Dabbieri Blog

Checkered Patterns Making a Comeback

With trends like cottagecore and maximalism on the rise, prints are back in full swing. One of the most popular patterns to resurface is checkered prints. These horizontal and vertical lines criss-cross to form an array of shapes from plaids to gingham to houndstooth. Great for all seasons, checkered patterns suit every decor style and can be easily incorporated throughout your home with bedsheets, throw pillows, artwork, and of course, your flooring. One of the best features of these prints is that they typically incorporate two or more colors, making it a fun design option to liven up a space and tie existing elements and hues together. 

Playful Plaid Area Rugs

Kaleen's Satorial Collection in Grey

Plaid patterns have long been a go-to print for designers, not just in interior design but in the fashion world. From plaid skirts to plaid throws, what is it about this pattern that draws people in? Well, what started as practicality for farmers and utility workers has become a fashion staple. Plaid flannel fabric is effectively insulating, and the print seems to signal a specific sense of warmth with its soft material and casually irregular stripes. While you might think of plaid as a cold-weather design, plaid area rugs come in various playful hues, from muted greens to bright yellows. These rugs can spruce up your home quite nicely with their practical protection of hardwood floors and trend-setting style.

Traditional Checkered Carpets

Karastan's Woolston Plaid in Castle Wall

Checkerboard patterns are a timeless option, with their equally sized squares playing off of two different colors. Checkered prints can dress up a formal space while also adding a bit of warmth depending on the colors used and the material it's created out of. Dating back to ancient Egyptian temples, checkerboard patterns usually appear in black and white; however current trends have led to the unconventional use of color to add a modern twist. Blend tradition with a contemporary-modern approach by finding a checkered print carpet in color for your living space. This will elevate your interior design with a style that's symbolic of Victorian hallways and French villas. 

Abstract Checked Patterns

Nourison's Graphix in Cream/Black

Are you looking for a bolder, more dramatic look? Try your hand at finding area rugs with dynamic abstract checks. This eye-catching bold graphic area rug from Nourison beautifully captures a two-toned palette with its oversized checked pattern. This pattern ties in with the design surge in abstract art and decor while also allowing other patterns to trickle in. This beautiful Don't be afraid to mix and match your favorite prints —in fact, we encourage it, and this style finally has a name: maximalism.  

Subtle Graph Patterns

Kaleen's Green Cay Collection in Taupe 

This graph pattern is typically found in professional work attire, as it's subtle enough to blend in with a myriad of design styles. These pencil-thin, solid lines create single unfilled squares against a contrasting fabric. Graph patterned carpets are perfect for casual settings like living rooms, family rooms, and four seasons porches. 

The Best Flooring for Your Outdoor Kitchen

Nothing beats a good barbecue in the backyard, and what better way to elevate your evening family dinners than with an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens serve many uses, from ideal entertainment spaces to increasing your home value. Many of us are eager to make the most of these lazy summer days with family and friends, given a year of isolation. 

Lucite Glass and Stone Linear Blends by Emser Tile 

Socializing outdoors is a favorite summer pastime for many, lazing by the pool or playing lawn games, so make the most of the warm weather by spending time cooking and eating outside too. Of course, to create a functional outdoor kitchen and dining area, you’ll need to invest in some durable flooring solutions. We’ve compiled a list of our top contenders for outdoor spaces.

Natural Stone Flooring

quartzite natural stone, floor in reminiscent memento white by Daltile

Your outdoor kitchen should have a naturally durable and long-lasting floor which is why natural stone flooring is one of the most popular and best flooring options for outdoor kitchens. Since your outdoor space will be exposed to all kinds of weather, natural stone is the ideal floor, given its incredible strength against extreme winds, sunlight, and humidity. Depending on your design style and taste, you can find a natural stone for any outdoor space from flagstone to marble to granite. 

Porcelain Tiles

Brava Carbon Matte/Satin Porcelain by Emser Tile

Performing well under various climates, porcelain tiles have many attractive qualities that make them optimal for outdoor use. This durable, slip-resistant tile is easy to care for and is available in limitless design options so you can get the porch look of your dreams. Made from kiln-fired clay, porcelain can be precisely cut to specific dimensions to create a customized kitchen terrace of your design. Porcelain’s scratch resistance bodes well for heavy patio furniture and families with four-legged friends and kids underfoot. Plus, these tiles are mold and mildew-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about water damage under severe weather conditions.

Concrete Tile Flooring

Concrete is back in, and we love it! This versatile flooring option is among one of the most affordable —and robust outdoor floor options. Say goodbye to the industrial concrete basement floors of the past and let stylish concrete tiles lead the way to functional outdoor kitchens. Easy to maintain, concrete will last forever and is available in more flooring styles than you might think, from stamped concrete to exposed aggregate finishes. Stamp, stain or texture your concrete floors to jazz them up a bit and elevate their appearance. 

Dining Room Area Rugs

Stark Area Rugs

You’d be surprised by how quickly an area rug can dress up your outdoor space. Find a stylish outdoor rug to sit under your dining table or arrange your outdoor furniture on a trendy patterned throw. Rugs can protect your outdoor hard surfaces or cover up existing floor damage. They add a cozy touch to patios and terraces and instantly warm up any area that lacks color. Offered in endless styles, patterns, and materials, area rugs are quintessential to designing a beautiful outdoor kitchen space.

