It was on a particularly exciting day last week when I was putting away some laundry and looked down to see five striped tops staring up from one of my drawers. FIVE! And I’m pretty sure there are more striped garments in other drawers. Oh well, at least I’m consistent.
As an unashamed stripes addict, I decided to share my love of this classically stylish pattern that, in my book, never fails. Stripe up your life in these 10 wonderful ways:
Feature image: Closet Stripe ST 360 wallpaper from Farrow & Ball
Classic breton top
From H&M to Missoni, stripes have been a fashion staple since medieval times (apparently), although back then I think it was more ‘prisoner chic’. For me, there’s nothing like a classic breton top to wear with jeans and pencil skirts alike. Whether it’s the timeless navy & white combo or a bright colour, you’re safe in the knowledge you’ll always look good in this ultra slimming style…which is why I have so many, ok? And yes, navy stripes on white IS different to white stripes on navy!
From left to right: Maison Breton Shirt, £49.95 from Scotch & Soda; Long Sleeve Breton, £26.50 from Boden; Breton Top in Navy/White, £48.00 from ME+EM (as seen on the Duchess of Cambridge – if it’s good enough for Kate..)
Ian Mankin
When I think about stripes in interiors, Ian Mankin is always first to pop into my head. Gorgeous ticking fabrics, fabulous wallcoverings and a whole host of lovely accessories, their range is full of stripey goodness.
From left to right: Tablecloth in Norfolk Stripe Indigo £24.50 per metre, seat covers in Oxford Stripe Peony £29.50 per metre, napkins in Candy Stripe Peony and Indigo £19.50; beach bag in Norfolk Stripe Pink, £39.50; sofa in Oxford Stripe Navy £29.50 per metre, armchair in Ticking Navy £24.50 per metre, curtains in Grain Stripe Union Navy £39.50. All Ian Mankin.
Bed linen
Coastal schemes have always been popular in homes, whether or not they’re beside the sea. The natural fabrics and clean lines create a wonderfully calm and simple look, which is why it’s particularly suited for bedrooms. Channel that coastal vibe then with some striped bedding. Whether it’s an allover stripe-fest, just a bit of detail, or a cosy throw, the timeless pattern will give just enough pattern to add interest while remaining neutral and unobtrusive.
From left to right: Coastal stripe navy percale bedding, prices starting at £9.00 from The Secret Linen Store; Black and natural linen bedding, prices starting at £12.00 from The Secret Linen Store; Black and white stripe blanket with blue pom poms, £90.00 from Decorator’s Notebook
Dinnerware
Throw fabulous dinner parties to show off your hypnotically beautiful dinnerware. Even if you can’t cook, these dishes are so stunning, no one will notice!
Clockwise from top left: Uka stripe bowl, £12.95 from Nkuku; The Origo Orange range, prices starting at £9.50 from Skandium; The Ike range, £8.00-£10.00 from Habitat
Designer fabric
Stripes in interiors, and specifically fabrics, extend beyond natural linens. If coastal chic isn’t your thing then think outside the box with vibrant colours and unusual patterns – there’s a stripe for everyone!
The delightful Breeze Stripe fabric is part of the Osborne & Little Sea Breeze collection. All of the fabrics in this collection are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use making it super versatile as well as hard wearing.
They’re stain and mildew resistant and have excellent light fastness to prevent that dreaded fading. Pretty handy, as the range of bright contemporary colourways are one of the best features of the range.
I love this summery green stripe which looks marvellous as a stylish and comfy floor cushion. Now if only I had a pool to lounge by…
See website for stockists: www.osborneandlittle.com
For those seeking a little luxury in their stripes, look no further than the Puccini Weaves collection by Zoffany.
These glamorous epingle velvets include the ever-popular Rossini velvet (pictured on both cushions) and the Verdi (on the chair) with its abstract stripe pattern.
See website for stockists: www.zoffany.com
Nails
This is so cool and I could tell you I do this all the time and always have perfectly manicured nails…but I’d be lying. This video does make it look pretty easy though…
Floors
A striped floor has the potential to be subtle or striking and is a perfect way to add interest to a room, whether it’s full of bold patterns or clean and minimal. Wooden floorboards and long tiles create a natural, understated stripe but carpets and rugs have the opportunity to make a statement. And if you really want to wow with a stripe, then try a painted floor.
From left to right: This stylish chevron still counts as a stripe in my book – Lombard handwoven rug in midnight chevron, £199.00 from Swoon Editions; paint up a stairway to heaven with Farrow & Ball floor paint – stair colours in Babouche, Mahogany and Arsenic; take a delicate approach with this intricate patterned stripe – Belle rug, £149.00-£249.00 from Modern Rugs
Walls
From traditional to contemporary, wallcoverings these days have the same array of choices as fabrics. The easiest way to add stripes to your walls is using a wallcovering and here are two splendid examples:
On the left: Ian Mankin, Wallcovering in Oxford Stripe Indigo, £49.50 per roll.
On the right: Merchant House Stripe wallpaper from the Arden collection at Zoffany
However, if you’re feeling really creative then why not try painting some stripes onto your walls and/or ceilings? Once again, Farrow & Ball are showing us all how it’s done:
Left: Wall in Green Smoke® No.47, Cooking Apple Green® No.32 & Tunsgate Green® No.250 Estate® Emulsion; door in Cornforth White® No.228 Estate® Eggshell; woodwork in Pink Ground® No.202 Estate® Eggshell. All Farrow & Ball.
Centre: Wall and ceiling in Wimborne White® No.239, Babouche® No.223, Calke Green® No.34 & Cook’s Blue® No.237 Modern Emulsion. All Farrow & Ball.
Right: Lulworth Blue® No.89, Red Earth™ No.64 & Mouse’s Back® No.40 Modern Emulsion. All Farrow & Ball.
Gift wrap and ribbon
I have a real penchant for gift wrap. It borders on the obsessive at times and I really don’t know why. I am fully aware the recipient of the gift will say ‘ahh, that’s nice!’ but is only interested in the contents. The wrapping generally gets thrown away, yet still, I can’t help myself. I know I’m not alone. I, like many others, have a Pinterest board dedicated to the cause and one day, mark my words, I WILL have a gift wrap room. That’s the dream.
Clockwise from top left: Black and white striped tissue paper, £3.95 for a pack of 5 from Inside My Nest on Etsy; Stripe ribbons, £4.00 for a 5m reel from The Contemporary Home; Pick’n’mix anyone? Mini rainbow treat bags, £2.49 for a pack of 12 from Candle & Cake
Other stripey stuff I came across
Left: Seriously, how awesome is this tent. It’s called a kids’ tent…I wonder if I could fit inside. I want one and I’m not even a tiny bit embarrassed. Kids tent, £119.00 from Ferm Living
Top right: Spruce up old and upcycled furniture with a lick of paint! Dresser: Cabbage White®, St Giles Blue® & Blue Ground™ Estate® Eggshell. All Farrow & Ball.
Bottom right: Yours will be the BBQ of all BBQs with these fabulous candy striper style products! Party Carnival range in red from Neviti
Well I hope you enjoyed this little stripe-tastic love fest. If not, thanks for indulging me. Share my passion? Tell me about it in the comments section!
J x
I couldn’t help but chuckle reading this having purchased a (second) red striped top only yesterday. Great ideas for the home I’m inspired to buy some striped fabric to make new cushions for my garden chairs.
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