An Edinburgh hotel restaurant overlooking the world’s fourth oldest golf course. A gin distillery and bar/bistro occupying six grade II listed brick railway arches under a historic part of Manchester. A Japanese-fusion pizzeria in Little Venice, London. An innovative restaurant which fuses dramatic interior design with revolutionary Chinese cooking.
Other than occupying the broad sector that might be labelled ‘the culinary space’, these restaurants appear to have nothing in common. They don’t belong to the same chain or franchise, nor do they share an interior designer or architect. Yet this fascinating quartet of eateries are united in their choice of floor.
That floor is Ted Todd’s Ebony.
Black in colour and finished with a deep, penetrating, burnished hardwax oil, this handmade floor is available in wide planks of up to 300mm that can sweep seamlessly across wide expanses of floor, making a statement that is, to say the least, dramatic.
Often, a floor is described as ‘the foundation’ upon which the other interior design elements stand, or a canvas onto which aesthetic features—furnishings and décor—are applied. With Ebony, however, this isn’t really the case. Ebony might more accurately be described as a backdrop from which the room emerges, reflecting the chiaroscuro effects created by great artists from the painter Caravaggio, its most notable practitioner, to the photographer Alfred Stieglitz, and even contemporary filmmakers like Paul Thomas Anderson and his longtime cinematographer Robert Elswit.

Tokyo Pizza
Located in a small subterranean space, the interior design had to meet the challenge of creating the impression of a much larger venue. The typical response to such a challenge is to employ a light-to-white colour palette, bright illumination and more reflective surfaces than a carnival hall of mirrors. FAB Architects defied expectation and convention and ‘went dark’.
Dark colours, particularly blacks, can ‘recede visually’, creating a sense of depth and the illusion that walls are further away. Likewise, dark-to-black floors can create a seamless look, blurring boundaries and tricking the eye into believing it is experiencing a larger space.

Spirit of Manchester Distillery
When the makers of Manchester Gin—an award-winning, prestigious beverage—set themselves the challenge of opening a distillery in their home city, it had to reflect the company’s values and the qualities of the gin they’d taken from a vivid ambition to a cottage industry to the winner of the World Gin Awards gold medal. Consequently, the Manchester Distillery needed to be a thing of quality and contrasts, true to its traditional Manchester roots and reflective of the luxurious reputation of Manchester Gin.
Exposed brick and floor-to-ceiling internal windows with views of the distillery certainly supplied the traditional/industrial aspect. Ted Todd’s Ebony floor provided a rich, silky aesthetic, as well as a visually absorbent quality that prevented many of the ‘busier’ elements in the ‘do-it-yourself’ distilling area from becoming overwhelming and distracting.

Tattu
The word ‘Tattu’ derives from a combination of the words, ‘tattoo’ the art form which inspires their interiors, and ‘tatau,’ an ancient word meaning to ‘make a mark’. With such bold positioning baked-into the brand, a conventional floor was simply not an option. The interior design was intended to stimulate the senses just as much as the food and drink, with an emphasis on atmosphere and creating the dramatic effect of Chinese black lacquerware. Our Ebony floor was the perfect partner.

Black Ivy
For the restaurant of this Victorian hotel, Ebony was employed with restraint, playing its part in an ambitious and complex design. The Ted Todd floor provided a dramatic framing for the exposed brickwork, bay windows, and colourful velvet chairs of the bar area, as well as separating the seating area from the terracotta mosaic-tile floor of the venue’s through-ways.
Four distinctive restaurants, one striking and sophisticated floor: Ebony.
Eight reasons to opt for a black floor
1. Creates a Dramatic and Sophisticated Aesthetic
- Black floors add an element of drama and elegance, instantly elevating the overall look of a space.
- They convey a sense of luxury and refinement, making them ideal for high-end residential and commercial interiors.
2. Enhances Contrast and Depth
- A black floor provides a striking contrast against lighter walls and furnishings, helping to create a visually dynamic and balanced space.
- It adds depth, making architectural details and furniture stand out more effectively.
3. Practicality and Maintenance
- Black floors can be more forgiving when it comes to hiding dirt, scuff marks, and general wear compared to lighter floors.
- They are especially suitable for high-traffic areas such as restaurants, offices, and retail spaces.
4. Creates a Cozy and Intimate Atmosphere
- Dark flooring can make large, open spaces feel more intimate and inviting by grounding the room and providing a sense of warmth.
- This is particularly useful in spaces designed for relaxation, such as lounges, dining areas, and bedrooms.
6. Complements a Variety of Color Schemes
- Black acts as a neutral backdrop that pairs well with almost any color palette, whether it’s vibrant hues for a bold look or muted tones for a more understated style.
- It allows designers the freedom to experiment with different accent colors and materials.
7. Enhances Light and Reflection Effects
- In spaces with ample natural or artificial lighting, black flooring can create a reflective effect that adds a subtle sheen and enhances the overall ambiance.
- It can also provide a grounding effect in spaces with bright lighting to prevent the room from feeling too stark.
8. Adds a Sense of Modernity and Edge
- Black flooring is often associated with contemporary, cutting-edge design, making it an excellent choice for trend-conscious spaces.
- It works well in urban lofts, boutique hotels, and high-end retail environments looking to make a bold statement.
To explore, not just Ebony, but all our exquisite black floors, click here.