Embracing Pattern: Decorating With Stripes

When I first started decorating my house.....I planned rooms full of neutrals and pattern and simplicity.

Simplicity?

Ummm....have I met myself before?

And when I finished decorating my home.....I stood and stared at all the simplicity.....

.....and decided it was missing something.

Of course.

It was missing pattern.

Glorious, wonderful, incredible pattern like this wonderful staircase wall from House Beautiful.

Here are my ideas for embracing pattern and decorating with stripes.

1.  Sometimes a little goes a long way

Embracing pattern doesn't have to mean big bold walls and overwhelming color choices.

Sometimes the pattern is subtle and whispers instead of shouts.....like these striped pillow accents from Country Living.

Layer in stripes with textiles like these throws or pillows or rugs.

2.  Sometimes a lot goes a long way

In the embrace pattern department....this room from House Beautiful incredibly showcases how to mix and match stripes.

Add stripes to walls and a bold geometric pattern on the floor to anchor the room.

Keep accent pieces like side tables and side chairs neutral to counterbalance the vibrant pattern choices.

3.  Don't forget about the flooring

Sometimes pattern is best when kept underfoot like these painted stripes featured in House Beautiful.

You can paint a wood or tile floor with stripes, or simply add a striped rug to your decor.

Then finish the room with wooden accent pieces and iron work that compliment the pattern on the floor.

4.  Introduce Color

Here's an example of a striped rug....but this time...it's a striped rug with color.....as featured in Country Living.

Echo the rug color throughout the room and build on the color  foundation created by the rug.

Next, choose a colorful couch and transition the stripes throughout the room with throw pillows.

Stripes....glorious stripes.

Just a few add so much to a room and to your decor.

So this summer....have a little fun and dance with pattern....

.....and embrace a little striping in your home.

Photo Credits:  Photo 1: House Beautiful Photo 2: Country Living  Photo 3:  House Beautiful  Photo 4: House Beautiful  Photo 5:  Country Living