The buffalo check trend has been around for a while in the decorating world, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Also known as buffalo plaid, this classic pattern has always been a staple of farmhouse-style design.
I’m not particularly into farmhouse style myself (just personal taste) – I prefer my decorating to have a bit more of a modern edge. That’s why I’ve been loving seeing the buffalo check trend popping up so much lately with more of a modern twist to it.
The truth is that a classic, bold pattern can be at home with just about any style. Modern, glam, farmhouse, industrial, eclectic, Scandi, even Boho… and any combination of those.
Buffalo check is often found in the little accents, so it’s not too overwhelming for a space – a cushion on the sofa, a runner on the table, a throw over the end of a bed.
For those who aren’t pattern-shy, you’ll also see the trend extending to walls. Buffalo check wallpaper is a hot feature right now, and you can even DIY the same effect by painting overlapping stripes with painter’s tape. It’s also popping up in tile patterns and furniture upholstery. The more you look around, the more of it you’ll see.
Buffalo check has really risen above its cosy-farmhouse roots and reinvented itself as a modern classic – a simple but graphic statement pattern that can add a hint of drama to any room. It punches above its weight because it goes with so many different styles that it’s become a style statement in its own right.
Here are 40 gorgeous rooms to show you how effective buffalo check can be. By the end, maybe you will have caught the bug too.
via Keely Mann
Buffalo checks and kids’ rooms go together like peanut butter and jelly. Scandi-style kids rooms featuring black and white graphic patterns are a hot trend, and our friend the buffalo check is right at home with that.
via Keely Mann
Can anyone say Boho-farmhouse? I’m loving the way modern Boho elements like the Moroccan rug, rope baskets, plants and mounted skull collide with classic farmhouse elements like the panelling and slipcovered couch. A simple black and white palette pulls it all together, and the whole thing WORKS.
All the heart eyes for Keely Mann’s home. Go follow her on Instagram. Here’s some more of her goodness…
via Keely Mann
A little bit of leftover wallpaper gets the niche treatment. Just the right amount of pattern to create a focal point without overwhelming the room.
via Keely Mann
Black penny round tiles, subway, panelling and buffalo check. Oh, my. Bathroom swoon!
via Hi Sugar Plum
Let’s change it up and throw in some colour! Buffalo check is equally at home with glam style.
via Anthropologie
I like the idea of upholstering a bedhead in buffalo check for a bedroom statement piece. Laying the pattern on the diagonal gives it a whole new feel.
via Anthropologie
via Jaime Costiglio
This is a DIY paint treatment – go check it out! So smart. I’ve painted stripes before, and this simply involves painting a light stripe horizontally and then a deeper stripe vertically. It looks soooo effective.
via Hunted Interior
How gorgeous is Buffalo check on a statement armchair? More preppy glam here. Buffalo check + leopard print – who woulda thought it would look so good.
via Clark & Co Homes
Flooring crush! What a fun surprise peeking at us through that doorway.
via PopSugar – Image Credit: Elijah Hoffman
via Emily Henderson
So clever. This studio space was fitted out using carpet squares in three tones – navy, blue and white – laid in a Buffalo check pattern. That floor absolutely makes the whole space. So original!
via Arrows and Bow
A peep of pattern showing through a doorway. Would you believe this photo was taken inside an RV? (Caravan for my Aussie readers!) So good, right?! It’s a pretty cool reno and just goes to prove that big style can come in small packages.
via Studio McGee
via Studio McGee
This house is like my dream home. It’s pinned all over my “Dream home” board on Pinterest, in fact. Incidentally, you should come follow me there. I really need to blog about my design thought processes at some stage! But scrolling the board will give you a fair idea of where we’re headed… in my dream home fantasy world, at least. #realitycheck #buildingrequiresmoney
via Studio McGee
A tea towel adds a fun little pop of pattern. It only cost a couple of dollars to embrace the Buffalo check trend in this kitchen!
via Studio McGee
Pink, navy, black. That’s the recurring theme here. All the buffalo check in my world seems to fall into one of those three categories. I love how pink check is sooo sweet (especially for a little girl’s room!), and black check is so punchy. Totally different feel. Same classic pattern.
Told you Buffalo check can work with contemporary style. It’s everywhere, I tell you. It’s taking over the world, one throw cushion at a time.
via Studio McGee
Ooh, shaking it up on the diagonal. How pretty is this tile?
See 25 Gorgeous bathrooms with patterned tile floors
via Studio McGee
Mid-century modern style, meet Buffalo check. You’re going to be fabulous friends. My, what a handsome armchair you are.
Perfect for seasonal decorating, too… Buffalo check is right at home with Christmas décor.
via Project Nursery
Kapow! Betcha didn’t see that one coming. Pop-art style embraces its flamboyant checkered spirit.
via PMQ for Two
Eclectic and colourful with a big, bold check to ground all those patterns. Try a rug, or even a table runner…
via PMQ for Two
via Caitlin Wilson
via Monika Hibbs
Toning things down with a soft tone-on-tone buffalo check in pale grey. So sweet, classic and stylish.
via Monika Hibbs
This is a fun way to bring a punch of pattern into a playroom. Don’t forget your window dressings! I’m in love with this Roman blind.
via Monika Hibbs
One last beauty from Monika Hibbs. Floral + check? Check. It’s sweetness plus in this nursery!
via Caitlin Wilson
This tile is simply jaw-dropping. Doesn’t it just make the whole room?
Caitlin Wilson is the Queen of the buffalo check (take a look at her gorgeous shop – she sells wallpaper, cushions and more.) Here’s a sweet example of her wallpaper:
via Caitlin Wilson
You may not be able to find pre-printed buffalo-check tile (like some of the examples we’ve shown) but you can easily create your own buffalo check pattern using individual tiles in three contrasting tones. All you need is a dark, a mid-tone and a white tile to recreate this classic pattern on your floors.
How fun is the combo of pineapple wallpaper, penny round tiles and buffalo check? I think I died and went to pattern heaven. I wanted to show you the zoomed-in version so you can see how the individual tiles are laid. But here’s a pulled-back look at the laundry room from the same home:
via Clark & Co Homes
I have doona covers like these pinned to a board of ideas for my sons’ room. The black steel-framed beds combined with the check design is so stunning.
via Clark & Co Homes
Craft room, anyone? Um, I wish!! My current “craft space” is a couple of boxes shoved into a cupboard, and an occasional corner of the dining room table…
via Classy Clutter
Another gorgeous DIY Buffalo check paint treatment is the attention grabber in this living room corner. Hot pink + black, checks + florals. Deliciously dramatic. All the heart eyes!
via Lacey Placey
And last but not least, buffalo check brings a touch of understated masculine style to the bedroom….
via Room for Tuesday – Image by DIY Playbook
We’re well into autumn in Australia and I’m already enjoying the hint of coolness that is finally creeping into the air. Spring and autumn are the perfect seasons where we live – mild and sunny with the most delightful weather that invites outdoor living.
The truth is, I am NOT a seasonal decorator. Honestly? I couldn’t be bothered changing things around every quarter, when one season is virtually the same as the next around here. But lots of people do like to layer up with some cosy décor when the days grow chilly. All it takes is a few throw rugs tossed onto the couch, maybe a couple of plaid cushions, and the cosiness factor instantly starts rising.
The beauty of buffalo check in my book is that it has the staying power to be a year-round decorating decision, regardless of the season. I think the rooms I’ve shared with you are great examples of that.
So, what do you think about the trend? It’s not for everyone… do you love it or hate it? I am curious to hear your thoughts!
Wishing you a house full of sunshine, friends!
