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I thought I didn’t like checkerboard or rather it wasn’t a pattern I thought of when getting inspiration for interior design or decor. I always saw checkerboard as only being black and white and on floors and for me personally that was too stark. I’m not really a high contrast person, but as I was looking through Pinterest, I kept seeing checkerboard in different colors and different applications and I thought, hey, this could be interesting.
I also thought it consisted of just two colors, but going down the rabbit hole, I found that it can come in multiple colors. Once just a classic pattern, now it’s been modernized into a pattern I can get on board with.
Kitchen
The kitchen is usually the place where you see the checkerboard pattern the most, usually on the floor. Now, there are a lot more ways to use it.
This cutting board uses the pattern in a novel way with different stains.
With fun colors, these oven mitts give new meaning to checkerboard.
These sinks are so sophisticated with the pattern really making a statement. If this is too much for your kitchen, I would recommend using this in a bar area.
Using two different colors of square tiles in the kitchen makes a statement with no added cost.
You all know I like a good mug, and if you don’t, check out my post here about my mug love. The black and beige in this one gives just enough contrast.
Furniture
This is the newest trend for checkerboard where it’s on furniture. I don’t think it’s ever been a thing before on upholstered furniture because it’s tricky to line up the pattern of the squares. From a small scale print to large scale squares, this trend is definitely hot now.
The brass on the backs of these stools break up the symmetry of the squares. These would be a stunning accent to many design styles.
As with the brass above, the wood breaks up the squares here also and the textured black and cream gives it a homey look.
Gray squares are a different spin on the checkerboard pattern and this rounded stool would look great under a console table.
This couch is fabulous and I’ve never seen anything like it. It makes a tremendous impact and trust me, it could go with any décor style.
Ottomans are a favorite of mine for either seating or a coffee table if you add a tray. This oversized one would make a perfect addition to a living room.
Decor
Checkerboard in decor is relatively a new trend, but it’s taken over too. If you inject black and cream or white into your decor, it will always add a bit of sophistication to your space.
Rugs are where I first started seeing this trend take off. It started with black and white, but now it’s every color under the sun. This one with gray squares is a more low-contrast pattern that could go with any decor.
Teal and white make this light quirky and unique and would make a perfect addition to a kid’s room.
Orange and white gives this throw a fun spin and with the fluffy backing, it would be wonderful to wrap this around you and snuggle.
Checkerboard comes in fun and colorful pillows too.
This shell trinket holder is fantastic in black and white with gold on the outside.
Fashion
This has never been a pattern I would wear on my body, but like I said before, the only option I’d seen was black and white. It also reminds me of Vans which aren’t my favorite. No offense to Vans. Using colors turns it into a whole different ball game.
This fisherman’s hat is so cute in this marigold color.
I’m really into knitted vests now and this one can go with just about anything.
I love me some slippers. I must have about 10 pairs and who would ever need that many? I think the pandemic and the comfy clothing we were wearing contributed to my love of these comfy house shoes.
The addition of the brown leather on this purse turns this into a cute little accessory.
This black and white backpack will literally go with anything.
Bathroom
The bathroom is the second most popular place to have checkerboard and it’s usually on the floor. Trying different applications and using accessories is part of the trend now.
These towels are a fun accent for the bathroom and could come in any color to go with your décor.
Even though these are more of a rectangle it’s giving checkerboard vibes and the teal color is cool.
This is two trends in one with the tile in this bathroom. Blush and the checkerboard pattern. Paired with the incredible marble backsplash, this is a kickass representation of modern and vintage.
The standard checkerboard floor is more modern with its gray and off-white marble feel.
This bathroom is the definition of clean and classic.
Variations on Checkerboard
Designers are taking checkerboard and making some tweaks to it and updating the pattern. I’ve compiled a few varying takes on this so you could see that it can make for a stunning statement piece.
This long curved stool is the checkerboard pattern with a black corner on each square. It reminds me of a quilt pattern that I’ve seen and is a unique twist.
Using a checkered tile interspersed with a clay tile makes this pattern seem new and timeless at the same time.
This cute little knob from Etsy has my favorite color green with touches of blue. So cute.
This chair is everything with its natural colored squares. You would expect to see a brass frame, but the silver is a modern take and would take your living room to the next level.
Squares with lines through it was all this pattern needed to make it unique.
This could be a perfect art DIY. Paint different colored squares on a sheet of paper and put it in a gold frame and voila!
You can see that checkerboard has always been a classic pattern, but even though it comes in and out of favor, it will always be a pattern that will remain in the long run. Whether in timeless black and white or with these new updated modern twists, there’s something for everybody.
Are you a checkerboard pattern person? Say that three times. Let me know in the comments if you go for this classic.
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