Bold and striking, stripes have long been a favourite of interior designers looking to add a dash of personality and flair to a space; but with great impact comes great responsibility and it can be easy to overwhelm a room if you're not getting the basics of application right. Check out our tops tips on bringing some stripe hype to your home and be inspired by the beautiful fabrics, wallpapers and furnishings on offer.
Feel floored While a bold rug is an obvious choice for the floor, why not be more adventurous by painting wooden boards or a cement screed with wide stripes or a chevron pattern in two distinct tones. Add small accents like cushions and vases in a similar aesthetic to tie the look together.
Slim lines Wearing clothes with vertical stripes is said to having a slimming effect and the same rule applies to interiors. If your home has low ceilings, vertical stripes on curtains or wallpaper can accentuate the sense of height – and the thinner the stripe the more potent the effect will be. But don’t go overboard, as too many vertical lines can make you feel confined.
Visual illusions Similarly, horizontal stripes and lines draw the eye outwards and can appear to open up a small space. Stripes laid diagonally over floor coverings or accessories suggest movement and is a simple way to invigorate a room with energy. The zig-zag stripe of a chevron pattern in multiple lines can create a sense of drama and makes for a confident design statement. Be careful, as too much in one room could lead to creating a sense of chaos.
