Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Red and White Checks

What do you think of when you see red and white checks?
Does it remind you of American Country? Swedish Country? Country Cottage?
Is it dated, or does it still look fresh?

I think the backsplash in this kitchen designed by Anthony Baratta and William Diamond looks very fresh and unexpected. What makes it work is that it is a pop of color in an otherwise all white kitchen. I don't know if I would be brave enough to do this though.

This farmhouse sink skirted with buffalo check fabric also works because of the white backsplash.

Country Living
You have to admit, checks are classic!
What a fun treatment for this pantry's walls!

My Home Ideas
And, I love these retro red and white checked linoleum floors.
They conjure up nostalgic memories of days gone by. Just add cookies and milk!

Country Living
I think red and white checks can be fun, fresh and playful as seen here in this bathroom.
Painting the tub and chair red kept the look from being too predictable.

House Beautiful
Red and white checks can be quite sophisticated too. I have had this photo in my inspiration file forever. Who knew a sectional sofa could look this good!

In my sunroom, I had this chair slipcovered in a small red and white check several years ago.
I think it still looks ok, but lately have been wondering if it's time for a change.
Is it time to retire my checks?

Are they getting a little tired or dated?

I also upholstered my kitchen chairs with checked fabric. Time for a change?
Yea or nay?

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53 comments:

La Dolfina said...

Definitely NO. Your checks are understated and lovely and look perfect where you've used them.
Sorry I haven't been around for a while, though I've been keeping tabs on you and you've been busy getting around doing all kinds of fun things!
I miss you and would love to see you again soon!!
xo

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Wonderful! I've just discovered your fabulous blog via Cabin and Cottage and can't wait to look at more! I love a previous post you have compiled on laundry rooms, the glass apothecary jars are such a fantastic idea! I'm off to make a cup of tea and enjoy the rest of your inspiration!

Sarah said...

Delores, I vote to keep the checks! I want to move right in to your beautiful home. Every photo you show looks fresh and welcoming. The sunroom is especially so with all that fabulous light streaming in. I love your style. Keep the red checks! ~ Sarah

On Crooked Creek said...

Delores,
Red & White checks say country to me. . .especially, French Country! I adore French Country and I adore your red & white checks. Sometimes it is time for change. Whatever you decide will be a beautiful decor decision!
Fondly,
Pat

Anonymous said...

Keep all the checks! Or better yet, send all of them to me.

Laura

Southerncook said...

Red and White checks are timeless. Definitely keep them. I particularly love your chair and ottoman and you have given it an updated look with the use of what looks to be a needlepoint pillow with the black background. It's awesome.

I enjoyed your pics you shared and the one of the farmhouse sink was the inspiration of my farmhouse sink in my kitchen redo a couple of years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed this post.

Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

Checks are still fresh and have a simple elegance about them...keep yours...they are beautiful in each nuance in which you have used them.

Gayle from Vintage Farmhouse said...

I love the checks. I have black checks in my home. Checks are a classic and will look great in many styles and will never go out of "style".

Julie Harward said...

I guess I am with it and didn't even know it! I have lots of it through my home and love it..never get tired of it! ;D

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

I like them. And love that you do not see them everywhere...yet!

Classic.

Dianne said...

Do not change one thing!!! It is so refreshing to see color and not all the white linen and seagrass that I am so tired of. Your home is warm and lovely. Love it!!!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love your checks!! I vote for keeping them.
Hugs,
Penny

Sheila said...

I say say keep the checks. Try adding some toile into the mix for a little fresh french country look. Some toile with a yellow or black background would look sooo cute!

Calypso In The Country said...

I never get tired of looking at your amazing home! I would vote for keeping the checks. I love the classic look and that kitchen dining area is one of the most inviting ones I have ever seen!

Anonymous said...

I love the checks...they are timeless and simply lovely.....but if you are in need for a change...have some lovely neutral slips made ...then you can enjoy two looks....and still "keep" the checks!
Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage
AndeM1@hotmail.com

Angela said...

