Scratched walls have a moment. Here are 8 ways to use them to add timeless interest to any space. (2023)

You heard it here first: striped walls are back and in style. If you're a fan of stripes, there are plenty of unique and chic schemes that can make an impact in your contemporary space.

Striped walls can help divide a space and create the look of a multipurpose room. And if you get it right, vertical stripes across your space can make your space feel larger, while horizontal stripes can create the illusion of a larger area. So adding stripes to your space is always a good idea, and for more than one reason.

want you to decidepainting ideasWhether it's wallpaper or something more experimental, perhaps one of the hardest decisions you'll have when injecting stripes into your walls is the direction you'll add them, how thick a stripe is, and what material you'll use. to make it Your design to create impact.

To help you make an informed decision, we spoke with interior designers to hear their new take on adding stripes to your space and how to get it right every time. Keep scrolling to discover all the inspiration you need.

8 bedroom concepts with inspiring striped walls

Striped walls might seem like an obvious accent wall idea, but don't be afraid to use stripes in a more meaningful way. In fact, it might end up being easier and there are fewer mysteries than you might think when it comes down to it.How to paint stripes on the wall.

“Stripes require math and measurement as irregularities will show up in the design or on the wall, so measuring accurately is incredibly important, as is working with symmetry to balance the application of the strips,” says interior designer Roselind Wilson.

"Don't be afraid to use strips on multiple walls and joinery, essentially you're more likely to get the geometry wrong on a single wall, but by the time you apply something so rigidly and accurately on other walls, you can compensate for it. In planning terms, your median should be at the middle of the wall, or extending left and right from that point.'

1. Create the unexpected

One of the best things about adding stripes to your walls? It can add an unexpected splash of color and interest, no matter the space.

just take ithallway color ideaatlanta residentAmy Morris Interiores(opens in new tab)as an example. "Two different paint colors, as seen in the foyer of this high-rise apartment, create an unexpected entryway," says Amy.

“The stripes take you to the general meeting room. Stripes can create inexpensive pops of pattern and color.

2. Incorporate interest in small spaces

But it's not just our hallways where we can add stripes to our rooms. How about one of the smallest rooms in the house, like the bathroom? But instead of using wallpaper or paint, try something more waterproof.

"In addition to paint and wallpaper, you can try adding stripes with tiles," says Amy. “We used tiles to make a horizontal stripe across a wide box to add interest to a predictable environment.small bathroom.'

3. Make diagonal stripes

What comes to mind when you think of stripes? Vertical drawings? Horizontal masterpieces? Why not go against the grain and do your stripes diagonally?

In this project by London interior designerSuzy without a hood(opens in new tab), the diagonal stripes were used to "focus the eye on the lower level".

"Designed for a couple with very different aesthetic preferences, this home encapsulates their individuality with bespoke pieces and a clever use of color and pattern," explains Suzy.

“The challenge for us was balancing the two to create a harmonious home for the family. Our solution is built on a background of classic black, white and neutral tones,” she adds. "For a personalized, personal feel, we ordered several bespoke pieces, including graphic stripeswallpaper ideaalong with flat woven rugs.'

However, if you're worried about choosing diagonal stripes, Suzy recommends printing your design to scale and living with it for a while to see if it works for you.

4. Use background images

after masteringas wallpaperthe rooms of your home, you won't look back - especially when it comes to incorporating stripes into your walls.

But don't just take our word for it. "Stripe wallpaper is a classic that always works," says Jonas Franke, design manager athappy wall(opens in new tab)🇧🇷 “Stripes attract visitors. Vertical stripes can really make a room look taller and horizontal stripes can make a room look wider than it is. Another great advantage of stripes is that they blend beautifully with other prints without competing with each other. So there are no limits to the creative possibilities with stripes.”

5. Get creative

While wallpaper, tile, and paint are all bright materials that will help you create a room full of striped achievements, there is another way to add stripes to your space.

In this project by the award-winning Houston interior designer and architect by trainingMaria Flanagan(opens in new tab)used a plaster finish stylewall panels.

"Stripes can certainly add allure to a room, but a little allure can go a long way," says Marie. “Keep an eye on how you incorporate stripes, for example. B. in wall textures, accenting fabrics and even curtains.;

6. Extend your stripes to the ceiling

If you are feeling daring, try extending your locks over your head. The bestceiling decorating ideastake your stretch marks to new heights (literally). After all, why should your walls have all the fun?

If you need even more persuasion, check out this design.RoselindenWilson-Design(opens in new tab), an award-winning interior design and interior design studio based in London.

In this project, the scheme features bold stripes that stretch across the ceiling, a somber palette of blues and greens, and organic textures in the choice of upholstered headboards and ottomans. The vision for the space was to create a story of structures juxtaposed with playful designs.

"There's something very traditional about applying stripes," says Roselind. "Often used in wallpaper and fabrics with more classic or traditional characteristics, but I think the application becomes much more interesting when applied to joinery or cabinets mounted or leaning against the wall."

"It adds depth of perspective and gives the strip a 3D quality, which I like," adds Roselind. “I like to play with a strong line coming off the wall vertically or horizontally, so you deal with different levels at the same time. I think that makes the space unique, makes it original. The sash is such a huge oxymoron because it's something so simple, a straight line of a certain thickness or weight of line, but it has such a powerful impact, in complete opposites, something so simple is so powerful.”

7. Use strips sparingly

So, we've seen that stripes can work well in bedrooms. They can add a touch of emotion to runners and have earned a well-deserved place among the best.living room ideas🇧🇷 But there's another space for your Stripes to work in - and that's yours.home Office.

A touch of stripes was used in the study area in this project by Rosalind, thanks to the use of bold charcoal stripe woodwork.

"I like to play with a strong line that juts out vertically or horizontally from the wall so you're dealing with different levels at the same time," says Rosalind. “I think that makes the space unique, makes it original. The sash is such a huge oxymoron because it's something so simple, a straight line of a certain thickness or weight of line, but it has such a powerful impact, in complete opposites, something so simple is so powerful.”

8. Mix and match

If you're a fan of colors, prints, and patterns, stripe designs don't always mean less is more.

Martin Waller, founder of the global design brandAndreas Martins(opens in new tab)She believes that, with the right choice, the combination of different prints can work perfectly in a room - and even within it.modern houses🇧🇷 It is about “choosing patterns in colors that complement each other”.

What do stripes do in a room?

"Vertical stripes give the room a nice height," says interior designer Marie Flanigan. “I love a subtle strip that draws the eye upward and creates a connection between the wall and ceiling.” On the other hand, horizontal stripes can look wider.

But if you're adding vertical, horizontal, or diagonal stripes to your home,Rosalind Wilson(opens in new tab)says the bright use of stripes adds visual perspective and depth, timeless interest and a strong character. "The rigid structure of contrasting lines draws attention to a focal point," says Rosalind.