You may have noticed something different afoot—or more accurately, underfoot—lately as more homeowners are embracing patterned floors.

If you’re looking to try something new, consider integrating any of these top options into your home’s design.

Checkerboard

This vintage flooring can be laid out in a grid or diamond pattern. Checkerboard floors are a perennial favorite in kitchens, but they can also be a chic choice for a bathroom when created with marble tile. Other materials you could consider include ceramic, porcelain, or vinyl. Just keep in mind the size of your room; you may need to use tinier squares in smaller spaces to create a full checkerboard pattern.

Encaustic

These ornate squares can add an instant “wow” factor. Install them in an entryway to create a grand entrance, or balance them with sparkling-white quartz countertops in your kitchen or bath. Pigmented cement tiles offer a more traditional encaustic style, but ceramic or porcelain versions can provide just as great a look for less cost.

Herringbone

Known for its triangular pattern, herringbone flooring can be composed of wood, stone, or other materials and can add elegance to a room. While hardwood and tile versions can be expensive because they generally require a professional to install, you can get the same look at a lower cost by using less expensive laminate or vinyl flooring. Herringbone tends to look best in larger spaces like kitchens, living rooms, and open floor plans.

Mosaic

For vintage appeal, tile your bathroom with beautiful arrangements of 1-to-2-inch penny-round or hexagon tiles in ceramic, porcelain, or stone. You could lay them in a retro daisy pattern, surround neutral tiles with a colorful tile border, or go more modern by using larger hexagon tiles in neutral colors, such as in muted shades of gray.

Tread Carefully

While patterned floors can elevate your home’s look, they can also clash with other design elements. Always consider how everything will work together. For instance, if you’d like a bold patterned floor, opt for neutral furniture and walls for balance. Or for a smaller room or one that lacks natural light, consider using lighter-colored flooring to create the illusion of space.

Although currently popular, patterned flooring has been around for centuries. By incorporating it into your design, you can go retro or make your home look ultra modern—it’s your choice.