Painted stripes. Horizontal or vertical, thick or thin, multi-coloured or monochrome, we’ve been affixing and peeling decorators’ tape since our designer shoots first sprouted. And you can take it from us, that’s going back quite some time.
But if the thought of faux painting renders you paralysed, perhaps banded wallpaper could be the answer? And with the internet beset with wonderful sources, there’s no reason to fail.
In the world of couture fashion, too, stripes have become increasingly de rigueur; one need only observe the new collections by Celine, Marc Jacobs and Versace to corroborate our observations. Chi chi, or what? So, go on, sling some banding on your walls and you’ll be rubbing shoulders with Anna Wintour before winter is out.
Matter sartorial aside, we’ve assembled a foolproof guide which we hope will help you stay abreast of this home trend. And so, without further ado, if you’re ready to jump on the band wagon, here’s everything you’ll need to know:
Trick of the eye - Banded wallpapers aren’t merely decorative – they can also help alter perceived room dimensions. Applying vertical stripes, for example, in a height-challenged room will push ceilings higher, whereas horizontal bands will make walls look longer.
Roll out the rug - Sometimes you only need a quick tweak to substantially alter an existing scheme. A striped rug, for example, will add visual drama (as well as tactile depth) in even the plainest of spaces. Bingo: a new focal point around which further detail can be added, as required.
Cushion the blow - Banded toss pillows, artistically arranged across a plain sofa, will plump up an otherwise underplayed schematic. For extra drama, mix and match several patterns in a combo of colour ways.
Modesty blaze - Wood or MDF screens are great for hiding clutter, and great when it comes to delineating function across open concept rooms. But if your screen is a little plain, jazz it up: using tape, map out stripes across one or both sides. Choose two or three paint shades that match – or complement – your existing decor, and apply light, even coats. Allow to dry, then peel and reveal.
Curtains for you - Drapery is an excellent way in which to suffuse your digs with a modicum of striped style without painting or papering walls. But take a tip: if you’re having curtains made, remember that pinched or“pleated headings may affect the way stripes eventually sit. In our opinion, eyelet or ring top dressings minimize this problem.
Second time around - Rejuvenate junktique furniture using smart paintwork. Striping is a simple way to marry style and function and, if you’re a good second-hand shopper, you’ll already know there are basic pieces everywhere just waiting to be rebirthed. Scan Pinterest for inspo, then get stuck in. And if you don’t like your results? Simply stand back, sand back, and paint again.
Finishing line - If you are brave enough to band your walls with paint (maybe with an accent zone to test the water?) try creating a subtle striped pattern with same shade matt and satin finishes together. Apply the matt finish first and then, when dry, the satin banding. Low key, sure, but oh-so effective.
Hopefully the foregoing will be enough to get you well and truly (if you’ll excuse the pun) over the line. Yup, the striped esthetic looks like it’s here to stay, so join our parallel universe and you’ll soon be bang on trend.
