Deriving from the ancient Persian word ‘shah’, which means ‘king’ in an early form of chess, checks have been a decorative staple in interiors and fashion for centuries. The chequerboard pattern has been identified in Bronze Age pottery as well as in Roman design, and its usage remains familiar on chess boards, in weaving and via its popular variant, tartan. In fashion, checks remain a perennial motif, from the lining of Burberry’s coats to chic decorative emblems on suits and skirts. Its formation is repeated in architecture, too, in the form of bricks or tiles in varying tones or materials. Inside, chequerboard floors, particularly in monochrome, are a decorative staple of Victorian hallways. Like stripes, checks are `repetitive and harmonious to the eye, which has the effect of being reassuringly grounding. This pattern can bring both rigour and dynamism to a scheme, making it a timeless addition to interiors.
Nicola Harding, interior designer
