Candy cane, zebra, barcode – stripes! Stripes have been around for over a hundred years. So why in recent years have they become a huge trend in interior decorating? More than ever, people are using this classic pattern as a way to liven up their living space. Busy patterns like polka-dots or floral prints can be overpowering on walls, but vertical or horizontal stripes can add a classic look to any home. Discover the secret to incorporating stripes into your home decor.

• Entry-way. Having striped walls in your entry-way is a great way to make a statement when your guests arrive. Entry-ways are typically one of the smallest areas of a home, and adding stripes can help to elongate the look and feel of the space. If your entry-way walls are curved, horizontal lines will enhance the flow into the rest of your home. To create the illusion of higher ceilings, use vertical striping.
• Bathroom. Like entry-ways, bathrooms are usually a smaller area of a home. Between the sink, mirror, and tub, there is not a lot of wall space for décor. Painting stripes on a wall is an easy way to add some personality to one of the most used rooms in your house.
• Living Room. Add the classic pattern to your living room by creating an accent wall. Choose one wall, for example, behind the television or couch, to add some character to your living space. Stripes don’t always have to be black and white! Play with color combinations that bring out the colors in accent pillows or rugs, or use a subtle neutral color paired with white to frame your television.
• Bedroom. The bedroom is where the most fun can be had with decorating. Your bedroom is your space, so mix play around with patterns. For example, have a striped wall behind your bed and pair that look with floral bed sheets. Having muted striped walls in nurseries has also become very popular.

Once you’ve decided where the stripes will go and have your colors picked-out, the final step is to paint! Here’s a quick how-to:

• Paint your wall with the base color (the color that you want against your stripes).
• Measure and level to check that the wall that you are painting is straight.
• Use painters tape to outline your stripes. Measure as you go to ensure that the stripes are a consistent width.
• Apply a semi-gloss, then paint with the color that you chose for your stripes.
• Let dry, then remove the painters tape and you’re left with a completed, beautiful, smooth striped wall!

Follow these secrets to painting stripes to guarantee that you get the look that you want. For more stripe painting tips, the professionals at Rowley painting can help!