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If there’s anything we’ve learned from interviewing hundreds of interior designers, it’s that many of them have strong (and often differing) opinions. Even It couple Jeremiah Brent and Nate Berkus’s feelings don’t always align. Remember that time Brent spoke up for his love of matte black hardware and Berkus swiftly said he was “tired of it”? However, we recently learned there is one key decor trend that the pair see eye to eye on: checkerboard floors. 

Brent recently took to his Instagram account with a shot of timeless black and white tiles sitting in a Styrofoam box, presumably waiting to be installed, to verify. “The one thing we’ll always agree upon—checkerboard floors,” he wrote, tagging his husband so we know exactly who “we” is. We were relieved to hear that both of the seasoned design pros fully support this idea. There are so many options when it comes to the versatile pattern (monochrome, painted, tiled—you name it), so we’re here to offer up a few suggestions. 

For DIYers

Photography by Virtually Here Studios; Styling by A 1000 X Better.

Don’t have the budget for a full renovation? Paint your squares instead. Elspeth Benoit took a monochrome approach with her wood dining room floors by using varying shades of green.


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For Imaginative Thinkers

Photography by Skye Parrott; Styling by Elaina Sullivan

Think outside of the (tile) box, like Brooklyn-based designer Alex Boudreau, and test out four colors instead of just two, resulting in a gingham-like pattern. Hint: You might find it helpful to visualize the layout before you put in your order.

For Traditionalists

Photography by Vanessa Lentine

You can’t go wrong with a classic terracotta check. In this Mindy Gayer and Co.–designed laundry room, the material grounds the playful lavender walls.

For Renters

Photography by Line Klein; Styling by Mille Collin Flaherty

When you can’t make big changes (painting floors, installing tile), opt for a rug. Keep it neutral with a greige combo like Sarah Sherman Samuel’s wool number for Lulu and Georgia, or go a bit more avant-garde with a bright red. All those in agreement, say aye!