How to Incorporate Japandi Style Into Your Home

Japandi styled interiors are all the rage this season, blending the beautiful elements of Scandinavian architecture with detailed Japanese decor. Simple, clean lines and modern minimalist pieces dominate this trend. This style is perfect for homebodies and avid interior decorators alike as it combines the minimalism of Scandinavian design with bright, playful elements inspired by nature. Think sleek lines, neutral colors, and calm setups when you opt to infuse your home with a Japandi design. 

Clean Lines

Cork Flooring by Duro Design

The concept of clean lines rules over Scandinavian design, and so it also comes into play with Japandi. Reducing clutter to create open spaces is key, so for those looking to simplify their home decor, Japandi is the right style for you. This doesn’t necessarily mean getting rid of all of your personal items —just the unnecessary ones. For your essentials, consider storage containers, decorative boxes, wicker baskets, and folding screens to store away excess stuff in a simple, concealed way. When looking for furniture, adopt a simple, no-frills policy, finding pieces designed with purpose and straightforward shapes like tapered dining sets, rattan hoop chairs, and screened media cabinets.

Spaces Driven by Function

Action Advanced Polished Porcelain by Emser Tile

As one of the most critical factors of Japandi, making sure your furniture and rooms are driven by functionality is not only a design requirement but a practical need for your space. The concept of “hygge” comes into play as you intentionally create places in your home to provide a sanctuary that lends the sense of coziness and homeyness. The key to creating a Japandi style room is to balance out simplicity and warmth with your furniture and decor. Find pieces that are built low to the floor and function as staples to your lifestyle. 

Natural Materials

Natural materials, simple designs, and green decor all blend beautifully in Japandi interior design. This style thrives on the notion that beauty is imperfection, so raw, organic elements are welcomed through throws, blankets, pillows, furniture, and wall art. Find accent pieces that use organic materials like white oak and bamboo, as these lighter woods can open up your space and keep the design rooted in the natural world. Opt for natural stone or hardwood flooring in your home, as these floors compliment the pared-down Japandi style with their authenticity.

Influence of Color

Havana Silver Matte/Satin Ceramic Emser Tile

Colors that have a calming, tranquil, and peaceful effect dominate this design style. Bright palettes are incorporated in meaningful and subtle ways. Use warm neutral colors throughout most of your space and add a splash of color with soft, cool pastels or a daring black accent. Natural light is crucial to properly display these bright hues, so keep decor minimalist and allowing light to circulate to give your space a more airy, natural glow. 

How have you integrated Japandi style elements into your home? 

Creating an Outdoor Sanctuary

Most can agree that summer is one of the most beautiful times of the year, and it often feels like the shortest season. But how do you make the most of those balmy summer evenings and incredible sunny days? One perfect solution is designing a personalized outdoor sanctuary complete with shade and cozy nooks to relax and unwind. First, of course, you'll want to be sure that you're investing in durable outdoor floors for your kitchen and patio spaces so that they can withstand every weather imaginable. We've assembled a list of a few of our top tips to help you create your dream outdoor oasis this summer.

Decorate with Tile

Rhapsody Diagonal Porcelain by Emser Tile

Tile is a beautiful way to enhance the design of any space, especially outdoor patios, pools, and showers. As one of the strongest flooring solutions on the market, you can easily find a tile style that will suit your design needs and can withstand heavy rain, snow, and temperature changes. The first step in finding the best tile for you is to consider the texture and slip resistance needed in your space. If your conditions are typically wetter or you're installing tile near a pool, it's best to opt for quarry, slate, and soapstone tiles as they're more resistant to water and don't get slippery when wet. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are excellent solutions for patio spaces and are offered in a wide array of colors, patterns, shapes, designs, and finishes.

Provide Plenty of Seating

Connect Coal Porcelain Emser Tile

Whether you have an outdoor pool, a large screened-in porch, or a patio kitchen, making sure that there's ample room to seat yourself and your guests is essential to creating a functional outdoor space. Of course, you can never have too much seating, so make the most of your area by installing benches along walls, arranging chairs around the campfire, and providing lounge chairs near the pool.

Use Outdoor Area Rugs

Drapery by Graber

Using area rugs on your patio space not only adds a level of comfort to your backyard but can also help break up your larger outdoor areas into smaller units. Maybe you designate one corner of the patio to the lounge space and another to the grilling station. Not only do area rugs establish your sanctioned spaces, but they also can inspire further design. The best materials for outdoor rugs are polypropylene and olefin, as they are resistant to UV rays and stains. Olefin is also mildew resistant, making it the perfect rug for moisture-prone climates. If you prefer a more environmentally-friendly rug, try a jute or sisal material as these are natural materials that are durable and hold up to high-foot traffic. Jute and sisal rugs perform best in covered porches and patios. Placing area rugs under your outdoor furniture has the added benefit of protecting your patio floors from scratches and wear.

Lend a Bit of Shade

Solar Shades by Graber

Summer days can heat up fast, and if you're planning on spending a reasonable amount of time outdoors, it's smart to protect yourself from the sun. Be this with a covered patio or an open porch, be sure to complete your sitting area with drapes or shades that can block out heavy sun rays in the afternoon. These days, drapery and shades come in various styles ranging from sleek contemporary curtain panels to classic tailored pleats. Another simple tip: stay hydrated by setting up a drink dispenser full of iced lemon or mint water so you can easily stay refreshed throughout the day.