Black and white flooring checks every box when it comes to style, timelessness and neutrality.
It’s extremely versatile and plays well against a variety of materials, like wood and metal,” said Rebekah Zaveloff, co-founder and creative director of Chicago-based Imparfait Design Studio and Kitchen Lab Interiors. It is especially striking in the kitchen.
"Because of its neutrality, it can work well with almost any type of stone countertops—from something more subtle and textural like a soapstone to a more intricate calacatta marble,” Zaveloff said.
For ideas on decorating the rest of the kitchen with distinction, follow these tips from the design pros.
Go for Bold
A kitchen designed by Rebekah Zaveloff features neutral tones and organic textures throughout to let the floors take center stage. Photography by Michael Alan Kaskel
“Because black and white floors are like a tuxedo, timeless and versatile, there is a lot of flexibility with color. A deep blue wall or cabinetry looks amazing against a black and white floor, as do bolder hues like red and green. That said, whites, creams and washed blacks (whether on cabinets, surfaces or walls) can add a calming yet elevated vibe if you prefer a more subdued palette. Depending on the material and color palette for the rest of the kitchen, both brass and nickel fittings can work beautifully.
When using more black and white throughout the space, avoid materials that are too high gloss to keep it from feeling clinical.
Don’t be afraid to go bold. Tones like olive green and deep goldenrod yellow can be chic as a wall color or backsplash. I also love the idea of using an oxblood slab for the countertops for some high drama.
For some kitchens, I’d reserve the big ‘wow’ pattern moment for the floors, but using a marble countertop with veining, like a Breccia Vino marble, would be a gorgeous complement. We’ve paired black and white tile floors with organic floral or high-pattern wallpaper in breakfast rooms and foyers for clients who want to make a statement - the classic floor grounds the drama beautifully.
To keep a black and white checkered floor from feeling too retro, pair it with walnut cabinets or a walnut island for a little bit of earthiness.” -Rebekah Zaveloff, Co-Founder + Creative Director of both Imparfait Design Studio and Kitchen Lab Interiors based in Chicago
Let the Flooring Lead the Way
“A black-and-white checkerboard floor instantly gives a kitchen a sense of heritage and intention. It’s one of the rare design choices that feels both old-world and graphic—classic but with a pulse. Checkerboard floors create movement, guide the eye and anchor a room by demanding attention. They invite a bit of romance into a space that can otherwise skew purely functional.
The grid already gives you rhythm and structure; the mistake is adding too many competing elements. The trick is to let the floor do the talking -but in a calm, articulate voice - while everything else supports it.
Think of the floor as the room’s spine. The color palette should elongate rather than break that line. Soft neutrals like warm whites, oatmeals, putties or even muted greens prevent the space from feeling harsh. To make the space shout, add rich reds and gold tones. If you introduce contrast, do it deliberately - a single dark moment, a dramatic stone countertop - rather than sprinkling in a dozen small ones.
Color works best when it feels incidental, almost like the room collected it over time. Vintage wood furniture adds warmth without competing. Sage, moss and olive greens pair beautifully with checkerboard floors because they soften the geometry. If you want a bolder move, painted millwork in a muted tone - think Copenhagen blue or clay terracotta -adds personality without eclipsing the floor.” - Jason Saft, founder of Staged to Sell Home in Brooklyn, New York
Maintain a Balance
“Checkered flooring instantly adds design without the extra styling and is versatile in both historic and modern abodes. The simplicity creates movement underfoot and defines the space.
It is already a strong visual focal point, so balance is crucial. Keep cabinetry and countertops simpler to let the floor lead. And commit to a clear direction: high-contrast black and white or softened with warm neutrals or wood tones and natural stone can calm the graphic pattern. One controlled accent tone repeated in a few places works well.
Rely on texture and finish variation rather than more patterns and mix matte and polished finishes. Consider adding soft materials like linen or sheer window treatments.
Proportion matters. Checkerboard reads large, so supporting patterns should be quieter. Tile size impacts the feel; larger squares look more elegant and less busy. Diagonal layouts can visually widen narrow kitchens.” - New York City-based designer Scott Francis
