Why checkerboard tiles are a timeless choice for a bathroom

Chequerboard tiles are a classic choice that remains popular in interior design for many reasons. This versatile pattern works well in various settings, offering a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary style.

While chequerboard tiles are often associated with traditional black and white floor designs, there are numerous creative ways to incorporate them into bathroom décor. Here are some innovative ideas for using chequerboard tiles in your bathroom:

1. **Joanna Plant’s Approach**: Interior designer Joanna Plant used green and white encaustic tiles in her west London home. She suggests that chequerboard tiles can introduce pattern without overwhelming the space, offering a less permanent way to experiment with design.

2. **Custom Painted Floors**: Joanna also shares a technique where decorative painter Rosie Mennem was commissioned to paint a timber floor with large chequerboard squares and a dark green border. This approach creates a softer alternative to traditional black and adds a touch of elegance.

3. **French Country Style**: In a Notting Hill flat designed by Studio Peake, yellow and white chequerboard tiles from Mosaic Factory add a French country charm to the bathroom, contrasting with a more jewel-like bathroom in the rest of the flat.

4. **Peaceful Patterns**: Katie Glaister’s London bathroom features ‘Busted’ wallpaper by Work & Sea paired with zellige mosaic tiles. The combination creates a harmonious and peaceful space.

5. **Regency Elegance**: Anahita Rigby’s design for a Regency house in Marylebone showcases chequerboard tiles from Mandarin Stone in the walk-in shower, complemented by bespoke brass taps, resulting in a serene yet grand atmosphere.

6. **Monochrome and Modern**: Pernille Lind’s bathroom features black and white chequerboard tiles from Bert and May, with modern fixtures from Lefroy Brooks and a Trainspotters ceiling light, creating a classic yet contemporary look.

7. **Soothing Blue and White**: Melinda Stevens’ bathroom uses blue and white chequerboard tiles paired with wooden wallpaper, which helps to ground the design and create a soothing environment.

8. **Moroccan Influence**: Angus and Charlotte Buchanan’s bathroom highlights handmade Moroccan zellige tiles in pink and white, used to tile separate ‘cabins’ for the shower and loo, adding a distinctive and colorful touch.

9. **Colorful and Patterned**: In a vibrant North Sydney home, the bathroom features a custom pink paneling and yellow chequerboard tiles that reflect the colors used throughout the house. The addition of a fabric curtain and patterned elements ties the space together with a playful and cohesive design.

These examples demonstrate the versatility and enduring appeal of chequerboard tiles, offering numerous ways to incorporate them into bathroom design while keeping the space both stylish and unique.