The Outdated Kitchen Floor That's Trendy Again

When you see a black and white checkerboard floor, do you immediately think of retro diners and 1950s kitchens? It's an aesthetic that certainly conjures images of classic Americana style, but in reality, checkerboard floors have been around for thousands of years — from ancient Rome to medieval and Renaissance Europe. Checkerboard floors were also a kitchen staple in American homes even before the Midcentury Modern movement, with the Art Deco design trends of the 1920s giving rise to the popularity of floors with geometric shapes. And since fashions are so often cyclical, it shouldn't come as a surprise that this classic style is making a comeback in kitchens yet again.

HGTV star Nate Berkus says he'll never grow tired of a good checkerboard floor, and we can't blame him. Checkerboard floors are one of those home design trends that have been dominating 2025, and are likely to continue making a statement well into the new year, with Hilaria and Alec Baldwin recently showcasing the look in their own kitchen in East Hampton. The Baldwins opted for the classic black and white pattern, complementing it with simple white cabinets and countertops and stainless steel appliances, but there's a lot you can do with this timeless kitchen trend.

There are lots of ways to decorate with checkerboard tile floors, making it a smart choice for kitchens regardless of what your design goals are. It's a pattern that's incredibly customizable, and you can venture away from the more conventional look by playing with different color options. Take a leaf from Nate Berkus's book and experiment with some of the ways that he switches up his checkerboard floors, such as using green and soft black or light blue and cream checkerboard instead of the typical black and white. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even go over-the-top bold by using different grout colors, such as red, to make a black and white checkerboard really pop.

There are also plenty of design choices you can make in your kitchen that will complement your checkerboard floors and showcase the pattern to its very best. If you're looking to make a statement with checkerboard floors in your kitchen, you'll want to opt for more subdued kitchen cabinets. Try complementing the bold checkerboard pattern with a very light gray or neutral ivory or cream. Or add warmth and depth by keeping your cabinets in natural dark wood, or opting for colors such as sage green, deep olive, or navy for an elegant take on the classic style.

Checkerboard floors can offer amazing contrast to other neutral design choices in your kitchen, breathing new life into neutral countertops, backsplashes, and cabinets. But that doesn't mean you need to be afraid of more daring choices in your kitchen. Checkerboard floors can also look great when paired with some adventurous backsplash and countertop choices, such as dense veining marble.