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If there’s anything we’ve learned from interviewing hundreds of interior designers, it’s that many of them have strong (and often differing) opinions. Even It couple Jeremiah Brent and Nate Berkus’s feelings don’t always align. Remember that time Brent spoke up for his love of matte black hardware and Berkus swiftly said he was “tired of it”? However, we recently learned there is one trend that the pair see eye to eye on: checkerboard floors.
Brent took to his Instagram account with a shot of timeless black and white tiles sitting in a Styrofoam box, presumably waiting to be installed, and stated: “The one thing we’ll always agree upon—checkerboard floors.” Brent tagged his husband so we know exactly who “we” is.
We were relieved to hear that both of the design pros fully support this idea. There are so many options when it comes to the versatile pattern (painted, tiled—you name it), so we’re here to offer up a few suggestions.
For DIYers
Don’t have the budget for a full tile installation? Paint the squares instead. Elspeth Benoit and her design team at A 1000 x Better took a monochrome approach with her wood dining room floors by using varying shades of green.
For Overachievers
Double down like Sarah Sherman Samuel did in this scene, promoting her Lulu and Georgia collection by layering a small-scale checkerboard rug over a larger-scale black and white checkerboard floor.
For Anyone Who’s Anti-Trend
Not seeing the checkerboard? That’s sort of the point. Designer Abbie Naber went the not-so-in-your-face route by placing large-format, 24-inch-square tiles, a blend of Concrete Collaborative’s Alabaster Solid, a plain concrete, and Sea Pebble, a terrazzo tile, in a diamond pattern with the corners facing the faucet in this San Diego Kitchen.
For Imaginative Thinkers
Think outside of the (tile) box, like Brooklyn-based designer Alex Boudreau, and test out four colors instead of just two, resulting in a ginghamlike pattern. Hint: You might find it helpful to visualize the layout before you put in your order.
For Traditionalists
You can’t go wrong with a classic terracotta check. In this Mindy Gayer and Co.–designed laundry room, the material grounds the playful lavender walls.
For Renters
When you can’t make big changes (painting floors, installing tile), opt for a rug. Keep it neutral with a greige combo like Sarah Sherman Samuel’s wool number for Lulu and Georgia, or go a bit more avant-garde with a bright red. All those in agreement, say aye!
