It’s a case of what’s old becoming new again, as the world of interiors of all things embrace stripes. This year, there has been no surface, a bold stripe won’t go on – from furniture to painted walls, cushions to light fixtures. 

Stripes are rarely quiet but the 2024 ones are here to party. Wide, narrow, vertical, horizontal, even angled – they are painted up, featured on wallpaper, repeated on wide rugs, deep and bold on sofas and pencil pleated on drapery. The thing that stands out to me is how layered they are, stripes on stripes on stripes. How do you make this work without making your head spin?

First, get to know your stripes. All stripes are either even or unevenly spaced, so their scale and proportion can be manipulated to impact your room. Candy stripes are bold and symmetrical and work best on larger items or in larger rooms, or wherever you want to take notice. Even when shrunk to a cushion size or done in pastel colours, the simplicity of a candy stripe will always stand out. 

For more variation, look further afield. Pintuck stripes are lines that are made up of tiny dots, so they sit much gentler in a scheme. Ticking stripes alternate thin and thick line weights and create a lovely poised visual interest. Newly invented ‘organic stripes’ feature undulating lines that feel tactile and handmade, with their irregularities being interesting and beautiful.  

To avoid a circus tent taking over your lounge room, be selective with the type of stripes you employ. Horizontal stripes will make a room appear wider, whilst vertical ones create the illusion of height.  Strong colours will amplify the contrast and visual effect stripes have, so think about mixing up the depth of colour of the stripes as well. Striped neutral fabrics look chic and elegant, and are an easy way to successfully play with stripes of all shapes and sizes. 

Asha Ardill, Decorator

South Coast Colour 

www.southcoastcolour.com.au