I’ve always loved the look of parquet flooring, especially chevron and herringbone, but I live in a small flat and wonder if it might be too “busy” visually. Does this type of layout make a room look smaller? I want something stylish, but I also need to keep the space feeling open. Has anyone used this in a compact home and been happy with the result?

You’d be surprised how well chevron parquet works in small spaces. It actually draws the eye across the room, making it appear longer or wider depending on the layout. The team at wood flooring shop in Edinburgh helped us design a narrow living room using lighter-toned wood, and it gave the whole space a fresh and open feel. The key is in the direction and proportion of the planks.

A friend of mine had herringbone parquet installed in a studio flat, and I was honestly shocked at how elegant it looked. They went for a desaturated tone that blended with the walls and minimal furniture. What I noticed most is how the pattern added character without taking over. It’s definitely doable in small spaces — just needs thoughtful planning and execution.