If you’re a little bored with plain walls in your home but don’t like busy, fussy wallpapers, decorating with stripes could be for you. They’re extremely versatile, and will suit almost any interior.
You can add drama with large, bold, contrasting stripes of colour, or go for a more subtle approach with stripes in two matching tones. A nice way to add texture while keeping a clean, simple look is to paint a room in matt emulsion, then add stripes in the same colour but a different paint finish, such as satin.
In smaller rooms or spaces you don’t use all the time, such as dining rooms, you can go to two a bit more. Thin stripes in different colours will add vibrancy and energy.
Vertical stripes will visually add height to a small space, whereas horizontal stripes will give the illusion of making a narrow space look wider. Create areas of interest and texture by mixing stripes and florals – just make sure you stick to one or two accent colours to help pull it all together so it doesn’t look too busy.
If stripes on the walls isn’t your thing, dip your toe in the water with stripy rugs, crockery, vases, cushions or curtains.
Patterns of stripes incorporating all the different colours in the room will help to unify the overall colour scheme. Stripy rugs, in particular, are a practical choice as they’re great at hiding dirt.
Don’t overdo the stripes, though – it’s a bold pattern, so stick to using it as a focal point if you’re going for strong colours.
Here’s our pick of the top stripy accessories for your home:
1. Eaton stripe fabric. Laura Ashley
Brighten up a dark kitchen with this cheerful stripy fabric.
This bright, cheerful linen/cotton mix fabric in apple and topaz is ideal for kitchen or conservatory curtains or cushions. Currently on sale at £19.20/metre from Laura Ashley.
2. ‘Stripes’ wallpaper, Paperboy Interiors
This monochrome stripe wallpaper works well for small spaces.
Designed to look like graffiti spray, this wallpaper is intended for children’s rooms but we think it would also work well for small spaces such as cloakrooms. Available in a range of colours, it has a modern, edgy feel that would work well with a contemporary decor. £60 a roll from Paperboy Interiors.
3. Sedum stripe sage green cushion, B&Q
This striped cushion is a budget buy from B&Q.
Tie an autumn colour scheme together with the soft muted greens and browns of this chenille cushion, which has coloured stripes and a removable cover. For just £9 each from B&Q, they won’t break the bank and they’re available in other colours too. £9 each from B&Q.
4. Zanzibar striped rug, Dash and Albert
Add some global glamour to plain tiles or floorboards with this Zanzibar rug.
This cotton rug would look lovely in a hallway, kitchen or sitting room. It’s 100% pure cotton, and can be washed by hand in cold water. Handwoven, each one is slightly different for a unique look and feel. Available in three sizes, prices start at £35 for a 2′ by 3′ rug from Berry Red.
5. Ledbury ochre grey bone china mug, Ochre and Ocre
This pretty yellow and grey striped mug will grace any kitchen shelf.
Not sure about introducing stripes into your decor? Start small with this pretty Ledbury mug, hand decorated and finished in the UK in Stoke on Trent. Available in a choice of colours, there’s also a range of coordinating textiles available. £9.50 each, available from Ochre and Ocre.
