In an effort to figure out why this pattern has such staying power, we turned to the experts to ask for their tips, tricks, and insights. “I have found checkerboard patterns in incredible tiling in homes and restaurants, on the decking around a pool, in the fabric on sofas and chairs, and the patterns in the rug,” Tannehill notes. “Gingham is definitely having a moment right now,” Hay says. “It has a casual, charming feel, and every room needs a little relaxed element to make it feel comfortable and liveable.” “Vary the scale as well as the shapes of your coordinating patterns,” Hay says. “If the gingham you select is a larger checkerboard, then pair it with smaller scale patterns, such as a hand block printed floral or ticking stripe." “Gingham is the essence of summer and is reminiscent of a checkered picnic blanket,” she tells us. “It comes in a variety of playful colors that can brighten any room and create a summertime feel.” If you’re looking to create a breezy feel with your checkerboard pattern, Hunter suggests going light. “I always love working with pastel gingham patterns—particularly light blues or neutrals,” she says. “I consider checkerboard equivalent to how you would use stripes in a room,” Hunter says. “You can use it for accents in a space or in a bigger way like wallpaper or upholstery.” “Pay attention to the color scheme in the room, and work that into the design,” she says. “Complementary colors in the patterns will help keep things cohesive and entertaining to the eye.” If you’re looking for inspo, Tannehill has lots of tips. “I love a checkerboard marble tile, a checkered natural color area rug, and fabric,” she gushes. “I also love a checkerboard tile around a pool and into the pool. Honestly, it’s a great pattern to incorporate into all styles of design.” Hunter agrees. “I prefer to pair a neutral-colored gingham with an oversized floral in a blue/green palette,” she says. “The juxtaposition of the floral and the geometric makes for a really fun design.” “Gingham or checkerboard is a timeless staple when it comes to home décor,“ Feldman says. “You can find it in farmhouse, coastal, picnic-core, and other types of aesthetics. You’ll find gingham in all kinds of décor, from table settings and holiday decorations to pet accessories.”
