If I've had a particularly long day at the office, one of my favorite things to do once I'm home is curl up on the couch and flip through old decorating and design books. 

Last night was one of those nights.

Most of the time I end up reading the same book over and over. It's called Colefax and Fowler's Interior Inspirations, written by British decorating phenom Roger Banks-Pye. It's about thirteen years old, a relic my sweet Mom let me "borrow" from her interior design library at her office. Most of the rooms in it are elegant in a very British way but casual at the same time, which I love. 

Every time I pick it up, I end up on one particular page right in the middle of the book. It's a close-up of the overscale wall checks that appear on the cover. The idea feels Southern because checks remind me of quilt patchwork. 

Look closely. The motif isn't wallpaper. It's simply squares of rice paper tacked to the wall. How inventive is that?

If you have the patience, it's an inexpensive way to add a whollop of graphic pattern anywhere in the house.

However, if you're not in the mood for a project, this indigo-checked chair from Terrain is a great way to get the patchwork look in a smaller dose. 

I also love Kathryn Ireland's blurry, bohemian take on the classic check fabric. Photo Below.

I would love to upholster an entryway or small hallway in it.

Like stripes, checks are as easy to use in a masculine interior as a feminine one—making the motif one of decorating's most versatile. 

Does anyone else love checks as much as I do?