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Check Out the Trending Checkered Pattern Sweeping the Design World

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Chic checkered backsplash, retro flooring, colorful accents — it's the latest pattern taking over home decor. Check out these ways to use this design trend throughout your place.

Photo: Joseph Bradshaw
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1 / 19

Trendy Checkered Pattern We Can't Get Enough Of

We've seen the pattern thrive through the '20s with linoleum floors, the '50s in diners filled with malts and roller-skates and the '80s with groovy outfits and mind-boggling carpets. Now checkerboard is back and ready for a 21st century spin. From full walls of checkers to colorful accessories, check out these 17 ideas on where and how to use the revitalized trend in your home.

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
2 / 19

Oversized Tiles

Porcelain, oversized tiles used in this bath/shower combination with a white soaking tub provides a punch of pattern for the room. "We have black-and-white oversized checkered tile in the shower, the reason being is this is a very strong wall color and we wanted to play with black and white as the main accents to it so it wouldn't really fight," says designer Brian Patrick Flynn.

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Photo: Rustic White Interiors. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
3 / 19

Create a Cozy Look

A hand-stitched black-and-white checkerboard Arcadian throw on the sofa offers an easy way to stay warm on chilly nights.

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Photo: Jenna Peffley
4 / 19

Ground Your Space

Black-and-white checkered marble floor tile ground this small bathroom, and to balance the focus on the floor, the rest of the bathroom is kept simple with white walls.

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Photo: Marcus Meisler. From: HGTV Handmade
5 / 19

Artistic Touch

This (literal) tulip table features a sculpted, checkered art piece on top that adds a unique and cohesive touch to the room. Hanging on the wall above is a beautiful portrait by Meredith Steele.

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Photo: Joseph Bradshaw
6 / 19

Create a Bold Backsplash

Gray-and-white checkerboard tile is the star of the show in the HGTV Urban Oasis 2023 located in Louisville, Kentucky. Taking it all the way to the ceiling draws the eye up, while a neutral color palette keeps the checkered pattern from appearing too busy.

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Photo: Tim Lenz, Styling: Mariana Marcki Matos, Architect: Appel Architecture and Builder Ecostruct . From: Crystal Sinclair
7 / 19

Add a Pillow Pop

This Brooklyn townhome's living room brings a modern twist with a midcentury vibe. Perched atop the curved, bouclé sofa are two pillows clad in a black-and-white checkered patterned, drawing the eye and creating a moment of drama.

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Photo: Marcus Meisler. From: HGTV Handmade
8 / 19

Get Funky With Wallpaper

Large-scale checkerboard wallpaper makes a cool accent wall in this candy-colored bedroom. Selecting a wallpaper in the same color palette as the furniture and bedding makes the pattern easier on the eyes.

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Photo: Chris Coe, General Contractor: Ronald Webb Builder, Landscaping: Jacob Hamilton Gardens. From: Chango and Co.
9 / 19

Go Abstract

Although the checkerboard pattern is typically black and white, the way you decorate with it doesn't always have to be black and white. If you're wary of diving right into the checkerboard trend, try an abstract wallpaper, like this, instead. The mix of squares with vertical and horizontal lines on this wallpaper is an interesting twist on the classic look.

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Photo: Dylan Chandler. From: HGTV Magazine
10 / 19

Pair It With Paint

The bright pink paint color in Tiffany Brooks' home library featured in HGTV Magazine deserved an equally stunning floor. Pairing the vintage checkerboard pattern with a bold color and whimsical fabric makes it feel youthful yet glamorous. The wavy jute rug on top softens the angular pattern.

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Photo: Chris Vicino. From: Wilson Associates Real Estate
11 / 19

Add a Twist to Hardwood

Hardwood floors in this kitchen are given a unique look by painting a diamond pattern on top, bringing a warm twist to the checkered pattern.

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Photo: Sarah Nelson. From: HGTV Magazine
12 / 19

Mix With More Pattern

Sometimes more really is more! Try mixing classic checkerboard floors with another eye-catching pattern, like the floral wallpaper in this daring entry featured in HGTV Magazine, for a perfectly maximalist look. The vintage feel of both patterns makes them work together, while the solid olive green settee and a simple framed piece of art on top of the wallpaper help break up the patterns.

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Photo: DENNYS ILIC. From: Drew Scott
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Make a Statement on a Range Hood

Range hoods are an opportunity to add pizzazz to your kitchen. You can cover them in reclaimed wood, paint them a bold color or even add tile on top like in Drew Scott's kitchen from Season 8 of Brother vs. Brother. It's an approachable way to work in some pattern play without committing to an entire wall of backsplash.

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Photo: Suzanna Scott, Contractor: Lee & Co.. From: Regan Baker
14 / 19

Brighten Up a Shower

Checkered shower tile makes this simple and modern bathroom trendy and memorable. The seafoam green and white pattern feels playful yet peaceful, thanks to its serene color combo.

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Photo: Sarah Dorio
15 / 19

Take It Outside

A fun pattern isn't just for indoor decor. You can bring it into your backyard with just a little bit of landscaping. This playful lawn was created with stone pavers and patches of grass.

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Photo: Marcus Meisler. From: HGTV Handmade
16 / 19

Try a Colorful Rug

A fluffy rug is one of the easiest ways to make a big impact with checkerboard. This color-loving homeowner rolled out a dark and light pink checkered rug in her living room, then coordinated the colors with the surrounding decor.

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
17 / 19

Put it on Your Bed

The black and white checkered pillows on the bed add nice contrast for the different tones and shades of blue.

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Photo: Marcus Meisler. From: HGTV Handmade
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Added Accessories

Checkerboard can have just as much impact on a small scale, like with this snazzy hand towel that immediately catches the eye. You can also try incorporating the pattern into your home with checker artwork, drapes, throw pillows or vases.

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Photo: Danielle Sykes. From: HGTV Handmade
19 / 19

Make a Table Rustic

You can give an old table one-of-a-kind style by painting a checker pattern on top of it.

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