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The Black and White Checkered Floor

The Black and White Checkered Floor

When we first viewed our current apartment in New York City, our real estate broker was quick to tell us that the black and white checkered floor in the apartment’s foyer would be replaced with wood before we moved in.  I guess she thought the laminate tiles were old-fashioned.  “No!” I shouted out, probably a little too loudly.  Yes, a wood floor would have been perfectly fine, but to me the black and white checkered floor added a charm to the space that a rug or wood floor simply couldn’t.



What is it about a black and white checkered floor?  There’s something so classic and 1920s retro about it.  It says “traditional” but with a kick.

 

Our foyer.



About a year ago, we decided to update the floor.  We chose to simply lay new laminate peel-and-stick tiles over the old ones – what class!  But I’ll tell you, each 12″ x 12″ tile cost $1 from our neighborhood hardware store, and I don’t think the floor could have come out more beautifully.




Another angle.



Now let’s take my “low” version of the black and white checkered floor to “high”.  Here are some stunning black and white floors.  In my dream house, the black and white checkered floors will be marble…!



Love the punches of color above – the black and white floor really does stand in as a neutral letting other colors and patterns do their thing.

{ via suziepetunia }
A beautiful, traditional use of the black and white checker.



{ via Decorati }
How fantastic is that glossy hunter green door? And leading into an equally shiny checkered hallway… this is such a classic look.



The black and white floor above shows a more glamorous take – the art deco staircase, the glitzy chandelier. Works beautifully with the floor.



white kitchen
{ via decorpad.com }
The kitchen above is a more modest use of the black and white floor – see how the black and white tile fits equally well in a more straightforward, clean-cut design scheme?



{ via Traditionalhome.com }
I’m loving this shot above – I detect a whiff of Spanish colonial-Moroccan-Moorish something in this home. The black and white floor provides such great visual contrast to the fairly plain walls and the punch of green in the chairs.



{ via nicety.livejournal.com }
Another more traditional shot above – I can see why people opt for marble.  The gloss is really beautiful and eye-grabbing.




So many black and white checkered floors show up in foyers, kitchens, or in bathrooms.  It’s refreshing to see it carried to other parts of the house as seen above. 





{ via mrsblandings }

This parting shot is one of my favorites – I have to wonder, why are there wicker baskets full of fluffy white terrycloth towels just waiting there?  Is this someone’s pool house?



I just love the design stories above – amazing how the black and white checkered floor can be incorporate into so many different interior styles.  Such a great option and so versatile!
8 Comments
  • Kathy

    February 15, 2012 at 9:49 PM Reply

    I love this post! You definitely did the right thing by holding on to the tiles! It’s such a great look. I have them in my master, and when we redo, I plan on losing everything but the black and white tiles. I am so glad I stumbled upon your place while out blog strolling this evening!…following now…k

    • Lorri@ReturnToHome

      February 29, 2012 at 10:36 AM Reply

      Hi Kathy – thanks for your comment! I’m so glad you stumbled upon my blog!

  • Mark Norkaitis

    February 16, 2012 at 8:36 AM Reply

    The floor looks great! love getting a deal when you find something you love!

    Mark @ room363

    • Lorri@ReturnToHome

      February 29, 2012 at 10:37 AM Reply

      Thanks for your comment, Mark! I appreciate it. You’re right, there is nothing better than a good deal…!

  • Karlene

    February 16, 2012 at 11:34 AM Reply

    I love the black and white tiles. They make such a statement the minute you enter your home. Well done!

  • Yael Natori

    February 28, 2012 at 9:52 PM Reply

    The pictures of your foyer look like it is from a magazine! I LOVE YOUR FLOOR! And the accents added to the look — so hip, modern, old-school, and great all at the same time!

    • Lorri@ReturnToHome

      February 29, 2012 at 10:37 AM Reply

      Thanks for your reply – so sweet of you to check out my blog 🙂

  • bonnieb

    April 5, 2012 at 2:56 PM Reply

    I saw a show on HDTV this week where they used black quartz and white marble tiles for the kitchen. I made me think of you immediately! Love it! Peel and stick, quartz and marble… it’s all the same effect. xoxo

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