinus genus, which encompasses around 60 different species, including the olive and lilac families. When we talk about ash as a workable material, we are generally referring to either European Ash, or American Ash. But, what is the difference between the two, and which will deliver the perfect vision for your stunning interior? Here, we will trace the distinctions between these two species of wood, allowing you to make the ideal choice for your approaching renovation project. Where Can European And American Ash Be Found? While the Fraxinus genus can be found growing throughout Europe, North America, north Africa and many parts of Asia, Fraxinus Americana and Fraxinus Excelsior are geographically more specific, and to create that stunning ash wide plank wood flooring, we should begin by tracking their roots! The first – known widely as American Ash – can be traced to the north and western regions of the United States. The second – commonly referred to as European Ash – is native across the span of Europe, from northern Spain to Russia, and southward into Turkey. Following the arrival of an invasive species of boring insect in the 1990s, American Ash has been classified as a threatened species, although it is still widely cultivated. In response, European ash cultivation has been adopted across many US states too. The Romantic History Of European Ash The humble European Ash tree played a central role in Norse mythology, which revered a vast and ancient ash tree known as Yggdrasil which served to connect the nine worlds within the cosmos. A dragon names Níðhöggr was believed to live in the tree. Moving forward, and pausing on the Scottish Isle of Bute at the turn of the 18th century, an old ash tree growing beside a church was known as the “Dreamin' Tree”, as those who ate it's leaves would dream of their future spouses and destinies. The place of the European Ash within such cultures is hardly surprising when we consider how much it was woven into the fabric of society, cultivated and coppiced for use as timber, fuel, and fine crafts. From the Norsemen's ships through to early aircraft, the versatility and durability of this wood has long been celebrated. European Ash Characteristics
The timber of European Ash is attractive and highly workable, while boasting toughness and excellent resistance to wearing. It features a coarse open grain that appears similarly to that of oak, often leading to people mistaking the two. Upon a finished floor, the grain of ash usually appears largely straight, with few imperfections. European Ash wood flooring can be finished in a huge variety of different ways, creating near limitless potential when using it to create ash parquet flooring or ash wide plank wood flooring. It is also ideal for application as either a hardwood floor, or in the production of engineered wood flooring. The natural colouring of this species ranges from a creamy white to a light brown, with broad sapwood that often graduates almost indistinguishably into heart wood. At times, however, the heartwood of European Ash can feature far darker hues of olive-brown, which are often sold separately as “Olive Ash”. On occasion, this heartwood can also present fantastic burl patters which are highly coveted. This deciduous tree grows usually to a height of around 15m, with a trunk of up to 2m, although ancient specimens have exhibited far greater stature. American Ash: A Close Cousin From Across The Atlantic American Ash also historically served as a prime species for use in construction, woodworking, and as fuel. From baseball bats to electric guitars, the wood is certainly an engrained part of the culture – pun intended! Like it's European counterpart, American Ash wood is pale in appearance and relatively straight grained, although it does not tend to feature the patterned “Olive Ash” heartwood to such an extent. Both ash species also share shock-resistance, flexibility, and resistance to splitting, making them hugely sought after for flooring and wood working. While American Ash Wood Flooring may be deemed threatened, it's continued widespread cultivation means that it can be sustainably sourced. The easy-to-coppice growth of these ash species makes them an excellent choice for the environmentally aware. Ash As An Ideal Choice For Your Hardwood Or Engineered Floors For spectacular ash wood flooring, both European and American Ash provide excellent options. Those seeking the consistent and versatile nature of ash wood will no doubt find delight in either species. Others hunting for the more unusual effects to be achieved with “Olive Ash” may find that European Ash Wood Flooring will provide the aesthetic they desire. Thanks to their rapid growth, both offer a earth-friendly option when sustainably sourced, while the impressive array of working qualities make either ash suitable for solid or engineered woods floors. To learn more about the possibilities that can be achieved in collaboration with Hoff Parquet, contact us today. We are always on hand to discuss your vision, and provide all that is required to achieve it! From the opulent and extravagant interiors of France's mansions and castles, to the refined and exquisitely inhabitable Hausmannien apartments of Paris, there is a charm to French design that means it never goes out of fashion. What other design style can boast such a perfect melding of elegance and comfort? What other has given us something so iconic and transformative as Versailles parquet or chevron parquet wood flooring? What is certain is that opting for French design when envisioning any interior means opting for an