Goodbye To Basic Hardwood – This 2026 Flooring Trend Will Be In Everyone's Kitchen

As 2026 nears, the new year will usher in a new wave of home design trends, and you just might see a return to old classics, especially when it comes to flooring. All-white interiors, gray laminated floors, and light wood tones are falling out of favor as homeowners and designers venture towards more warmth and luxury. As we leave many outdated flooring trends in the past, new ones enter the interior landscape. Kitchens, in particular, are seeing a transition away from basic hardwood floors and towards materials with more customization and character, such as parquet flooring, including herringbone patterns.

If you're confused about the difference between the herringbone and chevron patterns, chevron has a more streamlined V-shape with planks cut at an angle; herringbone looks more organic and features staggering rectangular planks in a similar V-shape. Herringbone flooring design adds more pattern complexity and visual intrigue to the kitchen, increasing the flow and movement within spaces. Since this flooring is timeless, it can be a good investment while it's trending because the style will offer a vintage feel even as the trend fades. Herringbone is commonly laid with wood planks, though as folks experiment with different textures, brick herringbone is also entering many kitchens. Some of the best materials for herringbone floors include wood, tile, natural stone, and brick. Other options like laminate floorboards often aren't made to fit in herringbone patterns.

While traditional hardwood floors have a timeless quality, a few flooring trends are set to dominate in 2026, according to a design expert. Parquet flooring, like herringbone, is one such flooring making a statement since these floors give kitchen interiors a sense of luxury that many wish to incorporate in their designs. Due to its visual appeal, herringbone flooring patterns are resurfacing in kitchens as a way to add pattern and interest. Additionally, the interlocking boards of herringbone patterns make it a durable choice, great for high-traffic rooms like the kitchen. Further, herringbone patterns exude a refined sophistication that can enhance property value as homebuyers recognize the craftsmanship and quality of this flooring.

However, herringbone floors can be quite the investment as they are more expensive to install compared to other flooring options. This is due to the materials used, the specific cut of the wood, and labor costs caused by the precise installation. While you could DIY your herringbone flooring, many experts recommend hiring a professional since laying the boards in a zigzag fashion can be more complex than laying boards evenly across the floor. Improper installations will cause gaps, uneven boards, or noticeably asymmetrical lines. Depending on the material used, maintenance for herringbone floors will vary, but in general, it is relatively easy to upkeep with routine sweeping and mopping. When working with wood herringbone floors, you may need to consider oiling, waxing, or refinishing every few years.