Blank walls hold infinite design potential. They can either feel cold and unfinished or become the focal point that gives a room character. While wallpaper, gallery walls, and statement art are common solutions, they often serve a supporting role rather than taking center stage. Every so often, however, a wall treatment emerges that feels truly original—one that elevates an ordinary room into something extraordinary. That’s exactly what interior designer Mandy Cheng achieved at the 2025 REAL SIMPLE Home, where her innovative checkerboard wall design left an unforgettable impression.
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This unique approach blends mirrors, wallpaper, and creative vision to deliver a fresh take on wall decor. Let’s explore how Cheng developed the design, why it works so beautifully, and how you can recreate the look in your own home.
Why Wall Design Matters More Than You Think
Walls aren’t just structural barriers; they define mood, flow, and style within a space. Leaving them bare can make a room feel stark or incomplete. Traditional solutions—such as hanging artwork or applying patterned wallpaper—certainly enhance interiors, but they rarely create the kind of striking visual drama that leaves guests talking long after they leave.
That’s why Mandy Cheng’s checkerboard technique feels so refreshing. Rather than treating the wall as a backdrop, she transformed it into the star of the room. The result demonstrates how creative wall treatments can not only complement furniture and decor but also anchor the entire design concept.
Behind the Vision
When Cheng was tasked with designing the guest bedroom/study for the 2025 REAL SIMPLE Home, she knew the space needed to break away from the “afterthought” reputation that guest rooms often carry. “Guest rooms typically get used only a few times a year,” Cheng explained. “I wanted it to be multifunctional—inviting as a guest space, but also practical as a study or library.”
Her solution was to create a warm, flexible room filled with character and visual intrigue. To achieve this, she relied on rich textures, thoughtful color choices, and most importantly, a checkerboard wall installation that brought depth and playfulness into the space.
The Checkerboard Technique Explained
At the heart of Cheng’s design is a grid of framed mirrors paired with patterned wallpaper, arranged in a clever checkerboard pattern. This technique was inspired by the look of custom millwork—architectural detailing that adds depth and history to a room. But instead of costly construction, Cheng sought a creative alternative that could replicate the effect.
She chose the Janna Mirror from Perigold, featuring a delicate wood bead trim that provided both charm and visual texture. Instead of filling the entire wall with mirrors, she alternated them with sections of exposed wallpaper. To enhance the playful effect, she removed the backs of every other frame, allowing the wallpaper to show through seamlessly.
The result? A visually striking wall where reflections and wallpaper merge, making it difficult to distinguish where one ends and the other begins. This illusion of depth makes the room feel more dynamic and engaging, while the repeating pattern adds balance and rhythm.
The Role of Color and Wallpaper
A checkerboard design works best when supported by thoughtful color choices. In this case, Cheng paired the mirrors with Cowboy Toile Wallpaper by Nathan Turner, which introduces whimsical blue and green tones. The surrounding walls were painted in Valspar’s Sweet Clover, a soft pea green that complements the wallpaper while making the room feel cozy and harmonious.
By balancing pattern with solid color, Cheng ensured that the space feels inviting rather than overwhelming. The combination highlights how the right paint and wallpaper pairing can dramatically influence the atmosphere of a room.
Why the Technique Works
Cheng’s checkerboard wall succeeds for several reasons:
- Visual Interest – The alternating mirrors and wallpaper create movement, keeping the eye engaged.
- Illusion of Space – Mirrors reflect light and expand the perception of square footage, making the room feel larger.
- Balance of Old and New – The bead-trim mirrors suggest traditional craftsmanship, while the playful pattern introduces modern flair.
- Versatility – The design adapts easily to guest rooms, studies, living areas, or even dining rooms.
- Budget-Friendly Alternative – Instead of costly millwork, Cheng achieved a high-end effect with accessible materials.
