There’s no denying the energy a few well-placed stripes bring to a room. Whether vertical or horizontal, subtle or bold, real or implied, linear pattern can add get-up-and-go to any space.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when using stripes-

• Used on their own, subtle stripes act like textured paint and are perfect for large walls in living rooms, dining room and bedrooms. Bold stripes, add serious drama and work well in smaller spaces like entryways, powder rooms, hallways and office nooks.
• Mixing stripes can up the ‘wow’ factor in a space considerably. The trick is to visually separate the patterns from each other, either with molding or by using them on separate walls (i.e. a foreground wall and a background wall). Try applying the same stripe pattern horizontally and vertically or two stripes from the same color palette in different scales.
• Think unconventionally. Striped wallpaper on the ceiling is delightfully unexpected. Like many other wall paper patterns, stripes can add a bit of stylish surprise when used to line dresser drawers and cabinet doors.

1. Fredrika (NW), Dark Grey 529-71. Sandberg.
2. Fusion, 69/9135. Cole & Son.
3. Nabucco Collection, Bridgeport. Designers Guild.
4. Oriental Garden Collection, Tatami. Designers Guild.
5. Bold Stripe, Black/Charcoal by Kelly Hoppen. Graham & Brown. $80
6. Verve Stripe, Brown. Graham & Brown. $70
7. Different Strokes, Powder Paint Blue. Mini Moderns. $60
8. Balusters, Jet. Schumacher.
9. Teatro, Ponti, W6040-03. Osborne & Little.
10. Figaro, Blue. Graham & Brown. $60

Images: 1. Living Etc. 2.7., 9-10. As linked above. 8. Desire to Inspire