Stripes Are In: How to Use Stripes in Your Home

Stripes have always been a popular design choice, and they never go out of style. So, if you’re looking to add character to your home, implementing some striped features is a surefire way to add charm, personality and flair to your interior design.

With stripes, you gain freedom to be able to explore other patterns alongside them, mixing and matching various designs and styles without overpopulating or overcrowding your decor.

There are certain ways that you can add stripes into your home, depending on the style and theme of a room.

Here, Kate Conrad shares her insights on how to use stripes in your home, using her expertise as senior interior stylist at luxury homeware retailer, Madison & Mayfair.

Consider striped wallpaper or paint

“Why not infuse a striped theme directly into your room through having striped wallpaper,” suggests Kate.

“Whether you choose a striking, bold style with large, obvious stripes, or a more subtle, understated look with smaller stripes, your walls will look classic and refined.

“If you don’t want to commit to wallpaper, can’t find one you like, or prefer painted walls, then there’s nothing stopping you from painting stripes on your walls and creating an effect that is just as eye-catching and sophisticated.”

Find striking striped accessories

“Sometimes, the smaller touches can have a more impressive effect,” shares Kate. “Using striped accessories throughout your home is an elegant way of incorporating a subtle yet noticeable striped theme into your decor.

“There are so many options available, so you can play around with different home products to add as much or as little as you fancy.

“Striped vases are very popular now, with gorgeous bold colours or creative shapes available – and they don’t rely on flowers to improve their look, working equally as well as a standalone ornament.

“Lamp shades are another suitable accessory, and it can often look more complete when you opt for a mismatched look, perhaps with different shades with different striped designs.

“Another timeless addition would be striped cushions and throws. They are the perfect accessories to transform a room, without requiring any major redecorating.”

Combine stripes with other patterns

“With stripes, you don’t have to limit yourself with one singular theme. In fact, stripes work well when mixed with other patterns so you can combine and explore different designs.

“If your dream home consists of being full of character and charm and unique touches, being playful with different patterns is the perfect route.

“You could use striped features as a focal point in the room, and then scatter contrasting patterned accessories to add a full and bold look to the room.”

Create a stunning colour scheme

“If you prefer a colourful home, stripes work perfectly for this,” adds Kate. “You can infuse your colour theme into a room through striped walls or accessories, and you can control how drastically you want the colours to stand out.

“Whether you opt for the same colour stripes but in different shades, or for totally contrasting colours that create a bold and striking palette, you can utilise stripes to your advantage.”

Instead of wallpaper, use a striped carpet

“Instead of using your walls as a striped feature, why not use a striped carpet,” suggests Kate. “Lots of us now have plain and neutral carpets, but you can still be creative with your flooring without it feeling like an old-fashioned carpet design.

“With smaller, more narrow stripes, it can provide just enough pattern to be noticeable without being overbearing.

“Another option is having a striped carpet runner up your stairs, adding a sophisticated touch that can elevate your interior design, whilst also making your staircase become a more prominent and grand-looking feature in your home.”

Find sophisticated striped pieces of furniture

“Amongst the walls and furniture and small accessories, you could instead incorporate stripes into your home through key furniture pieces.

“Let your sofa become an eye-catching element of your living room and instantly set the tone with a subtle and chic stripe, or perhaps have a statement armchair in a bold and quirky striped pattern.

“You could even take on a DIY project and paint an old chest of drawers, perhaps in a distressed pale stripe for a coastal, rustic look.”

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Madison & Mayfair provides a range of home accessories, combining the elegance of New York style with London luxury to transform your home into a space boasting sophistication and individuality. Kate Conrad has built up years of experience within the industry to contribute to her expertise and knowledge about interior design.