{"id":8330,"date":"2026-07-17T05:36:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T00:36:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=8330"},"modified":"2026-07-17T05:36:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T00:36:28","slug":"why-designers-love-the-micro-check-tile-trend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=8330","title":{"rendered":"Why Designers Love the Micro-Check Tile Trend"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-journey-body=\"standard-article\">\n<div class=\"css-hl6xtf e1wzc3k51\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.goodhousekeeping.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/clock-regular.4ddebeb.svg\" alt=\"Estimated read time\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><span class=\"css-deygkq e1wzc3k50\">3 min read<\/span><\/div>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"0\" class=\"css-1ood0zq emevuu60\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodhousekeeping.com\/home\/decorating-ideas\/a70700382\/historic-tile-stylish-return\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.goodhousekeeping.com\/home\/decorating-ideas\/a70700382\/historic-tile-stylish-return\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"right tiles\" data-node-id=\"0.1\" class=\"body-link css-7v8mn9 emevuu60\">right tiles<\/a> can completely change the feeling of a room. Some tiles evoke an ultra-modern feel, while others have a vintage charm. One tile pattern is seeing a revival in today&#8217;s homes, according to the pros. <strong data-node-id=\"0.3\">Designers shared that the micro-check tile trend<\/strong> is taking over. While larger checkerboard patterns have always been a stylish choice for floor tiles, this iteration utilizes smaller tiles for a slightly different feel. And there&#8217;s no need to limit yourself to the floor \u2014 experts say the micro-check tile pattern works for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodhousekeeping.com\/home\/decorating-ideas\/a69606048\/kitchen-backsplash-trends-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.goodhousekeeping.com\/home\/decorating-ideas\/a69606048\/kitchen-backsplash-trends-2026\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"kitchen backsplashes\" data-node-id=\"0.5\" class=\"body-link css-7v8mn9 emevuu60\">kitchen backsplashes<\/a>, bathroom walls, and even fireplaces. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"1\" class=\"css-1ood0zq emevuu60\">This trend is ideal for people who want some vintage appeal but don&#8217;t want their home to feel dated. \u201cLarger tiles in showers tend to look more modern,\u201d explains Jess Landis of <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/studiojldesign.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/studiojldesign.com\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Studio JL Design\" data-node-id=\"1.1\" class=\"body-link css-7v8mn9 emevuu60\">Studio JL Design<\/a> in Santa Ynez, California. \u201cIf you are going for a traditional or charming feel, opt for smaller!\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"2\" class=\"css-1ood0zq emevuu60\"><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jennfeldmandesigns.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.jennfeldmandesigns.com\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Jenn Feldman\" data-node-id=\"2.0\" class=\"body-link css-7v8mn9 emevuu60\">Jenn Feldman<\/a>, an interior designer in Los Angeles, agrees that this look combines retro playfulness with modern tastes. \u201cIt has history, but it can be reinterpreted in a way that feels completely fresh,\u201d she shares.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"5\" class=\"css-1ood0zq emevuu60\">Below, experts share everything to know about the micro-check tile trend that&#8217;s about to take over your Instagram and Pinterest feeds. <\/p>\n<div data-embed=\"body-image\" data-lazy-id=\"57e4950:6\" data-node-id=\"6\" class=\"embed css-1rn4ieq e1yri45i0\">\n<div size=\"medium\" data-embed=\"body-image\" class=\"align-left size-medium embed css-19m8ih8 e1fodxfw4\">\n<div class=\"css-1k29q50 e1fodxfw3\"><img draggable=\"true\" alt=\"Modern bathroom with elegant fixtures and decor.\" title=\"Modern bathroom with elegant fixtures and decor.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2688\" height=\"4000\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent;width:100%;height:auto;\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/a6f52ae8-58eb-47fd-a2d9-9a5a72420fe3.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=320:* 640w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/a6f52ae8-58eb-47fd-a2d9-9a5a72420fe3.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=480:* 980w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/a6f52ae8-58eb-47fd-a2d9-9a5a72420fe3.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:* 1120w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/a6f52ae8-58eb-47fd-a2d9-9a5a72420fe3.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:* 1400w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/a6f52ae8-58eb-47fd-a2d9-9a5a72420fe3.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:* 1800w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/a6f52ae8-58eb-47fd-a2d9-9a5a72420fe3.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:* 2000w\" src=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/a6f52ae8-58eb-47fd-a2d9-9a5a72420fe3.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:*\" class=\"css-0 e1ddfba50\"\/><\/p>\n<p><figcaption data-theme-key=\"photo-credit-figcaption\" class=\"css-1am3yn9 e1g9hcy40\"><span data-theme-key=\"photo-credit-creditor\" class=\"css-24c8bp e1geg53v2\">Design: Carrie Moore Interior Design; Photographer: Lissa Gotwals Photography<\/span><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"7\" class=\"css-1ood0zq emevuu60\">Best of all? Both designers say micro-checks offer a joy-sparking design moment that\u2019s simultaneously soothing. \u201cIt adds just enough visual interest without shouting,\u201d says Landis.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"8\" class=\"css-1ood0zq emevuu60\">When it comes to bringing this old-school look to 2026, size matters. North Carolina-based designer <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carriemooreid.