15 Jul 22

Trend report: Big Checks

Over here at Pattern Lovers HQ I am loving the new print on the block. The Big Check is sashaying its way into the fashion pages of interior style mags, filling up the shelves on the high street and will soon be swaggering into my home I’m sure when I can get round to/justify a cheeky little decor update. Now while we all love to fantasise about new trends, this one actually has a lot going for it. Big checks are a really useful tool, helping to break up a fight between fussy florals  or give a lack lustre room some punch. Big checks have oomph. While there is nothing new or exciting about the classic check (of which we are seeing everywhere too), these big scale checks and chequerboard prints are bold and unashamed and thats why we will be friends.

Take this fabulous Thistle Check Duvet Cover and co ordinating bedlinen from tastemakers Society of Wanderers at Antipodream. Fabulous! See what I mean by muscling in fabulously with the patterned wallpaper and stripped flat sheet. Pattern mashing heaven right there, along with the colour clash that’s going on it’s all rather thrilling. Getting in on this pattern trend is easy because my tip is, you don’t need too much of it. Have it as the main event, as in bedlinen or a sofa, or save it for an accent- on a lampshade or cushion. Scroll down to the end of this post for my edit of the best of the big checks to update your home.

Featured image at top: home of Featured image at top: home of @buchanan.studio Photographed by @david.fernandez.studio for @tmagazine

Instagram is a great place to get some big check inspiration. Historically interiors have always been adorned by chequerboard floors and I love their dramatic effect in small rooms like hallways or bathrooms. This candy colour schemed bathroom by the oh-so-talented designers at Buchanan Studio is a riot of checks. Head on over to their page @buchanan.studio  for the full reveal. Obviously you have to have quite a lot of conviction to do wall to wall chequerboard but the effect is visually dazzling. While the classic black and white is very high contrast and dramatic, picking tonal colours will give a more subtle effect. Still super cool though.

Checkerboard knight woven dhurrie by 8 Holland street x Vanderhurd

A big check or chequerboard pattern is strong enough to hold its own in a room and be the star of the show like this huge chequerboard rug by designers 8hollandstreet x Vanderhurd . I love the way it has a feeling of fun and frivolity about it so even in the most seriously contemplated and curated interior design spaces- it can punch through with some much needed jollity. I cant help thinking of clowns trousers when I think of big checks and I love interiors that don’t take themselves too seriously so that works for me.

The home of @Mullercanseveren

The classic chequerboard floor is a great place to introduce this big bold geometric and is a wonderful pattern addition to any maximalist interior.

SHOP THE LOOK

1. Lavender Fizz Full Ruffle Cushion Cover, £49, Antipodream | 2. Checkmate placemats, £102. Balu London | 3. Piero Footstool, Punch, £855, Ceruado | 4. Checkboard shaggy rug, £169, Urban Outfitters | 5. Joy of Print Checkerboard lampshade in Pomegranate, from £84, Rosie de Ruig | 6. Velvet checkmate studio chair, contact Buchanan Studio for further info.

7. Pile rug, £79.99, H&M | 8. Ella Chair Upholstered in Chubby Check by Kit Kemp, £845, Gabriella James | 9. Check print ceramic jug, £29, Monsoon | 10. Carlotta ottoman, £1.555, Ceraudo | 11. Checked cotton cushion cover, £12.99, H&M | 12. Royal Check Charger/Plate, £80, Mackenzie Childs at Amara | 13. Patterned porcelain mug, £2.99, H&M.

Featured image at top: home of @buchanan.studio Photographed by @david.fernandez.studio for @tmagazine