conception expert explicate why the traditional checked look is trending . Plus , get our good checkerboard decorating ideas .

Checkerboard is a timeless pattern with a farseeing history in purpose . The theme transcends trends as anenduring design element . late , the in high spirits - dividing line grid , redolent of a chessboard , is once again in the limelight — this time in the form of key , textiles , wallpaper , and ceramics . We confab with design expert to fall upon why the checkerboard pattern is so pop right now and learn how to comprise it into our household .

Courtesy of Spoonflower

lavender checkerboard

Credit:Courtesy of Spoonflower

The History of the Checkerboard Pattern

Checked design , including tartan , gingham , and buffalo check , have been a popular feature of speech in home interior decoration for tenner . checker board floor was particularly popular during the Renaissance period in Europe , with one of the most notable instance being the check , black - and - bloodless marble base of theGrand Trianon at the Palace of Versaillesin France . tight forwards a few 100 to the twenties , when dark - and - livid linoleum or ceramic tile became a favorite flooring choice in kitchens and bathrooms in American homes .

In late decades , bleak and whitecheckered floor — particularlylinoleum floors — have fallen out of favour as solid - colored andwood flooringhas become more pop , but the getting even of the checker board pattern is annul that in some spaces .

Today , the high - dividing line convention makes a salient argument on a wide variety of design elements , offering a flavor that ’s both retro and traditional .

hallway with checkered floors

Credit:Courtesy of Arizona Tile / Meghan Bob Photography

Courtesy of Arizona Tile / Meghan Bob Photography

“ The current resurgence of the checkerboard motif is another nifty example of how fashion trends filter down into interiors , ” say Emerson Jones , senior manager of merchandising at Spoonflower . “ Over the retiring several days , we have seen Gen Zreviving fashions of the late-90sand early-00s . This includes checkerboard , a motif commonly associated with skate gym shoe and studded belts . However , this time , the checkerboard has been reimagined in fresh novel colorways and warped or twisted into a more psychedelic take on the classic solid grid , ” she says . The checker board pattern is a timeless motif used in interior decoration and design for centuries . “ It feels like a safe and nostalgic choice at a fourth dimension when there is so much incertitude in the public , ” Jones says . rule like plaids and stripes are also timeless classic , but to a point where they often do the role of a solid color in a space . “ Checkerboards , like polka dots , feel more whimsical and less expected . They infix a sense of fun , notion , and visual interest without being overwhelming or overly complicated , ” she says .

How to Decorate with Checkerboard

Compared to other normal , check are a pretty bare motive to put to death — making them even more democratic , view the current rush in tiro DIY home decor projects . “ It ’s an well-heeled motive for beginners to take on and execute well , ” Jones say . The timeless and versatile pattern pairs well with most aesthetics , from mate - back modern interior decoration to bluff maximalism , meaning it ’s hard for unexampled DIYers to go far faulty .

Checkered Tiles

“ Checks are a timeless and classic pattern , and “ timeless ” and “ classic ” are the two most quest calculate clients ask for when designing their space , ” says Melissa Charlillo , Arizona Tile salesroom supporter director . “ Checkerboard roofing tile elevate a outer space , adding pastime , depth , and dimension without making it feel busybodied like a printed tile pattern can . ” Plus , their timeless quality think of they will likely accommodate to changing interior decoration over time , lay down them an excellent farsighted - term investment funds .

According to Charlillo , the most popular use of checker board tile is on the pantry andlaundry elbow room floors . “ They make a sober space feel playfulness , ” particularly when play with different colors beyond the classic black - and - whitened combination . Another coarse employment of the checkerboard roofing tile is in the chief entrance with black granite and white marble tiles . “ We also like to encourage the consumption of the checker board pattern on the patio to make a affirmation on an outside support area , such as a terrazzo textured white with a terrazzo textured bleak tile , " Charlillo says .

But do n’t limit your checkers to the trading floor . “ Checkerboard looks dandy as abacksplash in the kitchenwith a little square format and light tones , like white with a light grey , for example . ” If you do n’t have the budget for raw tiles and want a warm and cost - in force way to spruce up the kitchen , Jones intimate opting for a Robert Peel - and - stick wallpaper choice to hatch your current backsplash and add together personality to the space .

small white breakfast nook with black and white checkered floor

Credit: David Tsay

Courtesy of Alison Kandler Interior Design / Mark Lohman

Painted Checkered Floors

“ Checks are a happy , familiar pattern that works everywhere from tiny cottages to mansions , ” says Alison Kandler , interior designer , decorator , and father ofAlison Kandler Interior Design . “ check visually expand a small space and sum up instant appeal to a gravid space . ”

One of Kandler ’s preferred uses of the design is painted check floor , which is part of her signature dash and something she often add tokids ' roomsand expectant kinsfolk rooms or kitchens . Unlike tiles , paint hardwood means the colour options are sempiternal , and she can scale it however she like . “ It also straight off take on a beachy , causal feel , which I love , " she say . " You want to walk barefoot on them , unlike with tile , which is cold-blooded and arduous . "

David Tsay

orange bathtub with blue and green checkered floors

Credit:Courtesy of Alison Kandler Interior Design / Mark Lohman

Checkered Soft Furnishings

While checker board floor is arguably the most iconic use of the pattern , it is also gaining momentum in soft furnishings , like curtain , upholstered furniture , rugs , towels , and seam linen . The trend get with plush checkerboard carpeting , providing a nod to the iconic checkered floor look without commit clip , money , and energy into put tile .

Jones suggest move away from custom and choose a checker board figure toupholster an accent chairin a life room or bedroom . “ A neutral , deconstructed check is perfect if your style is modern or minimalist , while a bolder checker board montage form is a great fit for eclectic style and more impulsive spaces , ” she says .

Pair Checkerboard with Other Prints

“ geminate an outsize checkerboard print with other dewy-eyed motif , such asstatement stripesin bluff hue , to create a color - blocked looking , ” Jones suggests . “ You could even layer a more traditional checker board with a retro floral check . We particularly love a check mark - on - checks approach shot for an energize bedding set , but the concept also works for other soft furnishings like throw , pillows , and curtains . ”

Monochrome Color Palette

Checkerboard print often fall in a two - pure tone ormonochromatic people of colour pallet , which makes it an easy pattern for mix and layer in a bedroom or aliveness elbow room , for example . But do n’t limit yourself to the traditional mordant and white-hot checked pattern . Using the motif in a shiny hue is an easy way to incorporate color into a space without it feeling overwhelming .

living room with blue checked rug

Credit:David Tsay

multicolor checkerboard wall in bedroom

Credit:Courtesy of Spoonflower