Contemporary Classics – melding traditional and modern design

Two words that appear to contradict themselves but epitomise both timeless favourites and the rejuvenation of classic designs. So, what exactly makes a contemporary classic? 

The team at Victoria Carpets sought inspiration from their LVT business following the nations interior obsession with parquet floors. Dating back to the 1500’s, it is fair to say that this is a flooring style that has stood the test of time and can certainly be called a classic. But how do you translate wood designs to carpet? 



The answer is simple, they have introduced a herringbone design into their popular Habberley loop range. The finish is quite spectacular, transforming any space it is laid in. The real beauty comes from how different it can look depending on the angle you view it, giving the product a real depth of character. Certainly, something you want in a floor that will last a long time. 

The Habberley range has also welcomed a second new design (Ridge) and has enjoyed palette update. Introducing seven new contemporary colours which consist of a sage green, pale blue, and cool neutrals, Habberley definitely has something for everyone. Boasting a 12-year wear and moth proof warranty. 

With a unique 70% wool, 30% Tencel construction, Habberley demonstrates perfectly how recycled materials can be used in your flooring. Tencel is a fibre made from wood pulp, which is not only extremely durable, but is also extremely soft to the touch and gives the pile a crisp, bright colour. Victoria is more aware than ever of the current climate crisis we all face, which is why using recyclable and greener materials within the construction of the range was so important. Creating products which will look beautiful for years to come is certainly a priority for the Victoria team. 

“Habberley definitely has something for everyone.
Boasting a 12-year wear and moth proof warranty.”

“Herringbone has become a firm design favourite and it’s easy to understand why,” explains Stella Coyle, national sales manager of Karndean Designflooring.  

She said: “It’s a contemporary classic that can work in traditional and modern spaces alike. Whether you’re looking to add interest in an open plan home or visually enlarge a smaller room, a herringbone pattern will introduce a sense of flow with plenty of personality. With clean lines that highlight the natural textures and colour variations in each plank, a herringbone floor is timelessly elegant.

“Traditional parquet is ideal for recreating a classic style in a period home, and our Art Select oak parquet designs come in traditional 9 x 3” planks which can be laid in either herringbone or block patterns. For a modern space, our Art Select and recently updated Knight Tile ranges offer a wide selection of wood designs in an 18” x 3” herringbone size. For a larger take on this popular laying pattern, look to our Van Gogh collection with its 28” x 7” herringbone.”

about wood when it comes to this contemporary classic. A stone herringbone floor is sure to bring a cool sophistication to any room, from kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms and living rooms. We can look to their Knight Tile and Opus ranges for modern herringbone tiles in marble and limestone designs. 

Stella Coyle adds, “In larger open plan rooms, changing the scale by laying full sized planks in a herringbone pattern will add character without losing the feeling of space.

“Taking the same design from room to room in different sizes and patterns will create a sense of continuity whilst giving each space its own identity. There are so many options available, such as highlighting an activity area or creating a rug effect with a herringbone pattern alongside full sized planks or tiles in straight lay or a diagonal pattern. But, for a statement style, why not combine complementary or contrasting designs for a stunning geometric effect.” 

It’s easy to see why people have an appreciation for classic flooring with a contemporary edge, and the flooring designs from Amtico have this appeal thanks to the innovative creations of their expert in-house design and manufacturing teams.

“It’s easy to see why people have an appreciation for
classic flooring with a contemporary edge, and the flooring
designs from Amtico have this appeal.”

Contemporary flooring is a popular choice, providing the opportunity to introduce a design that is of the time and has timeless appeal. Amtico Spacia Peak in Small Parquet (pictured) is a Stone LVT product with an original twist that hits the mark for a contemporary classic. Available in softly coloured Tones and sumptuous Marble, Spacia Stone Parquet is a contemporary and unexpected take on a traditional and much-loved laying pattern. 

Concrete-effect LVT is another way to achieve a contemporary floor design, with the trend continuing for this industrial look. Try combining tile sizes, tones and surface finishes to help create an authentic feel. Geometric patterns in classic Woods and Stones are also ideal for introducing a contemporary design. The angular pattern draws attention to the details in the design, enhancing the flooring’s character. 

Opting for contemporary certainly doesn’t mean ending up with a cold floor. LVT is warmer to walk on than real concrete, stone or ceramic, and there’s always the option of adding underfloor heating for a touch of luxury. 

Fresh from Alternative’s competition with The Glasgow School of Art is a winning tartan by Sophie Anne Campbell. Her youthful spin on this classic was the springboard for a new modern tartan that is now part of the acclaimed Quirky collection of patterned carpet, rugs, and runners. 

Sophie enjoyed bringing colour and a more contemporary look to her design and seeing the skilled craftsmanship that goes into making the carpets. “I think it appropriate to appreciate how woven techniques are still used to create these modern-day tartans. During the generations of mass textile production, it is important to step back and admire the trade in action.”

Available in six colourways the names are inspired by the Scottish poet Robert Burns – Red Red Rose, To a Mouse, Silver Tassie, Mountain Daisy, Gallant Weaver, and Tom O’Shanter.

Quirky Tartan celebrates British made and young British talent. It proudly has the British Wool Certification and champions wool as a wonder fibre and sustainable textile.

“Quirky Tartan celebrates British made and young
British talent. It proudly has the British Wool Certification...”

Planet is an Alternative brand pillar. Every sample delivered involves carbon emission. Through Alternative’s pioneering partnership with Ecologi it aims to plant a tree for every sample order placed online. Over 10,000 trees have been planted.  

Discover Adam Carpets version of a classic open ground motif range. Pattern doesn’t inevitably mean bold and eye catching. Those partial to more understated design schemes can employ a lighter touch, using delicate colours and subtle patterns like those found in their Inspirations collection. Created for modern living, the choice of two beautifully designed motifs are complemented by an easy to use dot in multiple colourways. 

Inspirations was Adam Carpets first overtuft range. This technology allowed patterned wool-rich carpets to become much more accessible to consumers. Now able to purchase a high quality wool-rich patterned carpet at a competitive price, available in 4m and 5m widths, the Inspirations range, like all Adam Carpets is made in their own modern factory in Kidderminster.

For more information contact:

Adam Carpets    T: 01562 822247    www.adamcarpets.com

Amtico    T: 0121 745 0800    www.amtico.com

Alternative    T: 01264 335111    www.alternativeflooring.com

Karndean Designflooring    T: 01386 820100    www.karndean.com

Victoria Carpets    T: 01562 749300     www.myvictoria.co.uk

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