Shop
Check, Mate: Why Checkerboard Tile is Having a Moment
Designers are reclaiming the relevance of checkerboard tile, extending it far beyond flooring. This classic pattern is now showing up on kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, shower tiles, and more. Whether used for subtle contrast or to make a bold statement, checkerboard tile brings a sense of enduring style to interiors.
Dating back centuries, the checkerboard pattern has a rich history within architecture and design. It carries a classic sensibility synonymous with traditional interiors, but today’s designers have widened its appeal, using it in a range of style contexts. While the pattern is most often seen on flooring, checkerboard tile has now become a go-to choice for kitchen backsplashes, bath and shower tiles, and even outdoor spaces.
Explore how designers are introducing modern iterations of checkerboard tile, demonstrating its enduring style no matter where it’s applied.
Design: Emma Ainscough, Photography: Christopher Horwood
Design: Claire Brody Designs, Photography: Jenna McElroy
Design by Lindsey Brooke Design, Photography by Amy Bartlam
Checkerboard Tile Features at The Austin Tudor
Checkerboard tile is a recurring theme at The Austin Tudor. Despite the historically inspired exterior, the home’s interior initially lacked a sense of character. The goal was to channel a classic English Tudor aesthetic while balancing bold, modern design moments throughout. Checkerboard tile became a natural choice for the tonal kitchen backsplash, using Forest Green and Sea Green tiles sourced from Riad Tile. The checkerboard motif continued onto the floor with 12-inch limestone squares from Alexander James. Blue and beige limestone created a soft contrast and became the flooring selection for the kitchen, butler’s pantry, and primary bathroom.
As an additional nod to the checked theme, the powder room walls were covered with an Élitis mini-checked pattern of mother of pearl and paper. This pattern ties different spaces together, creating a unifying thread throughout the home.
Design by Anastasia Casey, Photography by Lindsay Brown, The Austin Tudor
The Best Designer-Trusted Tile Sources
A longtime favorite of The Interior Collective and the larger design community, Alexander James offers a thoughtfully edited selection of high-quality tiles with a direct-to-consumer model. Limestone 12-inch squares from Alexander James’ Old World Stone Collection were used as flooring in The Austin Tudor.
This Dallas-based retailer is a go-to source for artisan tile and stone. Their 4″x4″ Forest Green and Sea Green zellige tiles created the perfect checkerboard tile backsplash in The Austin Tudor kitchen for a tone-on-tone look.
Ann Sacks is an undisputed industry leader in designer-quality tile. With a wide yet well-curated selection, they offer endless options for bold patterns—checkerboard or otherwise. Note: their new collection with Studio McGee is definitely worth a look.
clé is a design house known for handcrafted artisan tiles. Their collections stand out for their old-world artistry, bringing unique textures and finishes to any space. If you’re looking to make a bold statement, clé tile is a natural choice.
Favored by designers like Sarah Sherman Samuel, LA-based Zia Tile offers an impressive selection of handmade tiles that can add character and charm to any space. Known for craftsmanship and a keen attention to detail, Zia’s collections are perfect for creating unique checkerboard designs and beyond.
Design by Ashley Ferguson Interiors, Photography by Kieran Reeves
Design by Sarah Sherman Samuel, Photography by Amy Carroll
Design by Sarah Sherman Samuel
Design by Jean Stoffer Design, Photography by Stoffer Photography
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY
Shop
