The Next Big Thing: Marquetry and Parquetry

These traditional techniques are back in new and unexpected ways

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wooden flooring and sofa with white wall

(Image credit: Amtico)

Use contrasting grains to create a pattern insert. Blonde oak W746 flooring; dark walnut W770 flooring; wild walnut W762 flooring; all £70 per sq m, Signature collection, Amtico

THE STORY SO FAR

We're used to seeing marquetry, which is inlaid patterns of wood veneer, metal
or bone, on polished antique furniture; and typically parquetry, (which is the same but laid in geometric formation), on flooring or to ornament furniture. However, the rise in value being placed on traditional crafts, coupled with a love for smart geometrics, means that these techniques are now being reinvented using new materials and graphic imitations.

cairo tile and marquetry tile

(Image credit: Heliot & Co)

Cairo, Marquetry tile collection, Heliot & Co

Traditional techniques meet modern design

room with white wall and cupboard

(Image credit: Porro)

Inlay collection, by Front for Porro

MODERN MATERIALS

Part
of a series celebrating British manufacturing techniques,
Lee Broom's Parquetry lamp is comprised of linear layers of wood veneer, blue lacquer and brass inlay.

Line up: honouring classic British design

parquetry table lamp

(Image credit: Houseology)

Parquetry table lamp, £3,450,
Lee Broom range, Houseology

Designer Bethan Laura Wood experiments with colour and pattern - the marquetry on her Super Fake series uses laminate wood veneer, whilst the Hot Rock furniture includes coloured MDf for a landscape effect finish.

cabinet with pattern and white flooring

(Image credit: Bethan Laura Wood)

Hot Rock cabinet, Bethan Laura Wood

Upcycler Lucy Turner designs colourful mid-century-stye furniture fused with Formica marquetry

formica marquetry drawers

(Image credit: TBC)

Rockman & Rockman's geometric designs include wood and acrylic side tables and veneer-effect cushions.

side table with white background

(Image credit: Rockman & Rockman)

Cube 7 side table, £695, Rockman & Rockman

Joined by hand: discover artisan 3D pattern, Wewood has used traditional oak and walnut marquetry for its modern Scarpa sideboard

3d pattern with white background

(Image credit: Clippings.com)

Scarpa sideboard, £4,608,
Wewood range, Clippings.com

In the grain: mixed-material effect, Patricia Urquiola's Fishbone table designs for Moroso features faux marble and mother-of-pearl

fishbone table

(Image credit: Nest.co.uk)

Fishbone coffee
table, £1,752, Moroso range, Nest.co.uk

Classic beauty: this coffee table uses the traditional technique of marquetry with intricately cut marble sections

moonlight kaleidoscope coffee table

(Image credit: Rue Monsieur Paris)

Moonlight Kaleidoscope coffee table, Rue Monsieur Paris

PARQUET EFFECT

Cheat the parquet effect on walls and go for wall-to-wall pattern, with murals and wallpaper.

Soft pastel colours are an alternative to traditional wood tones

hexagon nude wall

(Image credit: Photowall)

Hexagon Nude wall mural, £33 per m2, By May range, Photowall

For a more traditional finsih try Cole &
Son's Art-Deco-inspired Delano wallpaper and Paper Moon's Random Papers
mural collection.

room with white door and statement light

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Deco Delano wallpaper, £76 per roll, Cole & Son range, John Lewis

diamond wallpaper

(Image credit: Paper Moon)

Diamond wall mural in red, £415 wall mural

(W270cm
x H372cm), Random Paper range, Paper Moon

Alternatively, check out the Get Organised range from Paperchase for
Seventies-style, veneer-effect notebooks and files.

notebook with brown shades

(Image credit: TBC)

Step back in time, this cushion embraces retro and modern all at once!

arrow cushion cover

(Image credit: Culture Label)

Arrow 10 cushion, £48, Rockman & Rockman range, Culture Label

Michela Colling
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