Street Smart: New Ways With the Zigzag

The classic chevron is still electric. Here's how to bring its energizing updates home

I live in a loft in Brooklyn, a recent transplant to Greenpoint (love my neighborhood!). I work as a freelance writer, blogger, stylist, gilder, and crafter. I curate a daily personal lifestyle blog called the Haystack Needle (http://www.thehaystackneedleonline.com). I'm also one half of the shop Cabin 7 (http://www.shopcabin7.com) — a collection of gilded objects for the home. I started out in magazines, working in the home department of Real Simple magazine and later worked as the home editor of Redbook. I love to scout cool finds for the home — everything from an amazing loveseat to a green laundry detergent that really works. I'm a new mama to our baby girl, Juniper, who amazes me every day with her curiosity for life and big smiles.

I live in a loft in Brooklyn, a recent transplant to Greenpoint (love my... More »

Bookmark

Embed

Chevron patterns have been topping the trend charts for many seasons. And while some patterns look dated after reaching popularity status, the chevron pattern has pretty much become a classic. These ziggy stripes make a whimsical, bold statement.

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

I spotted this eye-catching chevron loveseat at one of my favorite Brooklyn shops, Caribou Baby. Not only is it a stylish sofa, but it's a comfy spot to be with your baby. Caribou owner Adriane set up a breastfeeding lounge in the shop, where comfy seats like this sofa are available for nursing mamas.

Tips for adding a little chevron in your décor:

Chevron patterns are best done as an accent: on the floor, as one accent wall, or as accessories like pillows or art. An entire room of zigzags might make your head spin.

For larger pieces — like a rug or sofa — stick to a two-color chevron pattern in one of the classic combos (black/white, blue/white, yellow/white, red/white). Save the multi-colored chevron for accessories as a colorful pop of pattern.

The chevron pattern is also called herringbone when used in in interiors. You can even find that classic zigzag pattern in hardwood floors (mostly in Europe) and in some older homes in the U.S.

Chevron is definitely a pattern that commands attention. I scouted more chevron designs for the home used in many different wow ways. Take a look:

Private Comment

by Target

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Target:Dinner Plate Missoni - $29.99 »

The wildly popular Missoni for Target collection includes home and fashion pieces in the iconic Missoni prints. Here's one of my favorites: a chevron plate in an earthy color palette.

Private Comment

by britasweden.se

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Brita Sweden - $180.00 »

I own this indoor/outdoor rug in blue. This Swedish-designed rug makes the perfect runner for a hallway or entryway. And here's a cool feature: it's actually machine washable.

Private Comment

by Etsy

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Granny Chevron Blanket by royalsisters on Etsy - $70.00 »

Cozy up to chevron. This colorful ziggy blanket warms up an all-white bed and adds a shot of personality to that beige sofa.

Private Comment

by AURA

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Inka Fig Queen bed quilt cover - $179.00 »

Gray chevron bedding is something both he and she can get behind: the zigzag pattern has a whimsical vibe while the white-and-gray color palette is more masculine.

Private Comment

by Etsy

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Ziggy Patterned Letterpress Notebook by pistachiopress - $7.00 »

I like to keep a notebook in my bag just in case I need to jot something down (or some amazing idea comes to mind — you never know). Here's the perfect little notebook: a letterpress printed notebook with a chevron pattern and recycled paper by stationery favorite Pistachio Press.

Private Comment

by pehrdesigns.com

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Runners »

A chevron runner is a simple way to set your table for a dinner party with a vibe that's distinctly modern and cool. This runner would also be a bold cover for a sideboard.

Private Comment

by Kimberly Lewis Home

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Sierra Wallpaper, Aubergine »

Wallpaper is thankfully here to stay with so many fun, mod patterns, including this update on the classic chevron print. Other modern advances: the wallpaper is screen-printed using water-based ink and clay-coated paper.

Private Comment

contemporary artwork "Musky Ridges Woven in Your Rustlers" Watercolor by Joanna Goss

by Julie Thigpen

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

"Musky Ridges Woven in Your Rustlers" Watercolor by Joanna Goss »

What a fantastic watercolor art print highlighting the classic chevron pattern. I'd choose a white frame and white mat to make the colorful ziggy print pop off the wall.

More: Missoni for Target Collection Debuts to a Shopping Frenzy
Spot more zig zags in home designs

Private Comment

Browse more contemporary products photos »

News From Our Partners

Open photo in new window

Add to ideabook