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.carriemooreid.com\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Carrie Moore\" data-node-id=\"8.1\" class=\"body-link css-7v8mn9 emevuu60\">Carrie Moore<\/a> typically uses six-inch, square tiles in \u201chigh-quality, natural materials\u201d like ceramic, stone, concrete, or terrazzo. (Moore say she\u2019s particularly fond of Fireclay and Heath\u2019s tile offerings.) However, there\u2019s more to this trend than scale.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"9\" class=\"css-1ood0zq emevuu60\">While checkered tiles usually live on the floor, Landis encourages you to expand your horizons. \u201cWe\u2019re seeing checker show up on backsplashes, shower walls, fireplace surrounds, and even small accents in entryways or laundry rooms,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"10\" class=\"css-1ood0zq emevuu60\">Though Feldman loves to see micro-checks in \u201careas where you can have a little fun\u201d\u2014such as mudrooms, laundry rooms, and bathrooms\u2014they really have no limits. The key, she says, is to select a palette that matches the room\u2019s purpose. \u201cIt\u2019s always about balance,\u201d she explains. \u201cIn more formal spaces, they need to be quieter and more tonal.\u201d<\/p>\n<div data-embed=\"body-image\" data-lazy-id=\"57e4950:11\" data-node-id=\"11\" class=\"embed css-1rtcx3i e1yri45i0\">\n<div size=\"medium\" data-embed=\"body-image\" class=\"align-right size-medium embed css-1rl17jm e1fodxfw4\">\n<div class=\"css-1k29q50 e1fodxfw3\"><img draggable=\"true\" alt=\"photo by amy bartlam design by jenn feldman designs\" title=\"photo by amy bartlam design by jenn feldman designs\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2667\" height=\"4000\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent;width:100%;height:auto;\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/4054c020-22f7-4985-83e9-f4c3ec561256.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=320:* 640w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/4054c020-22f7-4985-83e9-f4c3ec561256.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=480:* 980w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/4054c020-22f7-4985-83e9-f4c3ec561256.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:* 1120w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/4054c020-22f7-4985-83e9-f4c3ec561256.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:* 1400w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/4054c020-22f7-4985-83e9-f4c3ec561256.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:* 1800w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/4054c020-22f7-4985-83e9-f4c3ec561256.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:* 2000w\" src=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/4054c020-22f7-4985-83e9-f4c3ec561256.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&amp;resize=640:*\" class=\"css-0 e1ddfba50\"\/><\/p>\n<p><figcaption data-theme-key=\"photo-credit-figcaption\" class=\"css-1am3yn9 e1g9hcy40\"><span data-theme-key=\"photo-credit-creditor\" class=\"css-24c8bp e1geg53v2\">Designer: Jenn Feldman; Photographer: Amy Bartlam<\/span><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"12\" class=\"css-1ood0zq emevuu60\">Regardless of <em data-node-id=\"12.1\">where<\/em> you place your micro-checks, one thing\u2019s for sure: It\u2019s time to retire that standard black and white color scheme. Both Moore and Landis gave the classic combo an updated twist by pairing neutrals with purple and blue, respectively. Meanwhile, Feldman took a more tonal approach in a laundry room project with a palette of peach and raspberry. \u201cSoften the palette,\u201d she recommends. \u201cContrast can feel harsh if you\u2019re not careful.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"13\" class=\"css-1ood0zq emevuu60\">Micro-checks might be having a moment <em data-node-id=\"13.1\">now<\/em>, but do they have staying power? Feldman says this tactic has been used in European design for centuries, so it\u2019s as timeless as it gets. \u201cThe key is in the interpretation,\u201d she says. \u201cHow you soften it, scale it, and layer it so it feels personal, current, and truly part of the home.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"14\" class=\"css-1ood0zq emevuu60\">Most important, Feldman says it\u2019s important to make your tiles the star of the room. \u201cDesign everything around it,\u201d she shares. \u201cIt should feel integrated, not added on.\u201d Fun, functional, and surprisingly soothing? Let\u2019s face it: Micro-checks have \u201cmain character energy\u201d written all over them.<\/p>\n<div data-journey-blur=\"partial\" data-ad-exclude=\"true\" data-fp-ignore=\"true\" class=\"css-19m4yzp e1jy25xv0\">\n<div class=\"css-sfzxfp ev8dhu59\"><span class=\"css-3mrz81 ev8dhu51\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/rover\/profile_photos\/80d84ea0-c2fd-4769-bdcb-c6371ef28ea1_1587586440.png?fill=1:1&amp;resize=120:*\" alt=\"Headshot of Kelsey Mulvey\" title=\"Headshot of Kelsey Mulvey\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"css-o0wq4v ev8dhu53\"\/><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"css-1dsojn8 ev8dhu55\">\n<div class=\"css-1h826bi ev8dhu54\">\n<p>Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for <em>Good Housekeeping<\/em>, <em>Women&#8217;s Health<\/em>, \u00a0<em>ELLE Decor<\/em>, and <em>Country Living<\/em> among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>3 min read The right tiles can completely change the feeling of a room. Some tiles evoke an ultra-modern feel, while others have a vintage charm. One tile pattern is seeing a revival in today&#8217;s homes, according to the pros. Designers shared that the micro-check tile trend is taking over. While larger checkerboard patterns have&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8331,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/13f31821-fffd-4bd4-b65f-33fe6329cdde.jpeg?crop=1.00xw:0.753xh;0,0.247xh&resize=1200:*","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8330","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-trending-viral-news"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8330","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8330"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8330\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8331"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8330"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8330"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8330"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}