I think this is purely a matter of taste and what you prefer. Any good tile setter should be able to deliver on whichever version you like best. My advice? if the tile is marble, go with the traditional herringbone. But if it's ceramic, I'd pick any version you like.

Note: herringbone patterns are pretty busy as they are. Be careful with how you grout it. If you go with a dark contrast grout, you're going to get a very graphic look. Make sure you're OK with that.

I prefer the traditional.

I like the traditional one better. it's weird but the diagonal one reminds me of basket weave, a style I personally don't prefer. IDK why, but it just does. they're both lovely though. you really can't go wrong.

Traditional.

SF-

Would you mind terribly showing us photographs of your kitchen so we get an idea of the whole space where you will be tiling? Thanks!

Thanks everyone. We went with the traditional herringbone. Sloooow progress but looks great!!!

Ask the difference in cost between straight tile application or diagonal herringbone. The tile person has to know what he/she is doing to get the herringbone right.

@JudyG Designs: Why the fishbone diagram?

fishbone pic shows the herringbone in a standard layout.

ever hear of a fishtail braid? looks like a fish skeleton. google it

SF, who is doing it? I hope you started the pattern correctly!

Apparently you’re not familiar with fishbone diagrams and their use, Beth.

To borrow a phrase: Google it.

Sammy 😂. I’m not sure if it was used correctly, but some of these faulty installation dilemmas could absolutely use an event analysis!

Apparently you’re not familiar with fishbone diagrams and their use, Beth.

To borrow a phrase: Google it.

Sammy,

Damn. merry xmas to you too grinch.

I don't think Judy meant that diagram for cause and effect, since it's not even applicable here. Why would you even consider that as an option? Didn't even dawn on me as the other meaning, (probably because she had a pic of the tile layout right above it. It's obvious what she was trying to convey since that what OP had asked about. At least to me it was obvious)

the pattern is called “Herringbone”, due to its visual similarity to the bone structure of a herring fish.

No need to read more into that image.

maybe she should have posted this one so you wouldn't be confused.

@Sammy fish=herring --> fishbone = herringbone