☞ BESPOKE: Herringbone Brickwork

Herringbone patterns in floors are a brownstone classic that also lend themselves to outdoor spaces. The pavement leading into Columbia's main campus on Broadway and 116th Street makes a striking statement to the entrance of the century-old institution. In the past, many local brownstone owners who did not want to deal with dirt, gardening and yard maintenance just poured concrete over their front yards and backyards. Another practice was also to install Astroturf (fake plastic grass) in the back garden spaces. Brickwork might be a better option in many cases, and adding a classic pattern is a particularly nice touch. Another option would be square slate stones in a staggered layout, which also looks quite natural. Take the 1 train to 116th Street to check out the sidewalk. See our past post on a new adaptive reuse condo reviving herringbone wood floors in the interior: LINK. Photo by Ulysses