How Checkered Tile Flooring Infused This Designer’s Entryway with Energy
We’re thrilled that 2024 looks like the year for checkerboard flooring, solidifying its place in the tile hall of fame. Designer Reem Hassaballa @reems_design recently redid the floors in her back entryway, and the results are stunning.
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A classic home that’s getting an updated twist deserves floor tiles to match, and her use of a timeless checkerboard pattern is causing our DIY wheels to spin with possibilities. Consider some of these design tips to make the most of a similar style in your own space.
Choose Your Angles Wisely
One of the best things about patterned tile is its ability to create movement within a space. The designs help draw your eye in a specific direction, almost like a work of art. Reem’s expert use of our Casablanca Carrara and Bardiglio Grey Marble 12”x12” tiles showcases how effortlessly the right tile can add directed energy to a room.
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Reem invites guests to walk forward into the space by placing the checkered pattern on an angle – a perfect suggestion for the entryway, right? A checkered pattern placed parallel to the walls might convey a more solid, rooted feeling that complements the living room and invites guests to sit and stay a while. Make sure when choosing a patterned floor tile to think about the movement you’re trying to create in the space and lay your tile accordingly. Our best tip is to place tile directly on the floor and experiment with the layout to get the best feeling for the room before any installation begins.
Larger Floor Patterns Spell Versatility
Consider the versatility that a larger pattern offers when hunting for the right pattern for your floor tiles. Small, intricate patterns on the floor might coordinate with your décor style now, but what about in 10 years? In contrast, larger patterns can adapt to changing styles with ease.
A traditional checkerboard pattern like Reem employs in her entryway can be the star of the show; place furniture along the sides and select other large, minimalist pieces to complement the tile’s style. Prefer to have your furniture and accessories stand out? The larger tiles can easily serve as the backdrop for stunning rugs, bold upholstery, or elegant fixtures. While the checkerboard pattern adds character to any room, its larger footprint doesn’t have to draw attention away from your other pieces.
Mix and Match with the Classics
There’s nothing wrong with sticking to a uniform color palette, but many homeowners overlook the fun they can have when the idea of everything matching goes out the window. From colors to finishes, mixing and matching is a great way to give your space the freedom to evolve. Having a classic, timeless checkerboard-pattern floor allows you to be creative with accessories and furniture.
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Reem was able to easily act on a redesign inspiration for this space because she embraced the idea of mixing and matching. Just because the floor tiles are black and white doesn’t mean a wooden bench and a gold-framed mirror are a mismatch. On the contrary – the brown tones bring a sense of warmth to the entryway that meshes well with the timeless comfort of such elegant flooring. Consider versatile and classic tile, like Reem’s, If mixing and matching your décor sounds ideal for your next DIY project.
It’s amazing how many ways we’ve seen our checkered marble tiles used in spaces over the years, and yet we continue to find inspiration from talented designers daily.
