/ 20 July 2022

The Latest Interiors Trend To Know

In recent months, the chequerboard trend has graduated from hallway flooring to all areas of homeware – including ceramics and upholstery. For her Kin House project, Lucy Barlow – founder and creative director of Barlow & Barlow – went all out. Here, she explains why and how to use it in your own home…

By Georgina Blaskey /

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It Flatters Feminine Schemes

“Chequerboard’s graphic quality means it’s a great way to ramp up softer, more feminine schemes. It’s normally a dual colour pattern too (perhaps three if there’s a border) so it’s very easy to incorporate into different rooms, as you’re rarely working with too many shades.”

It Grounds A Space

“Keeping one of the colours neutral grounds it, then throwing in a stronger colour as the alternate gives it some oomph. This can really anchor a scheme – for example, neutral with burgundy works super well together.”

It’s Super Versatile

“It’s versatile and it works in traditional or contemporary schemes because it's a timeless pattern. You can use chequerboard in any room – a bedroom, study, living room – and it’s great on rugs or as upholstery. I’ve even come across it on bathmats recently.”

It’s A Matter Of Scale

“We liked the idea of designing a rug collection unique to Kin House. We’ve used a variation on a chequerboard throughout the house – some big squares, some much smaller squares, some on wool and some on jute. All of them are available to be ordered via BarlowAndBarlow.com or pelican-house.com now as well.”