Some decorating trends never disappear; they reinvent themselves again and again. Traditional checks are one of them, and this season we welcome the renewed influence of this iconic pattern in interiors.
Originating in 16th-century Scotland, checked patterns are formed by intersecting vertical and horizontal lines. They include variations such as buffalo check, classic tartan and tattersall. Their origins are associated with the tartan travelling cloaks that protected Scottish clansmen from the cold.
Although still associated with the traditional pleated kilts of northern Britain, checks have appeared throughout fashion history on jackets, trousers, socks and scarves, in every colour and variation, becoming a truly timeless pattern. Their influence extends beyond clothing: after the catwalk, checks quickly entered interiors, becoming especially popular in upholstery. Their appeal endures, returning to the forefront of trends time and again.
One of the main reasons this distinctive pattern from Scotland, a land of high mountains and vast green landscapes, has remained part of interiors for so long is its ease of combination.
Checks appear on upholstery, cushions, bed linen, throws and even lampshades as readily as on clothing. Yet there is a fine line between an attractive composition and visual clutter. Often favoured in relaxed classic interiors, checks can be combined in different colours and scales, grouped together or used in different corners. Stay within your colour scheme and avoid excess, or the room may feel confused. Too much dark wood and heavy, dark-coloured fabric can also create an overly sombre atmosphere.
This classic Scottish pattern also works in modern and contemporary interiors. To update it, use it sparingly and pair it with plain colours or stripes. Start with a single piece: a chair, blanket or pouffe. Upholstering a modern furniture shape in checked fabric references the tradition while giving the room individuality. If you want to mix and match, stay within the same colour family and keep the scale of the patterns similar.
Whether appearing in panels on impressive walls or on seating reminiscent of sofas and benches before Highland castle fireplaces, checks are versatile and varied. They can be elegant and aristocratic, express the masculine character of country and cottage interiors, or take on a punk-rock spirit in the manner of Vivienne Westwood.Choosing the right check is an easy, effective way to give a space character. In a bright home with high ceilings, for example, combine wallpaper and curtains in large collegiate checks in dark shades such as navy, purple and green. In Normandy homes, this curtain treatment is often created with woollen fabrics.
Checks on cushions on a Chesterfield sofa, a footstool or ottoman upholstered to match, a bergère chair in another corner, or a rug before the fireplace can give a home a distinctive style, even if it is not a Victorian house.
In the bedroom, pair a checked headboard with a matching blanket, choosing a restful colour scheme with neutral and light shades wherever possible so the room does not feel busy. In the kitchen, tartan works particularly well on textiles such as placemats, tea towels and seat cushions.
