1. Choose Bold Colours For A Playful, Modern Look
Checks and tartan have long been associated with the country interior, but why not put a twist on tradition by using it in creative ways and in bold colors? Scottish mill Johnstons of Elgin has teamed up with interior designer Ben Pentreath to launch a playful collection of lambswool interior fabrics, including a beautiful check, that blends weaving heritage with fresh color combinations.
2. Create A Beautiful Focal Point With A Checkered Sofa
Decorating with neutrals in a living room leaves plenty of scope for introducing playful prints across seating and for a touch of print and color that won't overwhelm you can't go wrong with a check. Jane Churchill's new Oxana Check – pictured in the red/green colorway – features multiple colored yarns making it easy to pick out accent color ideas for accessories.
3. Mix Checks With Other Prints
When decorating with checks, as with any pattern, it's important to make sure they are balanced and don't dominate a room. ‘To keep the space from feeling too busy, layer checks with other patterns of similar scale and tone so that nothing shouts louder than anything else. This will ensure the eye is not drawn to only one feature, making the space feel cozy and inviting rather than too small,' advises Nicole Salvesen.
4. Choose Gingham For A Country Look
If you love classic English country decor you can't go wrong by decorating with gingham. 'It could be said that classic English interior decorating ticks three fabric boxes: florals, stripes, and checks. So many classic interiors include these three design styles to add layering and interest,' says Caroline Inchyra founder of fabric and wallpaper brand, Inchyra. 'For me, our Vintage Check linen is an important part of our collection and certainly a constant favorite with our interior design clients.'
5. Use Checks To Create Statement Upholstery
Not only do upholstered dining chairs offer luxurious comfort for guests, but they are also a wonderful way to inject pattern and texture into a neutral space as demonstrated in this grey dining room by interior designer Kriste Michelini.
6. Try A Tartan Wallpaper
If you love patterned wallpaper but are cautious about committing to a busy design then a pared-back tartan is a great solution as it is an easy-to-live print that will endure across the decades. This tartan wallpaper idea from Sandberg is perfect for bringing a classic country feel to this entryway and its subtle neutral tones pair beautifully with a classic sage green on woodwork. Complete the look with a classic stick-back rocker chair and a cozy throw.
7. Create A Statement Hallway Floor
Checks don't just have to be introduced through fabrics and wallpapers, they can make fabulous feature floors, too. Here interior designer Shannon Adamson incorporated a playful tartan hallway flooring idea into this new build home as a nod to the clients' shared Scottish roots.
8. Go For A Colorful Chequerboard Floor
Perhaps more popular in a hallway, and easier to achieve, is a simple chequerboard floor design. This hard-working geometric sits happily in both contemporary and period homes alike, as in this hallway, where the vibrant green and white chequerboard tiles from Bert & May add a fresh dimension to the painted classical wall paneling.
9. Choose A Checkered Rug
A checkered rug in bold colors is a quick way to create a beautiful statement in an otherwise pared-back interior, plus it can easily be moved around the house to keep things looking fresh or give a different space a new design spin. Part of an inventive collection between Vanderhurd x 8 Holland Street, the Checkerboard Rook rug above is perfectly paired with sculptural furniture and geometric artwork.
10. Add A Decorative Touch To A Bathroom
Bathrooms can easily feel cold and sterile, but adding in pops of color and subtle touches of pattern can make all the difference. This delightful Ernie wallpaper border from Susie Atkinson is a quick way to add structural interest and a decorative touch to a white bathroom.
11. Lay A Beautiful Table
In the prettiest delicate pink, a chequerboard tablecloth is sure to delight at any gathering. This Summerill & Bishop x Claridge linen design, which comes with matching napkins, instantly elevates dining table decor and transforms a setting with a celebratory feel.