Checkerboard decor, with its daring geometric strains and basic two-tone color scheme with alternating pale and darkish squares, isn’t new. Actually, it’s been a staple design for hundreds of years. This straightforward but putting sample has adorned every part from historical flooring to modern tabletops and its capability to seamlessly mix each classic and fashionable aesthetics makes it an everlasting favorite. At present, the checkerboard design is experiencing a revival, embraced by designers and householders alike for its timeless enchantment and recent versatility.
On this article, we’re exploring why the checkered sample appeals, how it may be utilized in aesthetic room decor and providing some concepts of merchandise you possibly can purchase to get this well-liked design fashion into your own home.
The Historical past of Checkerboard Design
The basic black and white checkerboard sample has historical roots, with examples present in a number of cultures all through historical past. One of many earliest identified makes use of of this design was in historical Egypt, the place checkered flooring had been laid in temples and the houses of the elite. The geometric regularity of checkerboard tiles was not solely aesthetically pleasing but additionally symbolically vital, typically representing stability and order. The sample’s early presence in Egyptian artwork and structure speaks to its longevity and flexibility throughout civilizations.
In medieval Europe, checkerboard flooring grew to become a typical function in castles, monasteries, and church buildings. The black-and-white grid conveyed a way of grandeur and stability, providing a dramatic visible distinction that suited the opulence of Gothic and Renaissance structure. The normal sample finally made its approach into extra humble settings, adorning the flooring of inns and taverns.
Checkerboard flooring had been well-liked in Georgian homes, and the Victorians couldn’t get sufficient of them! They had been significantly frequent in hallways and corridors, the place they added curiosity to in any other case plain and utilitarian areas.
Throughout the Fifties in post-war America the monochromatic shade palette of the checkerboard sample grew to become iconic in home areas. It was particularly well-liked in kitchens and diners, the place black-and-white checkered linoleum flooring evoked the clear, environment friendly aesthetic of the period. The rise of the “retro” diner look, with its chrome barstools and neon lights, solidified checkerboard flooring as an emblem of mid-century modernism. Its sensible enchantment—straightforward to wash and sturdy—made it a favorite amongst households, and its affiliation with nostalgia stored it related in popular culture lengthy after.
Checkerboard within the Dwelling: Then and Now
Checkerboard decor has lengthy been synonymous with checkerboard tile flooring, particularly in kitchens, hallways, and loos. Previously, its utilization was typically confined to the ground because of the massive, geometric shapes and grid-like nature of the sample. Flooring grew to become a pure canvas for this daring design, however in the present day checkerboard patterns have come up off the ground and are marching by the remainder of the home!
Designers have begun incorporating the sample in new and surprising methods. From assertion furnishings, room equipment and textiles, to wall artwork, lampshades, crockery and different residence decor items, the checkerboard motif is being reimagined for contemporary interiors.
This can be a sturdy, geometric sample, so use it with warning. Steer away from going all-out checkerboard, or the consequence will look very busy, and as a substitute discover methods of it utilizing it as room accents or assertion items. For a much less visually distracting impact, select muted colors quite than strongly contrasting ones, and stick to 1 most important color palette. Or, for a contemporary twist, it seems nice paired with softer designs akin to florals.
Checkerboard Designs For Your Dwelling
As you’ll be able to see, checkerboard designs could make a big effect in residence decor, which is why they’ve seen a surge in recognition. You don’t want to rent an inside designer that will help you get the look in your abode, there are many merchandise to purchase that may can assist you embrace the checkered sample pattern simply and effortlessly.
Listed here are a few of our favorite checkerboard room decor finds to encourage you!
Checkerboard sq. framed canvas artwork, Aureous
Checkerboard prints supply an effective way of getting the visible curiosity of the checked design into your own home. This art work pairs a robust sample with visually soothing colors, so it’ll draw the attention with out dominating the room. Accessible in a selection of framed and unframed in varied measurement choices, costs begin at £90 for a 24″ by 24″ unframed canvas from Aureous.
Checkerboard massive scale flatweave rug, Jonathan Adler
Graphic glamour combined with basic appeal – this huge checkerboard flatweave rug (183cm by 274cm) is the proper companion to current illustrious decor in a front room. Full the look of your residing house with the versatile daring black and white sample. Was £2,160 now £1,620, accessible from Sweetpea & Willow.
Lismore checkerboard baby’s pillowcase, La Redoute Interiors
This checkerboard design is completed with fairly striped ribbon. Straightforward to stay with and keep,it’s created from 100% cotton of which 30% is recycled. The checkerboard sample is repeated on each side and the pillows are completed with a striped ribbon element. £12 for one pillowcase, accessible from La Redoute Interiors.
Checkerboard cushion, Bon Bon Fistral
This handcrafted corduroy checkerboard cushion cowl (50cm by 50cm) contains a zip closure and interior cushion. Adopting the favored checkerboard sample is a simple approach to inject a vibrant look right into a monochrome inside. £59, accessible from Bon Bon Fistral.
Charcoal and pure checkerboard desk lamp, Rockett St George
This uncommon cloth lamp doesn’t compromise on the wow issue. Created in-house by the Rockett St George workforce, the design options an on-trend checkerboard print in muted, impartial tones. The proper proof that neutrals needn’t be boring, the sample alternates between blocks of pure beige and wealthy charcoal gray. £65, accessible from Rockett St George.
Diamond checkerboard rug, Rose & Gray
Introduce pure tones and textures into your house with this diamond checkerboard rug. The rug consists of impartial tones created from jute and cotton, making no compromises on sturdiness and softness. Its small measurement (90cm by 60cm) is good in your hallway, bed room or beneath a small espresso desk. £68, accessible from Rose & Gray.
‘Checkmate’ checkerboard wallpaper, Sorbet Goals
Deliver a singular, fashionable fashion to any wall with the ‘Checkmate’ checkerboard wallpaper in bubblegum and pistachio on a white background. This pastel checkerboard sample is ideal for a recent, modern look. Immediately elevate any house with this fashionable, unforgettable sample. £105 per 10m roll, accessible from Sorbet Goals.
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