How to Decorate with Stripes

Stripes are a classic and even better they can work with any decor style!  If you have read any of our posts, you know that we love a print and mixing patterns.  So if you are thinking of trying out a pattern in your space consider a stripe - it's very transitional, it come in all scales and colours, too! You can't go wrong!  Not sure where to add this classic pattern? We have some ideas for you!

Wall treatment - whether it's wall paper or a streamlined paint job - try stripe son the wall.  You can get as big and bold as you like in terms of colour and scale - or opt for a classic neutral. It could fill an entire room or just an accent wall.  We also love to layer our patterns, so don't be shy to add some art, photography and mirrors over your striped wall.



Pillows - this is an easy addition (or subtraction) in a room.  Adding some printed pillows can completely elevate the look of your room.  There's just something about a pattern that adds a designer look to a space.  Some of the great things about pillows is that they aren't permanent, the selection is endless and they are affordable!  On a sofa, side chair, bed - they work everywhere!



Furniture - this might be an intimidating step for many but trust us!  A stripe furniture piece can really add a WOW factor to a space.  We do recommend sticking with a neutral palette if you are opting for a pattern piece - it's easier to work with long term as you want to change up your decor.  And for someone that likes neutrals this can add another sophisticated element to your room, mix it with some other patterns and some solid to give it a designer look.




 Drapery - We love what window coverings can do to a space - from a functional side but also a decor side - sure they block the sunlight (or an unpleasant view) but also add a softness and again, visual interest in a room.  Whether it's panels or roman blinds - we love them both!  This is a great option for a living space, dining room and a bedroom - we love a stripe window treatment in a kids' room so timeless and it can grow up with them!



Floor covering - we love area rugs in any room, they add another layer of softness, they are nice on bare feet,  they pull a room together and of course, it's another opportunity to add some pattern.  Area rugs can be pricey depending on the size and material you choose, so if you are concerned about budget consider a classic pattern like a stripe.  A stripe area rug is a classic (we have said this a few times, but it's true!).



Outdoor furniture and accessories - decorating your outdoor living space is no longer boring! There are so many options for furniture, umbrellas and accessories, too.  We love the look of a stripe in an outdoor space, it's so fresh and clean! Pillows, umbrellas, cushions and even rugs - it's up to you!

 

Decor lesson: How to Mix Patterns using the Buddy System

We all grew up hearing about the Buddy system but this buddy system for home decor is a bit different.....

We love playing with colour, pattern and texture but sometimes finding the right balance can be a challenge.  Our clients often ask us how to mix patterns, mixing colors and patterns can be a snap. Use the Buddy System!



 What is the Buddy system?

Simply put, the Buddy System means that when mixing multiple textiles, make sure every fabric has a buddy, in color or pattern (and ideally both). The process works particularly well for bedding, scatter cushions on a sofa, or anywhere you might want to mix many textiles. This is a sure fire way to get a designer look in your space.  Mixing different patterns has such a sophisticated style.




1.  The purple in the floral headboard closely matches the purple in the spotted cushion.







 2. Likewise, a neutral taupe features in both the smaller spotted cushion, and the paisley print one.




 3. Speaking of, there are two spotted cushions here.




 4. The prints of the bedspread, blue striped cushion and purple spotted one all have a blurry, ikat-y feel to them.




 5. The pillows and sheet are a set, so they match in both color and pattern.





 6. It even goes beyond the textiles: the bedspread mirrors the chair in both pattern and color.

Now you have a room that looks totally personal to you but also very stylish with a designer influence.  If you want to mix patterns in your living room, just use the Buddy system with your pillows, rug and drapery (or where ever you want your pattern).  Pattern is a great way to add colour and visual interest plus it can lighten up a space - too many solids can make a room feel and look heavy, and lacking in sophistication.

You can see the Buddy system in the image below - the aqua in the sofa and the lamp add some bold colour to the room.  The navy/white tribal side chair and the navy/white stripe pillows are 'buddies', too.  The pops of pink in the floral arrangement and the art are also buddies.  The brass accents in the side tables are also a pair even though the tables are different and then the white drapes, rug, walls and lamp shade are buddies too.

The Classic Greek Key

Everyone loves a classic and  you are looking for some long lasting pattern to add to your decor - the Greek Key is a classic and it has been reborn.  Often when one thinks of the Greek Key they think of traditional design but this classic has been modified to suit many styles of decor and again, it's how you use it.

To keep it low key - use this as a trim on your drapery.  Also think about colour, if you don't want to be bold try going with a tone on tone Greek Key fabric.

To go a bit bolder - look at adding some pattern and/or colour to a chair or pillows

Flooring - use a Greek Key pattern on an area rug

Bedding - this pattern is so chic and elegant in a bedroom too, again look at using colour to vary up the traditional look.

And if you want to add just a little visual interest to a small space, try adding some Greek Key towels to your Master ensuite or powder room.  

Mix it up!

Pattern is an important part of interior design. It adds texture, color, and diversity. It gives a monochromatic design depth, and adds visual cues to the most colorful and complex rooms.

When you think of pattern, you tend to think of fabrics, striped fabrics or checked, flowered, graphic or geometric. But pattern is also in your arrangement of furniture and accessories, in your flooring and doorways. Pattern is the shape and form of all the elements of your interior design.

One of the basic tenets of mixing patterns is to use like colors. The colors tie the patterns together.

Another element in pattern mixing is scale. Really skinny stripes and really big flowers look out of proportion, like clunky shoes with an evening gown. When your patterns are of similar proportions, they can mix more easily. Your eye is better able to distinguish the individuality of the patterns and reconcile them into a cohesive design.

So, when choosing fabrics, consider the shape and placement of your furniture. Link the patterns together with color, and keep them in proportion to one another. These three guidelines are a strong foundation for successfully mixing patterns in your interior design plan.

When considering proportion, also think about how much of one pattern you want, and the relationship of quantity. For example, a very strong graphic print can create a stunning mosaic of color and texture. You'll want a very subtle mix, so as not to clash with or overpower the graphic; let the graphic be in charge. This is where a subtle stripe would be complimentary, rather than a large plaid or flower print.

Quantity is not how many pillows or how much yardage of fabric, but rather it's visual quantity, how much your eye sees when you are in the room. So if using a bold graphic, use enough of the subtle stripe to give the graphic pattern something to relate to.

The last considerations in mixing patterns are texture and style. The bold graphic is edgy, modern, sleek. You'll want your stripe to be sleek as well. For example, if your graphic material is a silk blend, be sure your stripe is similarly lightweight and has a smooth finish to it.

What brings a room together? Shape and placement of furniture and how it relates to patterns. The mix of patterns works when you tie them together through color and proportion, through style and texture. Your accessories mimic the pattern mixes through shape, color, and materials.

Once you've developed these levels of patterns, your interior design plan will come together easily and successfully.