Decorating your home is a highly personal experience. In truth, there is no right way or wrong way to do it, as long as the result is something you can live with and are comfortable with. Many people find wallpaper online to use in their homes because of the versatility of designs currently available. However, too many individuals still shy away from bolder patterns, especially stripes, because they are not confident they can make them work. Bolder patterns do require confidence to use, but they also offer significant style and personality. If you like the idea of a fun stripe in your house, consider the following lessons in making them work.
Break Up Large Sections With Art
Using stripes for an entire room, especially a smaller space, is not a choice everyone will make, but that doesn’t mean it is wrong. If you decide that you want an entire room or a large section of a room covered with an intriguing stripe, it is best to break up some of that pattern with wall art decor. Hanging art can give the eyes a much-needed break from repetitive patterns. While you do not have to hang art, you might find that many guests become cross-eyed or dizzy from exposure—not really, but too much of a good thing can become uncomfortable for others.
Use Stripes in Upholstery
If you love the idea of using stripes, but the idea of using them on the walls is too much, consider using them in the upholstery. For example, having a striped coach with a background navy blue wallpaper can have an elegant effect. Sometimes using stripes in furnishings or throws can present a feeling of sophistication and personality. Additionally, if you have a smaller space, using stripes in this way will not have the same restricting effect as putting the pattern on every wall.
Measure Twice, Paint Once
If you choose to paint a repetitive pattern rather than using wallpaper, make sure your measurements are accurate. If you make a mistake, your eye will be drawn to it, and you might be surprised how many others will spot it as well. If you do not trust yourself to get the widths accurate, consider making a pattern of alternating widths. A mistake is far less noticeable when each connecting stripe is a different width. Painting stripes is a tedious and time-consuming project; you might want to consider the available wallpapers before dismissing them for the hand-painted approach.
Limit Stripes for Greater Effect
You might love stripes, and the idea of having room after room filled with the designs might excite you; however, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. While there is no right way or wrong way to design your space, you want to have an interior that you’ll love for years to come. A pattern like stripes can quickly become overpowering. Using them, instead, in select areas throughout your home can speak to your admiration of the design without it becoming overbearing.
Are you trying to design your living space? If so, reach out to design professionals or visit art and wallpaper distributors to get a feel for the design options available to you.