This Art Deco Trend Is Making a Surprise 2026 Comeback, per New Data

Trends certainly come and go, but when you’re designing something that feels as permanent as flooring, you may feel like choosing something timeless. Though it’s bold (and hotly contested!), it seems that checkerboard flooring is back in vogue with designers and trendseekers alike, according to data embedded in Houzz’s 2026 “U.S. Home Design Trend Predictions” report. 

Whether it’s through tiling or even just a throw rug, decorating with this joyful pattern is a surefire way to make a statement without fearing it will go out of fashion in the upcoming year.

Believe it or not, checkerboard patterns have been around for quite some time. “The classic checkerboard pattern of white squares interspersed with black or gray squares is ancient and traverses multiple cultures,” architect and designer Nicholas Potts previously told Apartment Therapy. “It shows up in Indian chessboards, Islamic mosaics, and keffiyehs, Greek and Roman tiles, and textiles across the globe.”

Even though checkerboard floors’ popularity has ebbed and flowed, it’s officially making a comeback (again!) — this time, with a twist. Houzz reports that designers are moving away from using only the traditional white and black color scheme and incorporating other hues, including color pairings like sage, cream, emerald, oxblood, and burgundy, to add a bit more sophistication to any space.

The Home Design Trend Predictions report states that searches on Houzz for “checkerboard floor” have increased by 38% in the first three quarters of 2025, with “bathroom checkerboard” searches spiking by over 100%. The report also finds that checkerboard floors are appearing more frequently throughout the home, such as in mudrooms and patios, rather than just in the kitchen, entryway, and stylish bathrooms.

Checkerboard floors are so deeply rooted in history, it’s not surprising to see them making a big return once more (they’re endlessly beloved by celebs, too!). So if you’re looking for something that’s both trendy and timeless for a floor makeover, checkerboard may just be the perfect pick.