When I first realize early on that something is a trend, it always happens the same way: I notice myself liking something new — and usually out of character — and when I stop to question why, all I come up with is an instinct that it suddenly just feels right. In the case of checkerboard, that moment happened when I was at a thrift store in Columbus, Ohio, last fall: I found a vintage leather bag with a black-and-white harlequin checker pattern, and despite it not being my style at all, I knew I haaaaaaad to have it. Fast forward six months, and Jill and I have amassed a folder full of images that grows bigger by the week, as we see checkerboard patterns flying by on the Instagram accounts of fashion brands, interior designers, and shops. Below is a roundup of our favorite examples of the trend, but prepare yourself for a lot more — despite faint echoes of bad ’80s interiors and ska bands, trust us, it’s coming.A private residence designed by Robert McKinleyBedding and pillow by Dusen Dusen HomeGeometric Mother Vase by Maria Lenskjold for Mr. LarkinChess Table by Front for MoooiHistorical Apartment by Veresnovsky StudioDamier rug by CC TapisCheckerboard coffee table by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin

Candles by Crying CloverDora Mule in blue checkerboard by No. 6 Standard Baggu and 3-D Zip Set by BagguCheckered Madda Chair by Michael Felix (email the designer to inquire)The Eye by Bloc Studios Cinch Bag and Alexander Girard Checker fabric by Maharam
Checkerboard Wabi-Sabi rugs by Home UnionCheckmate Shag Rug by AelfieChecker Throws by 5th26 Pop Checkerboard Pillow and Baby Alpaca Throw by Jonathan Adler

Los Angeles residence by Etc.etera