Interior Trend: GINGHAM

Not to be confused with tattersall or plaid (originating in England and Scotland, respectively), gingham was first imported from Malaysia by Europeans in the 17th century. The Malay word genggang means “striped,” as was the original pattern. Over time, the striped pattern evolved into a check, using any single bold color paired with white. By the 20th century gingham had been popularized in the production of table linens and fashion. Traditionally, we think of gingham as representative of classic mid-west attire (think Dorothy Gale from Kansas), but it is currently popping up in both preppy and modern fashion and trend setting décor.

The recent sightings of this playful yet practical pattern on the runway is pushing it's adaptable grid to the forefront.

"Spectacular and beautiful gingham patterns make up one of the most frequently-met print trends for this year's spring / summer 2015 season, coming up with the most enticing and innovative design details and combinations, thus providing a quite big variety of color solutions and creative silhouettes. Michael Kors had a separate and unique interpretation of the gingham prints, coming up with the classic combination of black, white, and gray shades for the classic tea length skirts." - Fashionisers

Along with Ashish and Karen Walker, other interesting designs can be found in the collections of Lela Rose, Diane von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren and Yves Salomon and many others. According to Diane Von Furstenberg, “gingham is the print of the moment." DVF’s current spring collection is filled with the gingham pattern translated in an up-to-date way for today’s fashion market. Different sized prints are combined in chic, contemporary designs to create a look DVF describes as “playful and sophisticated.”

"Gingham is hot right now in fashion and interior design. It’s a classic pattern and one of the most versatile. It’s able to work with just about any style, because the pattern can be scaled up or down depending upon what it’s complementing. This pattern isn’t just for children’s rooms or country cottages anymore. It’s now taking on a fresh new sophistication." Peggy Pardo/Decorating Files

"If you would like to have a mixture of sophistication and elegance in one design pattern, Gingham is the best design pattern that you can have for your house. It will allow you to mix and match your curtains and other pieces of furniture to unify and connect them into one interior design plan." - Decozilla

“Gingham. This plaid pattern appeared in more traditional rooms back in the day, but today designers are mixing large-scale ginghams into modern.” -Terrat Elms Interior Design

"Gingham. These distinctive checks are popping up everywhere, even in interiors that are decidedly non-country. Big checks feel bold and graphic; smaller patterns have a springtime freshness to them. Gingham is especially versatile, too — pair it with florals for a quirky, unexpected look, or use it to lighten up a dramatic interior." - Apartment Therapy

"Well it’s time to think about gingham in an entirely new way! It is now cool, funky and hip. When mixed with contemporary style, it becomes a throw back to classic old school style and brings a bit of nostalgia. Take the scale up a notch and it becomes a graphic and modern pattern." - Jenny Ladutko/The Design Dish

No longer a pattern for accent pieces. Go big and bold with it! It's showing up as large patterns on walls, on celings and floors.

New Ravenna Mosaics is an American designer and manufacturer of stone and glass mosaic tiles for both residential and commercial installations. They have a product line featuring the gingham pattern.

"Lately, every time I see the gingham pattern on something, whether it’s an article of clothing or an item for the home, I want to grab it! I love this look even though in the past I’ve considered gingham too traditional and a tad bit “country”–well, so long country and hello hip! I adore this pattern paired with other prints and love seeing gingham in unusual colors. I’ve pulled together a list of items that I am currently loving!" - The Interior Stylist

Restaurant and Bar interiors are applying the look in their spaces as well.

In 1994 I (Rob Sapp) came across the photo below in a Laura Ashley Home catalog. It was this image that introduced me to the gingham patttern (found on the fireplace) as an interior design asset. I determined how to duplicate this pattern in a larger scale (using three shades of a color) and over the years painted it on 2 kitchens and a family room.

“To put a gender-neutral spin on gingham, choose a feminine color such as pink or coral for tailored upholstery and use chrome nail heads,” said HGTV. “The combination will create a menswear-inspired look that’s also female-friendly.”

Hästens Beds (Swedish pronunciation: [hɛstens]) is no newcomer to the use of gingham. They are a Swedish manufacturer established in 1852, and make beds that cost anywhere from $4,750 to $59,750. In 1978, Jack Ryde designed Hästens' blue check pattern that was presented for a furniture trade fair. The blue-check gingham pattern is a registered trademark for Hästens beds and is protected. Hästens manufactures their beds and mattresses by hand using natural materials like cotton, horse hair, wool and flax. They are the official bedding supplier of Sweden’s royal court. In 2010 Wallpaper magazine gave them the Design for Best Bed award.