How to Recreate the Checkerboard Look at Home
The beauty of this technique is its adaptability. Here’s a step-by-step guide to bringing it into your own space:
Choose Your Mirrors Wisely
Select mirrors with decorative frames that feel special but not overpowering. Look for beadwork, carved edges, or subtle metallic accents. The frame style should complement your overall room design.
Pick a Wallpaper with Personality
Bold, patterned wallpaper works best because it will peek through the grid. Think botanical prints, geometric designs, or whimsical motifs. Just ensure the colors harmonize with your palette.
Create a Balanced Grid
Arrange the mirrors in a checkerboard formation. For every other square, remove the mirror backing so that the wallpaper is visible behind the frame.
Paint Supporting Walls
Choose a complementary wall color that ties the whole room together. Soft greens, blues, or neutrals often work well, depending on your wallpaper.
Add Cozy Furnishings
Once the wall is complete, ground the space with furniture and textiles. Comfy seating, layered rugs, and warm lighting will make the room feel finished and inviting.
Other Ways to Apply the Checkerboard Technique
While Cheng used the method in a guest bedroom/study, it’s versatile enough to work elsewhere:
- Dining Room: Create an elegant, dramatic backdrop for your dining table.
- Living Room: Replace a traditional gallery wall with a more structured checkerboard installation.
- Entryway: Make a lasting first impression by giving guests a visually engaging welcome.
- Bathroom: Use moisture-safe wallpaper and mirrors for a bold, stylish powder room.
This technique can also be scaled—go big for a feature wall or keep it small for a subtle accent.
Expert Tips for Success
Keep Balance in Mind: If your wallpaper is bold, opt for simpler mirrors. If your mirrors are ornate, pair them with more subdued wallpaper.
- Mind the Lighting: Natural light will bounce off mirrors, but strategic lamps or sconces can amplify the effect.
- Stay Cohesive: Extend the wall’s color story into furniture, rugs, or accessories to create flow.
- Test Layout First: Use painter’s tape to map out your checkerboard grid before committing to the full installation.
The Big Takeaway
Mandy Cheng’s checkerboard wall design shows how a blank wall can evolve from overlooked space to captivating centerpiece. With creativity and thoughtful execution, even a simple combination of mirrors and wallpaper can rival expensive architectural detailing.
Whether you’re refreshing a guest bedroom, designing a home office, or simply seeking a unique focal point, the checkerboard technique offers a practical, stylish, and customizable solution. It proves that bold design doesn’t always require a big budget—just a clever idea executed with care.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the checkerboard wall technique?
The checkerboard technique is a creative wall design that alternates framed mirrors with patterned wallpaper in a grid layout, creating a striking visual effect.
Why is the checkerboard technique popular in interior design?
It’s popular because it adds depth, character, and dimension to a room without the high costs of custom millwork.
Can the checkerboard wall design make a small room look bigger?
Yes. Mirrors reflect light and create an illusion of space, making even small rooms feel more open and expansive.
What materials are needed to create a checkerboard wall?
You’ll need framed mirrors, patterned wallpaper, paint for surrounding walls, and basic installation tools like adhesive strips or hooks.
Does the wallpaper need to be bold or patterned?
Bold, patterned wallpaper works best since it adds contrast and ensures the checkerboard design stands out.
Can this design be used in any room?
Absolutely. While often used in guest rooms or studies, it can enhance living rooms, dining rooms, entryways, or even stylish bathrooms.
How do I choose the right mirrors for this look?
Select mirrors with unique but balanced frames. Avoid overly ornate designs if your wallpaper is bold, and vice versa.
Conclusion
The checkerboard wall technique proves that blank walls don’t have to feel lifeless or forgotten. By blending mirrors, wallpaper, and complementary colors, designer Mandy Cheng showed how a simple idea can become a show-stopping centerpiece. This creative approach doesn’t just decorate—it transforms, adding depth, personality, and a sense of artistry to any space. Whether in a guest bedroom, study, or living area, the checkerboard technique offers a stylish, budget-friendly way to make walls truly unforgettable.
