Checkmate.

Do you see any similarities in the two courtyard photos below?

Picture via Style Court

Patio designed by Thomas Church

They are both so perfectly classic with the brick, vegetation, and of course the checker board floor.

Designed by DLA

This classic look can be applied to add another element of interest to your design.

It can be accomplished with hardscape or vegetation or a combination of the two.

via Bunny Guinness

Thymus serpyllum 'Minmus' and Indian stone slabs make the checker board pattern shown above. This makes such a whimsical playful look that can be enjoyed year round.