I may love fashion, but few things thrill me more than home decor. In some ways I view

it as an extension of fashion–they're both intrinsically linked to the spirit of design and trends, so it's no surprise when a few of the runway's biggest themes infiltrate the interior design realm. One of the biggest we've noticed this season is the checkered trend. An abundance of the eye-catching print has popped up in lookbooks and shows from Gucci and Stine Goya to Christopher John Rogers and Dolce & Gabbana. Now, check is the microtrend popping up in all of our favorite home decor shops. 

Make your way over to the fashion side of Instagram and you'll likely find a checkered object in the background of a few fashion girls–from area rugs to vases and ceramic mugs. The appeal is simple: it's an unexpected element that's simultaneously quirky, fresh, and versatile. With neutrals heavily dominating this season (in both the fashion and interior design worlds), the pattern is a refreshing excursion into the maximalist side of things. As someone who's constantly researching interior design trends, I've already invested in a few checkered items to brighten up my apartment. For those wishing to dip their toe into the pool, skip the large area rugs and go for something small like an accent pillow to start out. There are plenty more checkered pieces to uplift your space, so read below to see them all.