One of my followers sent me your link on a comment today...LOL. Oh that girl KNOWS what I love...It's so funny with your first pic,,,I JUST finished putting the same fabric (it's a napkin)under a vignette I have in my back hallway, to add some more punch....

Your definitely asking the wrong woman here for any advice about a change since I am OBSESSIVE about anything red, anything gingham, anything red and white checks and red toile!!

Sandy A said...

DO NOT get rid of your checks!! I just absolutely love your chair and ottoman. I don't think checks ever go out of style. Keep them all...

Tricia Rose Rough Linen said...

I love BIG checks, not so keen on little ones, and red and white are classic. I once covered a wing chair in Ian Mankin's large red and white checks, and it was the business (where did it go?!)

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

No, no, no! Do not get rid of those red checks! I love them and there is nothing that looks tired or dated about those checks you have.

Unknown said...

Hi there...just popped in from Savvy Southern Style and am enjoying your blog. Your home is beautiful and I think the red check chair is fine. I love all the bigger red checks in the post...I love pops of red. Very pretty!
Happy Spring Ya'll from Houston!

Gerry said...

I'm going to make it unanimous and say keep the checks. It amazes me what great taste you have !!!

Bonnie Bee said...

NO WAY should you change one little thing in your FABULOUS home... your decorating style is timeless & gorgeous!!! elegant & cozy... all wrapped up in a show house!

Anonymous said...

Those checks still look great, but, I'm thinking maybe you are are tired of them. That does happen with us creative types; we have to keep moving forward exploring new looks. Maybe do some slip covers so you can keep the checks for when ever you want them and still explore a new look.Love your style:)
Miranda, SF Bay Area

Gina said...

Next best thing to red and white checks are blue and white checks. However, I agree with everyone else, your red and white looks perfect for your home.

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

NO! Don't change! Checks are classic and timeless...I have LOVED them for years and I love yours.....

I think French Country when I see them....LOVE'EM!

Lou Cinda :)

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Delores I LOVE!!! your red and white ck chair in the sunroom and love the cushions in the kitchen. Definitely keepers!! Martina

Rose of Sharon said...

I say keep them! They look so perfect in your home. i love how you mix your styles. I LOVE your chair! Don't change a thing!!!

Hugs, Sharon

Babs said...

I vote to keep them. I think red and white checks are always so cheerful, especially in a sun room or family room... or breakfast room or......

Victoria said...

Billy Baldwin is famous for this remark: "Be faithful to your own taste because nothing you really like is ever out of style." That said there are a few classics that one can never go wrong with. Checks are one of those in my world. But as
someone mentioned slipcovers would give you another option. Have black and tan in my breakfast room and on the black wicker in the sunroom cannot imagine growing tired of it.

Anonymous said...

Oh please, NO, do NOT get rid of them. I have red checks and have been thinking the same thing, but, everyone who has commented is correct--It is Country French and timeless. Good taste is rare, and things that do not get dated are rare...So trends come and go, but just like Pierre Deux says, you know, " for over 40 years"...How lucky and wonderful that you have classically good taste.

Lori Lucas said...

I know my opinion does not count a didly-squat, but I LOVE your checks. I salivated over every single red and white check picture you featured. Twenty years ago I had a red and white checked floor...but then moved. I have seriously been thinking of putting one in again. There is something about red and white checks that are timeless....or at least in my mind. It is my absolute favorite, and probably always will be! Thanks for the eye candy! Lori L

Bring Pretty Back said...

My favorite is the farmhouse sink and curtain.
So COZY!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

A Toile Tale said...

Delores -
I must admit that I'm pondering the same thing. I went a little wild about 5 years ago with apple green checks. While not as classic as red/white, I love them. However, I'm dreaming that a green/wh ikat would be really fabulous! It has that same no pattern-pattern to the eye, but i'm betting that I would tire of that even faster.
Linda @ A Toile Tale

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

I personally am a red check kind of farmhouse girl. I love them and never tire of them. I loved every picture you showed us. Such beautiful things for the eye to behold! GReat blog too. I'm your newest follower! Have an awesome day....I'm grabbing some hot tea and I'm going to now brouse through the rest of your wonderful blog!
Blessings,
Debbie

Sheila said...

