It’s classic, but still very now.
Watching patterns take off and become design trends is always interesting for designers. After all, a lot of trending patterns are classics in the design world—it’s the use of it in a particular way or space on repeat that makes something a “trend.”
Take stripes, for example. What could be more classic? Still, when we started to notice wide vertical stripes in bold colors everywhere last winter, we called the cabana stripe trend. The checkerboard pattern is another timeless choice, and lately we’ve been seeing it on social media and in homes in more colorways, textures, and materials than the traditional black-and-white tile you might think of.
When trends start to gain traction like this, people wonder how to incorporate them in their space. So we reached out to a handful of designers to get their take on how to use the checkerboard pattern in your home, in permanent and temporary ways.
From furniture to throw pillows, there are plenty of unique ways to bring in the checkerboard pattern. Olga Doykhen, founder of her eponymous design studio, likes to play with the concept. “Consider incorporating the pattern through subtle variations in texture, tone, or material,” Doykhen tells House Beautiful. “In my office, I incorporated a checkerboard effect using wooden cabinetry—some with doors and others as open shelving. This approach balances function and aesthetics while creating subtle visual rhythm without overwhelming the space.”
You could opt for a checkerboard print in a neutral colorway as opposed to black and white to make a soft statement. Looking for an even lower commitment option? Add some temporary decor. A rug or wall art is something you can try out in different rooms and swap out if your tastes change.
The traditional black-and-white statement is just a starting point. As Doykhen puts it, “Today’s interpretations often play with materials and patterns, such as subtle tone-on-tone variations and unexpected color combinations.” You’ll find the pattern in many more unexpected mediums as well, such as a variation in woodgrains, stains, or textured fabrics. Checkerboard also comes in a variety of scales and shapes, which can add to the impact the pattern has in a space.
Keep reading to see designer examples of the checkerboard pattern being used in interiors—both in classic and more modern ways.
Paint It On
In this English cottage kitchen, designer Lynn Kloythanomsup of Landed Interiors & Homes painted a white checkerboard pattern onto hardwood floors. The unique flooring links the kitchen to the pantry area and puts a fun twist on the idea of checkerboard tile.
Accessorize With It
The checkerboard pattern can be used in nonconventional ways—that’s part of the fun. In this beautiful dining nook by Nicholas Obeid, the designer used a variation of the pattern in the artwork behind the table in the rest of the decor, albeit in warm, neutral tones. The shades of the light fixture, the chair frames, and even the fabric of the pillows riff on the classic checkerboard print.
Use Multiple Hues
Designer Meta Coleman used counter-to-ceiling checkerboard pattern tile for the backsplash in this pantry. In four hues, the tile brings contrasting colors into the butter-yellow space. It’s a fun idea that’s softer than black-and-white but still playful.
Don’t Be Obvious
Olga Doykhen’s office built-ins play with the idea of a checkerboard pattern. “Rather than using contrasting colors, the design relies on the interplay between the solid wood panels and the negative space of the open compartments. The alternating squares bring order and structure to the wall of storage while preventing it from feeling monolithic or heavy. This interpretation of checkerboard through material and depth rather than color gives the pattern a modern touch without overwhelming it.”
Try a New Material
“This family dining room floor is water jet stone with bronze inlay,” says Matthew Boland of MMB Studio.“My client really wanted an area rug, but that isn’t practical with five children and two dogs. We were able to compromise with the inlaid floor.”
Balance It Out
“In the VIP guest suite bath, the floor is stone and is set into a wood grid that is laid on the bias,” says Boland. “That floor was installed by the previous designer, and I really liked it, so we preserved it and activated the walls with that beautiful tiger upholstery to hold down and balance all of the visual activity on the floor.”
Double Up
“In this space, the checkerboard adds to the playful vibe while making the room feel cohesive from top to bottom,” says Natalie Owens of Stil James. “It’s a pretty design-forward look for a mudroom, so balance was key to pulling it off—everything, including the floors, had to work together. By mixing up the sizes and tile lay but sticking to the same shape, it ties the whole space together in a really thoughtful way.”
Pair Deep Colors
“In this boys’ bath, the checkerboard pattern offers a playful yet bold aesthetic,” says Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors. “By incorporating unique shades of blue and black tile, we created a unique look that’s layered, adding depth and personality.”
Use Subway Tile
“I love adding checkerboard tiles to a space and embracing a bold approach. Whether it’s arranging rectangular subway tiles to form squares, adding more dimension, or creating a cluster of small squares, you can have some fun with this simple shape,” says Alexis Vitale of Vitale Design Group. “The trick is to scale it appropriately for the space. The checkerboard pattern has had such a long history in the design world that it’s become so versatile. And let’s be honest, it’s a cool classic."
Alternate Stains
“We used contrasting stains to apply a checkerboard pattern to this sunroom floor,” explains Jennifer Barron of Jennifer Barron Interiors. “This residence was originally built in the 1940s and had a great deal of existing character. You often see checkerboard patterns applied to flooring using tile. Stain was a fun way to add an understated but elegant layer to the space while enhancing the home’s charm. This is a high-traffic room in the house, and our intent was for the pattern to wear over time as our client’s family lives in and enjoys the space."
Work the Angles
“Using triangular marble tiles in three alternating colors to create a modern take on the checkerboard pattern in this small bathroom creates the wow factor and pop we were looking for,” says Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic Design. “The tilework is the star of the show, and everything else is kept to a limited color story to allow it to really shine.”
Add a Border
“In this high-impact bar, we knew we wanted to add some excitement to the flooring without diminishing the luxurious feel of the rich tones and fabrics of the space,” explains Elais. “The wood floors feature a hand-painted marbleized pattern by Segreto Finishes that mimics the marble used on the counter and bar top. It reads as a checkerboard with borders, adding a complementary but not overwhelming bit of interest to the flooring in such a bold room.”
Go Bigger
“Here we used imported stone tiles grouped in fours to create a large-scale pattern in grays and creams,” says Elais. “Grouping the smaller tiles to create a larger pattern keeps the contrast from feeling overwhelming.”
Make It an Accent
Designer Nicholas Obeid brought a lot of sharp geometric shapes into this studio apartment. Using a vintage Alexander Girard fabric in a tiny checkerboard pattern for this accent chair was a clever way to add one more. If he had used a large pattern, it would’ve made the space feel too busy, but the smaller print is almost missable if you’re just glancing around.
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