Farmhouse Style PLAID IN

Ideas for incorporating plaid and checkered patterns into your home

• WALLS. There are many larger surfaces in a room where you can add plaids. Go big with a buffalo-check wallpaper, or use it on the upper walls with wainscoting underneath. You could even paint the walls yourself in a large checked pattern, which would work well for a children’s bedroom or guest bedroom.

• WINDOWS. If you prefer nonpatterned walls, try gingham or plaid curtains with your preferred color palette. You could also get a charming retro farmhouse look with a shorter valance or Roman shade curtains on a kitchen or bathroom window.

• BEDDING. Whether for the sheets, duvet or bed pillows, plaid is a perfect bedding choice. If you like to change out your cotton sheets for flannel in the winter, plaid will work well in traditional colors to tie in with your fall and Christmas décor.

• FURNITURE. Upholstery is a good place to add a tartan, buffalo check or Madras plaid pattern. These patterns work especially well for smaller furniture pieces such as armchairs, dining chairs and barstools.

• ACCESSORIES. In many other areas in your home you can add a touch of plaid or checks without making it the main pattern in the room. Try accenting your décor with plaid in throw pillows and blankets, bathmats, dining table runners, decorative ribbon and even wall art.