Reminiscent of the stately European buildings that hark back to the renaissance and baroque periods – the black-and-white marble floor of the Grand Trianon at the Palace of Versailles in France being one such example – checkered flooring is resurfacing in large and modest homes alike.
Loved for its boldness as well as its capacity to bring visual interest to a space, we’ve singled out inspiring homes that make a case for this timeless style.
Complementary colours
The brushed black-and-white floor tiles in this kitchen are the ribbon that tie the room together – the black cabinets and countertop are balanced by the wooden island and neutral-coloured walls, while accents of the same colour scheme can be seen throughout the space.
A grand entrance
With such an imposing entryway, large doors, high ceilings and plenty of natural light, a bold floor design such as this is a smart choice, defining the space with a stand-out pattern that gives it character without overwhelming it.
Defined areas
Even in smaller spaces, such as this hallway, checkered tiles can be used to delineate an area, defining it from others in an open-plan layout or giving it an individuality that sets is apart from other rooms in the house.
A love for vintage
Depending on the style and pattern of checkered tiles, they’re capable of bringing a vintage aesthetic to a room, particularly when combined with retro furnishings, such as these diner-style chairs and seating and, of course, that old-school hob.
Marble marvel
In this kitchen layout by deVOL, the entire ensemble channels the cosy aesthetic of a farmhouse but with a classic and elegant edge. The green wall tiles, mismatched furniture and grey-and-white marble flooring in a checkered arrangement work in wonderful harmony.
Alternative colours
While black and white is unquestionably the most used colour combination for this style of flooring, designers are using either more subtle colour choices, such as this beige-and-white combination for a hint of contrast, or maximalist-style colour combos for those who steer towards the unconventional.
Main image: Cristina Depina
If you enjoyed this article, you might also be interested in: Bouclé is back and bringing warmth, texture and a cosy aesthetic to interiors

