DP Trends: The Bold Revival Of Stripes

Stripes recently staged a striking comeback through one of the fleeting ‘social media’ trends—Coquettecore. “Stripes have this way of making a space feel alive; like they’re stretching time, like they’ve been here forever but are also pulling you somewhere new,” explains Mehek Malhotra founder of the branding studio Giggling Monkey. This bold new trend of stripe-drenching a space embraces the bold, immersive approach of making a statement through excess. It brings vintage charm through delicate pinstripes, intricate patterns and soft pastel hues, bridging the gap between classic and contemporary design styles. Born from a collective desire to break free from monotony and a yearning for heritage aesthetics, stripe-drenching satiates the craving for both maximalist and structured interiors. The result is a design that offers visual order while embracing zestful excess. 

To be fair stripes never truly went out of style; from exuding a nautical vibe to a quainter and more eccentric ambience, they have remained pervasive in interior design. Donning an austere prototype—broad stripes of colour on a white background—these versatile stripes introduce rhythm, omnipresent across various styles, from prep-school and Parisian pin-stripes to rustic and Cottagecore bands. DP’s latest trend report delves into stunning ways to incorporate this timeless classic into contemporary homes

1. Find The Perfect Spot For These Classic Bands

Stripes can transform a space when placed with intention. These banded lines possess an inherent character that guides the eye within a space while exuding balance and cohesion. Whether applied through bold, graphic bands or slender pinstripes, drenching a room in classic stripes mirrors the inhabitants’ personalities. Imagine foyers, bedrooms, or hangout dens, where vertical stripes elongate the confined spaces, while softer, pastel-hued stripes lend a subtle, vintage charm evoking a cottagecore vibe. In bathrooms, vertical stripes on walls or shower curtains conjure an illusion of height, making compact spaces feel airy and elegant. Alternatively, in a bedroom, bold, floor-to-ceiling striped wallpaper—whether behind the headboard or lining a cosy reading nook—or a statement rug with linear patterns, narrates a tale of the convergence of two eras. 

“Their (stripes’) linear rhythm introduces a sense of order and continuity, enhancing the visual flow without the need for additional layers,” notes Edwin Stanley Co-founder and Principal Architect at Concepto Studio.  Whether through wallpaper, textiles, or flooring, the right placement ensures stripes feel immersive yet effortlessly cohesive. For a coquette-coded sanctuary, begin with eclectic, contrasting stripes—be it on walls, upholstery, or even structural details like panelling—that become the room’s pièce de résistance. These conformist stripes, craft illusions; for instance, in petite spaces, horizontal stripes widen rooms, while vertical stripes elongate walls, subtly altering a room’s spatial perception. 

2. Venture Out From Straight Lines To Curves

While ‘stripes’ often conjure images of perfectly straight lines—vertical or horizontal—it can be exhilarating to stray from the traditional linearity, while leaning into more spontaneous, organic and avant-garde interiors. Think wavy, hand-painted, or crooked stripes, that trade monotonous symmetry for a softer, bohemian, or eccentric vibe, lending movement while imbuing the space with a touch of whimsy. In contrast to the classic straight stripes, which exude a sense of order and structure, these wavy stripes introduce a dynamic and dramatic ambience. Breaking away from the monotony of structure, these awry stripes manifest in wallpapers, brushstroke patterns on textiles, or even striped wall panelling.

Picture geometric or zigzag stripes on walls, backsplashes, and staircase walls adding a sense of dimension to a space. For an antique ambience, think chevron-patterned walls, herringbone wood flooring, or striped tiling that infuse interiors with character and movement. Furthermore, textiles such as striped drapery or ombré-effect striped upholstery can create the illusion of spaciousness while maintaining their inherent sense of order.

Also Read: Inside A Lush Penthouse In Bangalore Echoes The Spirit Of A Modern-Day Eden

3. Embrace the Striking Contrast Of Styles

The orientation and layering of elements in a home often alter a room’s spatial perception, suggesting that the key lies in balance. Consequently, this timeless pattern, paired with contrasting designs—florals, chequered, or prints—injects a sense of personality into a space, reminiscent of English countryside cottages. Meanwhile, mixing stripes with abstract heritage motifs brings a traditional and contemporary edge. Picture a striped accent wall against hexagonal tiles or a diagonally striped dining table, adding a distinct yet playful tension to the home.

Also Read: DP Curates: Discover 5 Jaw-Dropping Home Bars With Sculpted Elegance

Moreover, along with the eclectic mix of patterns, altering the orientations of stripes crafts an interplay of movement within a space. For instance, diagonal-striped flooring paired with vertical-striped wallpaper imbues an eccentric symphony to any room. Layering stripes in multifarious scales—think a pinstripe console against broad-striped drapes or a candy-striped pouffe lining up a contrasting striped rug—creates a dynamic rhythm, especially when anchored by a neutral palette. Whether pairing patterns or shifting directions in frisky disarray, mastering the art of juxtaposing contrasts ensures a space layered, vibrant, and effortlessly chic.

Stripes subtly waltz across interiors, elongating ceilings, stretching narrow rooms, and draping walls with personality. Alternating between clean lines and artistic abstraction, from the subtle luxury of pinstripes to the bold drama of mixed patterns, this recurring motif gracefully blends old-world charm with modern energy. The revival of stripe-drenching narrates tales of spatiality with equal portions of nostalgia and modernity while responding to an ever-growing desire for patterns and embellishments.

Stripes possess an uncanny ability to make a space feel both timeless and dynamic, with a duality that fuels the rise of stripe drenching, a movement that perfectly balances structured repetition or immersive, maximalist energy. A rebellion against monotony, this movement swathes interiors in rhythmic contrasts, crafting a language that is both timeless and endlessly alive.