Persisting Preference: Stunning Checkerboard Kitchen Floor Tiles Continue to Secure Popularity in Modern Spaces
From the opulence of Versailles to the casual charm of a retro diner, checkerboard's allure extends across time and space. With its roots tracing back to the Roman Empire, this timeless print has been rediscovered and given a modern twist, offering endless kitchen tile ideas to spark inspiration.
Streaming services like Netflix and the surge in popularity of bestsellers such as Sally Rooney's Intermezzo have given Chess a cool, glamorous makeover. Chess, once considered nerdy and lacking in social skills, is now being admired for its logic and intellectual appeal. Here are some of the fresh ways designers are spooning in a generous serving of checkerboard throughout their homes.
1. A Dazzling Centerpiece
Imagine stepping into a countryside British cottage, where earthy tones and soft finishes embrace you. Upon closer inspection, the checkerboard tiled wall adds a touch of whimsy to the charming atmosphere. Interior designer Tess MacGeachy, of Amber Yard, demonstrates how traditional patterns can be reinvented for a homey, welcoming design style.
"Checkerboard holds a timeless look, and while it may seem traditional, it can also be made more impactful with the use of vibrant colorways," explains Tess. Working with Mosaic Factory tiles, Tess carefully selected her tiles to complement the subtle sage tone of the cabinets. The result is a unified design that breathes a serene tranquility into the space.
This eye-catching feature is ideal for those hunting for small kitchen ideas. We're smitten by how it injects personality and playfulness into the room, all while maintaining an upscale appearance. Emulate Tess' design and choose your tiles based on the existing tones of your kitchen, ensuring the combination looks cohesive and effective.
2. Elegant Simplicity
Step into this spacious, open-plan kitchen, where black and white tiled flooring provides a traditional charm, oozing sophistication without being cold or uninviting. Shaker cabinets and tall ceilings create an air of majesty, while the checkerboard flooring lies at the heart of this eye-catching design.
"The house was constructed in the 1980s and featured many traditional details that our client was initially charmed by when purchasing the house," explains Gillian Blair, principal designer at Tête-à-tête. By keeping the original charm intact, this design pays homage to the property's history, while also embracing a modern twist.
Opting for natural materials like marble not only brings timeless elegance to the mix, but it is also more durable and cost-effective. But fear not, for lovers of the material, porcelain options like the one used in this project can mimic the look of marble and reduce the maintenance concerns.
3. Playful Pop
If a full-fledged checkerboard is a bit too bold for your taste, consider adding a playful checkerboard trim to your kitchen nook. With only two layers of tiling, the selection of your tile is crucial. Choose a tile with character and impact to make the most of the small space used.
Artist Kimmy Hogan accomplished this design in her geelong, Australia home to add a playful touch to her eclectically designed house. Incorporating the checkerboard pattern in this way allows the trend to feel contemporary and new, thereby enhancing the overall appeal.
4. High-octane Hype
Dare to go big or go home with this kitchen's double dose of the checkerboard. With clashing colors and double-print, this bold design is pure dopamine decor. Despite its audacious appearance, the design maintains a playful, sophisticated vibe that never fails to amaze.
"Checkerboard tiling adds a classic and timeless aesthetic to a kitchen interior," says Louisa Alice, creative director at Mosaic Factory, "modern designs move beyond traditional black and white, embracing bolder color combinations for a fun and contemporary touch." Yellow and white Zellige tiles bring a sunny warmth to the room, further enhanced by the built-in lights positioned above the hob. The retro-style smeg oven adds to the visual charm.
FAQs
What is the best color for checkerboard?
A checkerboard's allure lies in its contrasting colors and striking design. Traditional choices like black and white and red and white catch the eye and make a statement, regardless of whether your kitchen is spacious or small[6].
Don't be afraid to embrace checkerboard flooring, for it is an ageless addition to any space. "Checkerboard is a versatile pattern that can be added in various ways, from tile to fabric and soft furnishings," says Tess MacGeachy[6], "its timeless nature eliminates concerns of it going out of fashion."
From the minimalistic elegance of traditional checkerboard to the audacious dominance of modern designs, the possibilities for checkerboard flooring are endless. So, allow yourself to be enticed by this timeless print and breathe new life into your kitchen with the myriad of options available to you.
- The checkerboard tiled wall in a countryside British cottage, crafted by interior designer Tess MacGeachy, showcases how traditional patterns can be modernized for a charming, welcoming design style, complementing the subtle sage tone of the cabinets.
- In a spacious, open-plan kitchen with black and white tiled flooring, the checkerboard pattern creates an air of traditional charm and sophistication without appearing cold or uninviting, with natural materials like marble or porcelain tiles adding a timeless elegance.
- For those seeking a more subtle take on the checkerboard trend, consider adding a playful checkerboard trim to a kitchen nook. Choose tiles with character and impact to make the most of the small space.
- A double dose of checkerboard in clashing colors delivers a bold, high-octane design with a warm, playful, and sophisticated vibe that never fails to amaze, with yellow and white Zellige tiles bringing a sunny warmth to the room.
- The timeless appeal of checkerboard extends to various aspects of interior design beyond flooring, such as tiles, fabrics, and soft furnishings, offering endless possibilities for reimagining and updating this classic pattern.
- Choosing the best color for a checkerboard is a matter of personal preference, but traditional choices like black and white or red and white will catch the eye and make a statement, regardless of the size of the kitchen.
