All of a sudden, they're everywhere: '90s trends. From honey-oak cabinets to glass-fronted panels, the looks of this decade are returning to our kitchens with a vengeance, and checkerboard tiles might be the chicest re-emerging look.
To explore the resurgence of this two-toned style, we look back to 1992, when Goldie Hawn proved just how pretty it could be. The actress's Los Angeles home featured a blue-and-white tiled backsplash and countertops. In addition to stainless steel appliances and open storage, these ceramic accents gave her home a cozy and lived-in yet elevated feel associated with the era.
Photos of Goldie's space are a time capsule of the quintessential '90s kitchen.
In 2026, all the chicest people are following her lead. Across Pinterest, we've noted the rise of tiled floors, patterned appliances, and checked rugs, signaling an uptick in the checkerboard trend.
But how is the look appearing in the world's prettiest homes? To dive deeper, spoke with designers about the style's enduring appeal. We also curated an edit of the best checkered accessories to bring Goldie's look into your kitchen this year.
If you want to bring a touch of checkerboard into your home at a low cost, these gorgeous utensil holders are an ultra-chic pick for placing the style on your countertops.
Foundry Select End-Grain Acacia Cutting Board
End-grain boards are having a moment right now: they strike the perfect balance between function and style, and the checkerboard look is an instant talking point. It's pretty enough to leave out on your countertops all the time for a never-ending dose of checker.
A checkered rug is gorgeous for adding pattern into your home underfoot, and the fact that this rug is washable is an added benefit. It works well for the kitchen, or any other space where you want a bit of whimsy.
This handsome toaster is sure to invite plenty of compliments from your guests. What better way to add a touch of checkerboard to your kitchen than a practical appliance?
Sterling Check is one of my favorite MacKenzie-Childs colorways, and I adore this set; I'd gladly add it to my collection of country grandmother-inspired tableware. A sugar bowl feels so charming and old-world for countertop panache.
Who doesn't love a hint of cherry? I'd be skipping out of bed to make my morning brew if I owned this gorgeous kettle.
Though checkerboard is popular in general, it's especially useful as a kitchen trend. Xhensila Lala, Creative Director at William Morris Wallpaper Co, explains: 'Checkerboard has been around since the Renaissance, and kitchens and dining rooms are where it keeps showing up. That’s not an accident since the pattern creates an immediate focal point without needing anything else in the room to do the heavy lifting.'
'A key reason it works so well in dining spaces is contrast,' continues Xhensila. 'Your eye goes straight to it. In a mostly white room, that level of contrast gives the space a clear visual center, and the dining table becomes the obvious place people gather around.'
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As we see from the eye-catching backsplash in Goldie's kitchen, this pattern adds gorgeous emphasis. Xhensila tells : 'The geometry does something solid colors can’t; It adds structure to the room without adding visual clutter. I’ve worked with spaces where the table alone changed the entire atmosphere, and checkerboard was the reason guests stayed longer at the table.'
Furthermore, checkerboard can hide a multitude of sins. Hence Goldie's choice to use it on areas that are apt to get dirty like countertops. 'There’s also a practical side here, advises Xhensila. 'Darker patterns work well in busy spaces like dining rooms because they hide crumbs, spills and everyday wear better than solid colors. That makes them especially practical for a room used every day.'
As nostalgia rules kitchen trends, checkerboard designs will only grow more popular. Goldie's '90s kitchen is always the perfect place for inspiration.
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