Buffalo Check Mini-Trend

For quite a while now I’ve been noticing a resurgence of the use of buffalo check in fabrics and upholstery. Sort of a mini-trend, if you will. Like toile, buffalo check, or ginghams in general, are stapes of design. From high-end to country, they kind of work anywhere. The undisputed master (mistress?) of the buffalo check is undoubtedly Mary Douglas Drysdale. Mary is one of those designers who do traditional that never seems to become dated. Her iconic interiors in featuring bright yellow buffalo check prints are certainly a case in point.

This Veranda cover below is 22 years old!

These spaces are elegant, high-end and yet approachable because of the use of such a friendly buffalo check fabric. By the way, we interviewed Mary on our Skirted Roundtable podcast a few years ago which is certainly worth a listen.

So, as I peruse Instagram and Pinterest on a daily basis I began to notice that I am seeing more and more buffalo check patterns showing up. In pillows, upholstery, window treatments. And while window treatments tend to be less ornate than they were 20 years ago (that trend is also showing signs of a comeback, btw) the use of the humble buffalo check stands the test of time.

Here are some photos of fairly recent projects featuring buffalo check that I’ve run across.

The above bedroom has a strong mid-century and masculine vibe. One wouldn’t think a buffalo check would work, but it’s strong graphic nature, rendered in blue and white, both enlivens and softens the space.

Buffalo check wallpaper (above) and paint treatments (below) are always very popular.

And yet, Miles Redd makes buffalo check work without being overly twee (below) in his room settings and products for Ballard Designs. (ps – Miles is also an alumnus of The Skirted Roundtable and he’s a wonderful interview!).

Note above how well the upholstery on the sofa lines up with the wallpaper.

So, have you noticed this mini-trend of a maxi check? Do you think it’s just for country settings, or can you see it working in city dwellings as well?

Here’s a little boutique of items I’ve gathered for you. Enjoy! (Disclaimer: this boutique contains affiliate links. A small commission is paid on any purchase, at no additional cost to the buyer. This goes to help support this blog. Thank you!)

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