Inspired by European modernism and mid-century tiles, Tongue & Groove’s Bosco collection with Greg Natale reinterprets the traditional craft of parquetry with captivating patterns and intricate geometry.

The inaugural project from Tongue & Groove’s exciting new Co.Lab platform is a collaboration with award-winning Australian interior designer Greg Natale. The Bosco collection celebrates bold pattern and timeless sophistication, merging Natale’s signature tessellating designs with the warmth and natural beauty of solid European oak.

The Bosco collection features three core designs that can be configured in a variety of ways

The long history behind Bosco

For Natale, Bosco is a “deeply personal” project inspired by his cultural heritage.

“My parents are Italian, and I grew up surrounded by intricate ceramic tiles, which shaped my aesthetic from the very beginning,” he says. “Travelling to Italy as a child, I was drawn to marble-filled palazzi and geometric mosaics.” 

Much of his work is influenced by mid-century European interiors, especially Milanese and Parisian entryways from the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. These spaces often feature refined yet deeply geometric, architectural and bold tilework. With the Bosco collection, Natale wanted to channel that same sense of rhythm and movement into timber, taking something classic and giving it a bold, modern twist. 

For the Bosco collection, Natale was inspired by the bold geometric tilework typical of mid-century European interiors

The collection, which has been on the cards for a decade, also marks the passage of time in the relationship between its creators.

“I’ve worked with Tongue & Groove for years,” Natale says. “I love the quality of their products and have always admired their technical expertise.”

Natale has dreamed for years of creating a timber flooring collection, but didn’t want to release “another collection of floorboards”. When he and Tongue & Groove CEO Richard Karsay started discussing Co.Lab, Natale saw it as the perfect opportunity to create something “truly unique”.

“My goal was to challenge expectations of parquetry – exploring new forms, introducing movement and pushing the material in a fresh direction,” he says.

Three patterns in the Bosco collection

Natale started with 20 patterns and worked closely with the Tongue & Groove team to refine them and make sure they were functional. After testing different iterations, they landed on three core designs that can be configured in a variety of ways. 

The standout, Piero, is a structured, tile-like pattern available in dark (Scuro) or light (Chiaro), as well as Tongue & Groove’s extensive range of 16 colours.

Conversely, the avant-garde Asti presents an interplay of sweeping curves and crisp, modern lines.

Albini offers graceful curves and playful geometry. The gentle, arched forms create a rhythmic pattern that strikes a balance between modern sophistication and a dynamic, inviting presence.

Andreani is defined by striking, pentagonal shapes that assemble in a captivating geometric composition at once architectural and expressive.

Finally, Ada features flowing undulations that evoke natural rhythms to deliver a serene, grounded aesthetic.

 Ada features flowing undulations that evoke natural rhythms

Creativity meets engineering precision

Translating these intricate patterns into timber flooring required Tongue & Groove’s engineering expertise and precision.

“There was extensive testing to ensure seamless transitions, precise alignment and structural integrity,” Natale says. “We refined details like how the boards lock together, making sure the geometry remained crisp and the fluidity of the design wasn’t lost in execution.”

Extensive testing ensured seamless transitions, precise alignment and structural integrity, according to Natale

The result gives designers and architects greater creative freedom with flooring in commercial and residential projects. 

“What excites me most is seeing how architects and interior designers take these patterns and make them their own,” Natale says. “Some of the designs are bold and high-contrast, perfect for a dramatic statement, while others are more tonal and textural, allowing for a more subtle effect. It’s all about how you use the colour, finish and scale of the pattern. Bosco can be as minimalist or as maximalist as you want it to be.”

All boards in the Bosco collection are custom-made with a 16-week lead time. To specify Bosco in your next project, visit the Tongue & Groove website here.

Photography supplied by Tongue & Groove.