10 Ways to Shake Up a Room With Circles and Stripes
Decorate with two diametrically different patterns in a restrained way, for a look that’s both dynamic and tasteful
Tamara Smolyansky
April 8, 2014
Dressed Nest Interiors combines natural textures with a streamlined, sophisticated use of color. We believe strongly in livable luxury, where the client can feel truly at home with everything being sensible and nothing being off-limits. Dressed Nest Interiors has recently been featured in Points North Magazine and was awarded Best of Houzz 2014 and 2015 for Service in Design.
Dressed Nest Interiors combines natural textures with a streamlined, sophisticated... More
It’s easy for decorating traditionalists to be intimidated by the unfamiliar. If an eclectic room strikes you as haphazard, and the term “mixology” makes your head spin more than a Long Island iced tea, don’t fret! Mixing circles and stripes is an easy way to shake up your style without stepping too far outside your comfort zone. Here are 10 tasteful examples.
1. Stick with a monochromatic palette. Pattern play is easy on the eyes when the colors are in harmony. Here the animal stripes on the pillows are in sync with the circular pattern of the rug.
2. Go nautical. All aboard for this timeless trend that perfectly pairs circles and stripes. And what other opportunity would you have to decorate using life preservers?
3. Stripes dominate. Elongated light fixtures, pedestal sinks and floor-to-ceiling stripes may rule this room, but they actually make the round mirrors stand out beautifully.
4. Circles dominate. Circles take center stage in this room, where stripes are sidelined on a coordinating chair and ottoman.
5. Deck the walls. Striped walls are a great backdrop for round accents. Here a curvy side table and pom-pom pillows soften the parallel lines.
6. Incorporate fixtures into your design. Dome lights and linear upholstered chairs are classic and chic. The mosaic backsplash and even the round chopping block contribute to the juxtaposition.
7. Minimize. One unassuming stripe, a couple of framed orbs, and it’s no muss, no fuss.
8. Child’s play. Kids’ spaces welcome the visual stimulation of circles and stripes, and are a forgiving place in which to express creativity.
9. Go black and white. This bold color combo makes a stylish statement when expressed in stripes and circles. Wide stripes on the walls and tiny circles on the floor are visually appealing without seeming too busy. It’s a classic look for smaller spaces like a guest bath.
10. Use sparingly. With one bold stripe on the window panels and subtle circles on the upholstered chairs, there’s no struggle between the patterns for first place here. The result is clean and cohesive.
More: How to Paint Perfect Wall Stripes
More: How to Paint Perfect Wall Stripes
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Be careful with stripes. They can be dated.
I suffer from fairly severe vertigo, and can barely even look at the nautical-themed one. I would be moving out!