The zigzag pattern known as herringbone has been around for a long time , but right now it’s enjoying a moment of particular popularity. The pattern, whether rendered with wood or tile, is a great way to add a little movement, and a little touch of the unexpected, to any space. Below are examples of beautiful rooms showcasing the pattern in classic, as well as modern, applications.

Above and up top: Gorgeous herringbone wood floors grace a home designed by Gisbert Poeppler .

This tile (spotted in a kitchen from Gabbe ) is gorgeous on its own, but arranging it in a herringbone pattern makes it especially striking.

More herringbone wood floors, this time in a Danish home from Bo Bedre . The varying wood shades really brings the pattern to life.

The brightly colored tiles that form the floor of this Moroccan home from T Magazine are laid in a true herringbone pattern…and absolutely drool-worthy.

A dark herringbone wood floor lends a deep richness to this dining room spotted on Desire to Inspire .

A herringbone tile backsplash adds a dynamic touch to a kitchen from Adore Home , via The Stylist Splash . These aren’t technically subway tiles—if you look closer, you’ll notice that they’re a bit longer than a typical subway tile, whose length is twice its width—but herringbone can be an appealing pattern for subway tiles, as well .

The design motif is equally lovely in these teeny tiny mosaic tiles, which cascade down the backsplash of a kitchen by Jute Home .

A herringbone wood floor in a kitchen from Pelle . The border that surrounds the base of the cabinets is a nice detail.

This intriguing floor treatment from Kalb Lempereur mixes both tiles and wood.

An accent wall of dark herringbone tiles adds a little excitement to a minimalist bathroom by Dyer Grimes Architects , via Home Adore .

In this bathroom by tile company Made a Mano , boldly colored tiles, laid in a herringbone pattern, add a lot of excitement.

In this bathroom by Sarah Sherman Samuel of Stories , the emphasis is more on texture than on color. The herringbone pattern plays up the subtle texture of the tiles, resulting in a space that’s calming and minimal but anything but boring.

A chunky herringbone wood pattern on the wall, rather than the floor, adds a touch of the unexpected to this home seen on Design*Sponge .