June 02, 2026
Inside Dabito's New Orleans Home, Now Featured in Architectural Digest
by Haley Holm-Pedersen
Design & photography: Dabito | Floor: Old Town
When Dabito's latest project landed in Architectural Digest, one detail ran through nearly every frame: the herringbone floors anchoring the home. The designer behind Old Brand New chose our Old Town for a ground up build in one of New Orleans' most storied neighborhoods, and the result is a home that feels like it's always been there.
We caught up with Dabito to talk about the project, the pattern, and what he learned along the way.
What drew you to this home?
It's a brand new construction located in a lively neighborhood in New Orleans with lots of beautiful, charming old homes.
Why did you choose herringbone flooring for this particular project? Did you consider anything else?
Right off the bat, I knew I wanted herringbone floors. Because this was a ground-up build, I wanted to instantly inject architectural character into the space.
Now that Old Town is installed, how does it change the way the home feels?
As soon as it was installed, it gave the entire space so much more depth. The pattern adds an immediate layer of soul and texture, making the home feel less like a stark new build and more like it has a history.
What made Stuga feel like the right fit for this project?
As a designer, I always look for a seamless user experience, and Stuga's branding and website made it incredibly easy to shop. Their curated selection of wood species is excellent. It's clear they really know their craft and focus on beautiful, high-quality flooring. And from a practical standpoint, I love that the engineered floors don't require any acclimation time before install. You can literally install when it arrives at your doorstep.
Was there a moment where you knew you'd made the right call on the floor?
Honestly, you can't go wrong with a classic herringbone pattern in a city filled with so many gorgeous historic homes. But the real moment for me was in the kitchen. As soon as the cabinets went in against the floors, everything just clicked perfectly.
What did this project teach you that you'd pass on to someone starting a renovation?
Herringbone floors absolutely require an expert. You need an installer who understands the intricate cuts and knows exactly where to start the layout to keep the pattern centered. For this project, we glued the floors down and made sure any excess glue was cleaned up immediately so it wouldn't compromise the finish. As always, good housekeeping during construction is key. Make sure those floors are fully protected the second the installation is complete.
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Old Town's warm wood tone and simple herringbone construction are designed to bring that same sense of history and soul to your space. See it in person by ordering a free sample, or shop the full range of Icons to find the right fit for your next project.
