Gingham is 'Back'
...but did it ever really leave?
Gingham is making it’s vibrant return in interior design, bringing with it a fresh, nostalgic charm. The classic checkered pattern can appear in anything from picnic linens to adorning the walls in enchanting country homes and everywhere in between. For me— it’s a reminder of home, springtime, and visits to the fabric store with my grandmother.
Growing Up Gingham
Growing up, few things signaled spring like a trip to the fabric store with my grandmother. I remember spending hours pouring over pattern books. I stood in awe looking at the wall of threads, the colorfully arranged buttons hanging on white cards and zippers in every color of the rainbow.Â
My grandmother loved to sew for us. Before we would head off to church, she took so much pride in dressing us up in one of her latest creations, which I now recognize was the highlight of her week. While I was not always crazy about my grandmother’s creations, mainly consisting of itchy lace, I can say with certainty my favorite frocks were made from cotton gingham.Â
For as long as I can remember, I have had a love for gingham— its smooth cotton coolness next to my skin and dizzying array of colors against crisp white. It was always hard for me to decide which color because I loved them all. One of my favorite details was the ricrac my grandmother would sew into the seams around the perimeter…a soft undulation of waves peaking out.Â
Grown Up Gingham
Today, gingham transports me in just the same way. There is not a scale or color I do not love in gingham. As you can see in the below images of some of my favorite projects, I love to see it used in a variety of ways. Whether on furniture or window treatments, bedding or table linens, even clothing, you cannot go wrong with this classic staple.Â
We can say it’s ‘back,’ but this classic pattern has never left my heart— or my work. On your next home re-do or DIY project, consider infusing your space with this sense of warmth and simplicity, while also offering a versatile option that can blend seamlessly with both modern and traditional decor.