aesthetic that will hold appeal for decades to come. Many interior design trends come and go, but here is a style that has put down mighty roots and claimed it's place in the hearts and homes of the aspirationally inclined, right across the globe. From The Palace Of Versailles, To Your French-Inspired Living Room There are few palaces in the world that can come close to the Palace of Versailles when it comes to sheer grandeur. This 17th Century Royal palace is heralded as the definitive height of French design, and serves as the distilled essence from which many French design elements are seeded. The palace provided the birthplace of Versailles parquet: a flooring style that remains hugely sought after, and provides stunning beauty in many homes today. Only one room in the palace deviated from the Versailles parquet. The Queens Guard's Room offered the first recorded example of chevron parquet wood flooring, and it is still maintained in perfectly polished splendour to be viewed by the palace's many marvelling visitors. Not long after the construction of the Palace of Versailles, Charles I of England married Queen Henrietta Marie of France, and in her union, she brought French design to England. Her official residence, the spectacular Somerset House in London, was reinvented in the French style, with no expense spared on the finest parquetry and interiors. So began our own English love affair with the French design aesthetic! The Tell-Tale Elements Of A French Interior While the classic French interior doesn't boast such decadence as the aforementioned palace, many design elements draw unmistakable inspiration. Characteristics of this style – beyond the spectacular parquetry upon which the room is composed – can be seen in the elegant and noble lines of the furniture design, the use of mouldings and gilt, and an application of dramatic drapery and upholstery. The typical colour palette is restrained, with pastels, soft natural hues and gentle greys highlighted by the occasional splash of a stronger tone, and of course the metallic presence of ornate iron work and a gilt frame here and there. The French design inclination when it comes to lighting is soft and luxurious, with chandeliers hanging in feature spaces, dripping with crystal and throwing a dance of rainbows into the room. Corners are warmed by ornate sconces mounted on the walls, and elegant lamps placed thoughtfully on surfaces. At the end of the 18th Century, the French invasion of Egypt led to a frenzy of desire for floral and animal inspired patterning – a stylised reinvention of sumptuous Egyptian motifs – and the application of gold in the everyday home. Spaces were softened with rich drapery and plumply upholstered furnishings in velvet and brocade. Despite all of this decadence, one of the great marvels of French design as we see it today is that it perfectly remains behind the line that marks the transition from the lavish to the garish. Beautiful objects are paired with negative space, avoiding excessive busyness, or an overload of the senses. The Functional Flair Of A Parisian Apartment French design evolved through the Baroque, Rococo, and Empire design movements, adding depth and substance to the national aesthetic. In the 19th Century, Emperor Napoleon III commissioned Baron Haussmann to deliver a huge urban rebirth to the city of Paris. Here was born the definitive Haussmannian abode – the monumental and yet graceful apartment buildings that give this historic city it's majestic charm. What this era brought that was so notable was not only making the French design style accessible to the Parisian masses, but creating spaces that married pure French elegance with perfect functionality. The result was homes that were practical, comfortable, and offered the immense pleasure of inhabiting a beautifully curated space. Into The Modern Era Of French Design To create this aesthetic for yourself today, you would do well to begin by connecting with the French lifestyle and frame of mind! French design of today is all about functional beauty. The home will be gorgeously composed, but not too immaculate – a little laissez-faire attitude makes French design compatible with everyday life! Combine warm and stylish lighting with French design furniture and open fronted shelves. The space will call out for curling up with a selection from the book shelf, plus, of course, a fine glass of French wine! If you seek a modern twist, the show-stopping splendour of a Versailles parquet or chevron parquet wood flooring can be updated with a different finish, or a more rebellious choice of hardwood. An extra wide chevron parquet offers a truly unique and striking floor, which can then be inhabited by stunning furniture pieces. The French have never been afraid of an eclectic mix of pieces, allowing antiques to show their age, as if recognising that there is valour in having played a part in lives well lived. Add gilt framed mirrors and a vase of fresh cut flowers to hit more of your senses. Wrapped up in the fundamentals of French design is an unmistakable joy in living. Perhaps that's why this style is certain to stay with us, for many generations yet to come. If you would like to explore the possibility of Versailles parquet or chevron parquet wood flooring for a home or workspace, contact Hoff Parquet today to explore the many options available to you. From exquisitely constructed hardwood parquet flooring, to the latest in high quality engineered parquet flooring – perfect for underfloor heating – we are on hand, and ready to advise! |
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