Friday, February 25, 2011

Enduring Style--Black and White Checkerboard Floors

One of the most enduring items on my list of things I love is the timeless black and white checkerboard floor. I think this classic look first made an impression on me as a child visiting the Governor's Mansion in West Virginia.
A view of the foyer at the WV Governor's Mansion--how could this NOT make an impression?

Another view of the same foyer (a different color scheme going on here)

The bold geometry of the black and white checkerboard seems to have it's place, largely, in very traditional foyers, but is just as striking in other spaces.

Beautiful, timeless kitchen

That it has been used in many fine public buildings is a testament to it's staying power. I've seen the pattern in hotels, courthouses, the lobbies of fine stores.

Black and white checkerboard is used throughout the Greenbrier Hotel.

Here, the pattern is used at the Tennessee Governor's Mansion


In the foyer of a gorgeous house by Bill Baker.


It makes a strong foundation for this entrance.

Just as striking in a less grandly scaled space.


5 comments:

  1. Funny that you did this...I LOVE LOVE LOVE checkerboard floors...really wanted it for the new house and even was considering going with a taupey marble and off white limestone which looks gorgeous too and a little softer (to appease my husband) but ihe doesn't like it as much as the stone with the 'dots" of marble.....I love the look above, very classic and to me timeless.....you chose beautiful images to show it in its best light. Thanks for stopping by my blog and have a wonderful weekend!

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  2. Tina, I do too! If I ever build my dream house, I think Ill have to have a checkerboard foyer. Thanks for stopping by, and a wonderful weekend to you too!

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  3. I too am a fan of black and white flooring! I loved the shot of the governor's mansion in WV! Stunning!

    When you build your dream house with your dream floors, don't forget me to design and fabricate your dream window fashions! :)

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  4. Don't worry--I won't! When I get that dream house, I will not be stitch-witching ribbon to make window treatments! :-)

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  5. Whoa, nice black and white flooring. I always wanted my house flooring to be like this. When I build my new house, I'll definitely consider adding this to my list.

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