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.

{ via La Dolce Vita }

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

{ 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.  

{ via daisypinkcupcake }

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 incorporated into so many different interior styles.  Such a great option and so versatile!