How HGTV Star Nate Berkus Switches Up His Love For Checkerboard Floors

One of the stars of HGTV's hit series, "The Nate and Jeremiah Home Project," Nate Berkus is a long-time fan of the timeless checkerboard floor pattern. He is a big proponent of creating a space that feels like you — but elevated. Experimenting with this timeless design is the perfect way to give your interior a Berkus-approved touch. Although checkerboard flooring has remained prominent throughout design history, it is continuing to rise in popularity. Discover why Nate Berkus will never get tired of this flooring design trend and how he is altering the style to fit the modern homeowner.

Selecting the best flooring option for your home can be a daunting decision — your floors have a major impact on your interior. Even if you don't love the stark black-and-white pattern, there are ways you can incorporate checkerboard flooring to suit your own style. Berkus recently revealed a stunning interior transformation that featured checkerboard floors with a unique twist. The foyer of this home, as seen on Instagram, includes gentle blue and ivory ceramic tiles. This subtle approach to the checkerboard pattern is a great way to make it work for a more understated interior. 

The light blue and cream checkerboard pattern isn't the only take on this trend that Berkus supports. He also posted several design inspiration photos on his Instagram featuring different, colorful checkerboard floors. One of the images includes a green and soft black checkerboard hallway with the tiles placed diagonally. This proves that you can swap either the white or black tiles for a pop of color for a modern take on this classic design.

When it comes to designing a space with a checkerboard floor, Berkus' interiors showcase a few key elements. He frequently adds earthy textures and tones for a modern touch. The images posted on his Instagram include a jute runner and rattan pendant lights. Berkus also recommends adding an unexpected twist to offset the classic checkerboard pattern. Think about pieces like concrete flower pots, sculptural pieces, and modern furniture. In his own New York City home, he used checkerboard tiles in the entryway and added geometric contemporary decor for a creative touch.

To expand on Nate Berkus' stylish take on this chic pattern, you need to determine the best way to decorate with checkerboard floors that will complement your interior. For example, you can easily adjust the style and shade of the tiles to fit your aesthetic. If you love the classic black-and-white look but want to add a subtle twist, try replacing black with navy blue. If the goal is for your space to exude luxury, consider swapping Berkus' ceramic tiles for a marble alternative.

If you love the look of Berkus' blue and ivory checkerboard floor, you can recreate it with a few key elements. To mimic his design, select square floor tiles in soft colors, or, for a low-cost option, try the FloorPops Peel and Stick Floor Tiles. Keep in mind that peel-and-stick tiles are not considered a viable long-term solution. However, they are a great way to experiment with a tile pattern in your space before committing to the full installation. You can also paint your floor in a checkerboard pattern. If you are working with hardwood floors, use an electric sander, wood filler, and high-quality primer before applying paint.