When i see the big red checks like the first pic, I think of the old fashioned kind of American Italian restaurant that has one big pot of red sauce on the back of the stove that they put on everything on the menu, cheap, hearty red wine sold by the carafe, plasic grapes hanging by trellises over your head and old Chinti bottles dripping with candle wax. And I wish I was in the place right now! There used to be one just like this in Belmont Shore..

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Delores, Keep the red checks! I am always drawn to this fabric. I have the red buffalo check fabric in your first picture. It will soon be made into a cushion for my French Country style bench.
Hugs,
Sherry

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Delores, Oh goodness NO! I am so tired of seeing all the wimpy white and vapid lack of color everywhere. I LOVE the red and white. It is classic and comfy and one of a kind! Your red and white is gorgeous. It works so well with the beautiful pieces you have! Please, please don't do away with this striking color and pattern.
IT HAS STYLE!
See what happens when you ask my opinion?
xo Yvonne

Sue said...

I'm another fan of the red checks. In fact, in my family room I have 2 red check chairs, and am ordering more fabric to have cushions made for 2 more chairs!!
Love the checks!!!
Sue

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Delores, you know I love red and white checks. Such a classic.

Bevelry said...

Don't change them.. I still love them! I don't think they ever look dated. French country to me. I have a runner and wish I had bought more fabric it is very hard to find now.. so would have used it again could I have found it

The Tablescaper said...

Your home looks beautiful and reflect you. Don't worry about the trends. Be true to you.

- The Tablescaper

maureen harber said...

I need that red and white sectional NOW!

AT HOME BLOG said...

My Dear,
I think that your sunroom is just perfect as it is right now!! I LOVE IT!!!
You make me dream always...
Etta

Allison Shops said...

It depends on the room they are in if they appear Swedish, country, or chic to me. Not dated. Tired? Maybe, but that's totally up to you!

Allison
Atticmag

Kathysue said...

Hi D, I don't know how I missed this post, I did not get it as far as I know, I had better check my email!! Now you know how I feel about checks they are one of my favorite patterns. In fact I just wrote a post about them and what I discovered I like and don't like well, it is not a true, don't like because I do love them. I think you are ready for a change and I know what you are thinking because we have talked about this very subject so I am in the minority I say I would make a change, but that is also because I am in the process of doing the same with the almost identical fabric as yours. If you want a check maybe something a little larger and more neutral or a complete chang all together. I know you will pick the perfect fabric!!! xo Kathysue

home before dark said...

Love the checks! Almost 40 years ago (EEEKS!) I upholstered two chairs that had been my husband's grandparents. The chairs have moved with us, moved into different rooms, flirted with different pillows. Still love them.

CYNDY's Beach House said...

oi...even though Im a beach girl I LOVE your look. Its so hard for us artists/creators not to change but is change always good?

The check is so easy to add pattern to. And you added the infamous burlap array of pillows. Do u want red and white toile?

You and your blog inspires me ;))

Cyndy
Cyndy's BEACH HOUSE

Gypsy Heart said...

I love the checks! I wouldn't change...and I adore red.

Gina said...

NO, NO, NO, keep the checks! I love the way it looks and of course the fact that I love red might have something to do with it.

Gina

Carol S. said...

I think red buffalo checks say TRADITIONAL to me. I purchased a wing chair and ottoman in red check years ago, and it's probably my statement piece in my living room. I like it in winter with all the red and green decor, and summer with yellow sun flowers near by. Keep your checks, and thanks for sharing them!

Cyndia said...

Please, KEEP the checks. Everything in your house beckons one to come in and sit awhile. Don't change a thing. It looks so comfortable and cozy.

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I love your checks because they are stylish and understated, they don't SCREAM red and white checks! You ahve such fabulous taste, don't doubt yourself! I love your kitchen chairs, have always wanted a set up like that with the chairs and the built in banguette. You are right, who knew a sectional could looks so fabulous!!!! XO, Pinky

Anonymous said...

Love the checks. Where did you get red and white kitchen flooring, been looking for a year??

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