I've been in the market for a black-and-white striped rug, but while searching for inspiration photos I keep loving what happens when the pattern comes off the floor. On walls and upholstery, black stripes add a graphic punch and textural variety while matching basically every possible color.

Where do you like it best, as a bold all-over statement, or an unexpected accent?

1 A dining room on Shelter Island, photographed by Tim Street-Porter for the June 2010 Elle Decor
2 Keely's "Parisian Chic" Living Room from the Apartment Therapy 2010 Room for Color Contest
3 Vertical striped walls in a dining room decorated by Ruthie Sommers
4 A kitchen by MIles Redd, photographed by Paul Costello for Domino via Bride's
5 Stripes add to the decadent glamor of this Miles Redd parlor
6 A stripey bathroom via Lonny
7 A porch gets floor-to-ceiling stripes, photograph by Dominique Vorillon via decorpad
8 A striped sofa in a stunning living room, via Live Like You
9 A mix of different black-and-white striped pillows, via Design Labyrinth
10 Designer Philip Gorrivan's kitchen, photographed by William Waldron for the December 2009 Elle Decor

You might also like