Working with the architecture

The townhouse presented Studio 1820 with an unusual layout, where walls do not always meet at right angles. Instead of trying to visually correct the architecture, the design team chose a herringbone floor that responds naturally to the changing geometry of the rooms. 

The pattern brings rhythm and direction to the interior, helping the unconventional footprint feel intentional while introducing a subtle European influence. Against this structured foundation, Studio 1820 layered sculptural furniture, expressive lighting, bold artwork and rich areas of color to create a home that feels playful, personal and considered. 

Designer Fatenimage Baassiri of Studio 1820 explains:

“The townhouse has an unusual footprint, with walls that don't meet at right angles. Rather than fight those angles, we chose a herringbone floor that embraces them. The pattern moves with the space and makes the irregular shape feel deliberate. It also brings a subtle old-world European quality that our clients were drawn to from the start.” 

A soft Smoky Grey foundation 

The flooring selected for the home is Ferro Herringbone HW16008P, a bestseller from Italian Collection and part of the Smoky Grey color group. 

Its understated tone provides a calm, natural backdrop to the home's more expressive design elements. The cool but eclectic tones of the smoky grey hardwood provide a feeling of modern sophistication - an ideal way to bring a touch of elegance to a home.

Baassiri adds: 

“We selected Havwoods' Ferro, a European oak in a soft smoky grey as a calm natural base for the colorful furniture and pieces we layered on top. Its brushed oiled finish keeps it matte and contemporary, so the floor feels classic without feeling traditional.” 

The herringbone format adds another layer of detail without competing with the interior, allowing the flooring to remain visually interesting while connecting the different spaces throughout the home. 

Design with sustainability in mind 

Sustainability was also an important consideration in the flooring selection. Ferro is PEFC™ Certified (PEFC/16-37-1417), supporting responsible forest management. 

As Baassiri explains: 

“What sealed the decision was its sustainability credentials. The wood is PEFC certified, comes from responsibly managed forests. It also holds Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold certification for low emissions, which matters in a home where a family breathes the air every day.” 

The finished home demonstrates how a distinctive flooring pattern can work with challenging architecture rather than against it. Ferro’s soft smoky grey tones and classic herringbone format create a unifying foundation, allowing the colorful and characterful furniture and walls to take center stage.