| |

Coastal Laundry Room Makeover with Checkerboard Marble Tile

This post contains affiliate links, please read our disclosures.

When I set out to design my laundry room, I knew I wanted to create a space that was not only functional but also stylish. After all, a beautifully designed laundry area can truly elevate the feel of my entire home. Most days, I feel like the laundry room is where I spend most of my time with three kids, so I wanted it to look pretty and feel like me.

Our laundry room is also an extension of our pantry, making it a popular space and busy place in our home. It’s perfectly moody in there with lots of light and counter space for doing laundry. The highlight of the renovation? The checkerboard marble tile.

Styling the laundry room with fake flowers, checkerboard floor, and accessible beige cabinets.
Photography by Callie Webster for Charleston Home + Design Magazine

One of my standout choices for this project was using checkerboard marble tile, specifically the stunning Casablanca Carrara & Bardiglio Grey Marble from Riad Tile. Let me share about this tile, and how it is beautiful when combined with vertical shiplap walls and accessible beige cabinets. The checkerboard tile absolutely transformed my laundry room into a chic and inviting space.

The Appeal of Checkerboard Marble Tile in a Laundry Room

I’ve always loved the elegance of checkerboard patterns, and I knew they would be perfect for my laundry room. When you travel to Europe or walk into elegant spaces in our hometown, Charleston, South Carolina, you will see these tile patterns everywhere. The 12″x12″ honed checkerboard tile combines the pristine white of Carrara marble with the soft grey of Bardiglio, creating a fun contrast that’s both fresh and timeless. This pattern not only draws the eye but also adds texture, making the overall aesthetic feel more refined.

Why Checkerboard Tile?

Using checkerboard tile in design offers numerous benefits, making it a popular choice for various spaces. Here are some compelling reasons to consider this classic pattern:

Marble floor in black and white checkerboard pattern.
Photography by Caitlyn Motycka Photography
1. Timeless Appeal

Checkerboard patterns have a long history in design, making them timeless. They can blend with both traditional and modern design, ensuring that your space remains stylish over the years.

2. Visual Interest

The contrast created by alternating colors adds depth and visual intrigue to a room. This dynamic pattern can draw the eye and serve as a focal point, enhancing the overall design.

3. Versatility

Checkerboard tile can be used in various settings, from kitchens and bathrooms to laundry rooms and entryways. It works well with different materials, including marble, ceramic, and vinyl, allowing for a range of looks. I’ve seen the look accomplished with peel and stick tile as well.

4. Enhances Space Perception

The bold pattern can create an illusion of depth and space, making smaller areas feel larger. This is particularly beneficial in compact rooms where you want to maximize the sense of openness.

5. Easy to Coordinate
Laundry room design with beige cabinets, black and white floors, and white walls.
Photography by Caitlyn Motycka Photography

Checkerboard tiles can be easily paired with various colors and textures, making it simple to coordinate with existing decor. Whether you choose bold colors or muted tones like our accessible beige cabinets, the tile can complement a wide range of styles.

shop the post
6. Durability

Many checkerboard tiles, especially those made from materials like ceramic or marble, are known for their durability. This makes them a practical choice for high-traffic areas, ensuring they withstand wear and tear over time. Read my tips for living with marble tile.

Checkerboard marble tile white bright white grout.
7. Classic and Modern Blend

Checkerboard patterns can evoke a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh. This duality allows you to create a space that feels both classic and contemporary, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

Checkerboard tile is a versatile and stylish choice that can enhance the aesthetic and functionality of any space. Whether you’re aiming for a classic look or a modern twist, this pattern can help you achieve your design goals.

Vertical Shiplap Walls: A Touch of Character

You know I’m a big fan of wall treatments and love the look of vertical shiplap. Don’t listen to the neigh-sayers, it’s not out of style. Just use it in a classic approach. To complement the elegance of the checkerboard tile, I decided to add vertical shiplap walls.

This classic design element brings warmth and texture, evoking the charm of coastal cottages. The vertical orientation makes the room feel taller and more spacious while adding a modern twist.

I chose to paint the shiplap in a light, warm white color—white dove—enhancing the bright and breezy feel of the laundry room. This combination of shiplap and marble creates a seamless blend of rustic and refined, perfect for my coastal home.

Accessible Beige Cabinets: Practicality Meets Style

Storage was a priority for me in this laundry room. I decided to stack our washer and dryer to allow for more space. I also opted to continue the look of the kitchen into the laundry room with accessible beige cabinets. This warm, neutral shade is so beautiful with our checkerboard tile.

Large vintage cabinet in the laundry room with checkerboard tile.

Quartz Remnant

I spent most of our budget in the kitchen and decided to save money in the laundry room but using a remnant from a local stoneyard. It is very simple with little veining and I love that it doesn’t compete with the marble tile. It is also very durable making it an excellent choice for the laundry room.

Countertop in laundry room, white with vertical shiplap and walls painted in warm white.
Quartz countertop with faux flowers.

Bringing It All Together

To create a cohesive look in my laundry room, I kept a few tips in mind:

  1. Lighting: I chose fixtures that enhance the timeless theme. I’m a huge fan of Visual Comfort lighting and this pendant is both elegant and beautiful. I love the scalloped glass design as well.
  2. Accessories: I incorporated my thrifted finds like large bread boards, woven baskets, collected art, and our fabulous vintage pie safe into the design to make it moody and classic.
  3. Functional Layout: I ensured that my layout promotes efficiency. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for more space. I love the countertop for folding clothes and a designated space for sorting laundry make the room more functional.
  4. Durable Flooring: While the checkerboard tile adds beauty, I also considered durability. Marble is stunning and resilient, making it an excellent choice for a high-traffic area like a laundry room. Just make sure you keep it sealed and use marble safe products when cleaning. I opt to avoid bleach in the laundry room to avoid any spills!
shop the post
Laundry room decor with black and white marble floors, vertical shiplap, and vintage pieces.

The Laundry Room

Using checkerboard marble tile from Riad Tile, alongside vertical shiplap walls and accessible beige cabinets, has created a stunning laundry room that feels both coastal and timeless. This design approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space but also ensures it remains practical and functional for everyday use.

I’m thrilled with how my laundry room turned out—it’s now a stylish retreat that reflects the essence of coastal living, making laundry day a bit more enjoyable. With careful consideration of materials and design elements, I’ve created a space that is as beautiful as it is functional.

Similar Posts

Similar Posts