I absolutely adore how stripes can swing between feeling playful and fun, or calm and structured, adding a bit of personality without being overwhelming.
Stripes can be bold and punchy or soft and subtle, but they always give that lift and structure to a space, which is why I include them in most of my designs.
One of the reasons stripes are so versatile is because they pair brilliantly with other patterns, such as florals in the same colour range. Mixing a bold stripe with a busy floral feels surprising and creates that perfect balance between masculine and feminine. It's a styling trick that allows you to mix patterns effortlessly. And a multi-stripe can really help to anchor a maximalist pattern palette.
You can add them literally anywhere – ceramics, cushions, rugs, even wallpaper. Depending on the effect you’re after, you can add a big dollop of stripes to your space or just a dash. For a bold statement, try a striped wall or cover an oversized headboard.
Vertical lines draw the eye up and make the ceiling feel higher, horizontal ones make narrow rooms seem wider, while diagonal stripes offer up something unexpected. A striped rug helps to ground the room, giving a sense of flow, and I love how a striped stair runner lifts your eye upwards.
I’m particularly fond of a stripe on upholstery. Think about pairing a wide stripe on a sofa with scatter cushions in smaller patterns for an effortlessly chic look. And why stop there? Use them on tiles in a bathroom to add subtle pattern without overpowering a small room, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try them on a ceiling! It’s a clever way to bring an unusual element to the room.
Timeless and universal, stripes work in both traditional and contemporary spaces and are one of my absolute favourite patterns to work with. So go with it and have some fun!
The Stripe Edit
John Lewis x Sophie Conran Cocobella Sofa
Geometric Oblong Cushion
