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“Stripe Girl Summer” Is the Timeless Aesthetic You’ll Want to Use Forever

Blair Donovan
Blair DonovanSenior Editor of Style at Apartment Therapy
I’m Apartment Therapy’s Senior Style Editor, where I write and edit content focused on the latest interior design trends, expert decorating ideas, and must-see new home products and brands. I also especially love profiling emerging artists or designers, as well as delving into design history topics — whether it’s uncovering the origins of mid-century modern furniture pieces or recapping the biggest U.S. home styles from the past century. Previously, I’ve held editorial and copywriting positions at Brides magazine and Macy’s. In my 6+ years of experience, I interviewed celebrities and well-known designers like Sarah Jessica Parker, Sabrina Bryan, Nate Berkus, and Jeremiah Brent. In 2023, I also designed a dorm room-themed space for Apartment Therapy’s annual New York-based pop-up event, Small/Cool. Whenever I’m not keeping tabs on the next TikTok “core” or buzzy IKEA collection, I’m most likely reading a book on my stoop, online shopping, or looking for the best tacos in New York (recs are encouraged).
published Aug 12, 2024
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collage of different striped home decor/painting
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Credit: Photos: Selena Kirchhoff, Claire Champion, Julie Goldstone, William Myers; Design: Apartment Therapy

Stripes arguably never went out of style — and luckily, I don’t think they ever will — but 2024 has been all about this two-tone pattern. That’s especially true this season, when everyone from Emma Roberts to IKEA DIYers seems to be embracing the aesthetic that I’m officially deeming “stripe girl summer.”

Summer stripes might only make you think of quintessentially coastal vibes, like a resort beach towel or Palm Springs poolside cabanas. The current fascination with striped furniture, decor, and even walls proves that the classic pattern deserves more of a starring spot inside, year-round — no luxury vacation budget needed. 

What sparked this recent stripes surge in the first place, though? Designer Heather Taylor, founder of (stripes-heavy!) decor brand Heather Taylor Home, attributes it to “a broader interest in classic patterns and timeless design, which stripes epitomize.” Taylor also praises stripes’ versatility and the fact that they “can also feel very modern and cool, depending on color and scale.” Essentially, the pattern pairs well with the majority of design styles, at least in some capacity.

As proof that stripes don’t have to feel overly beachy or traditional, DIYer Tina Le Mac (@tinalemac) created her own version of a high-end striped chair through a project that she considers “the easiest IKEA hack ever.” After sourcing a pair of thrifted IKEA IVAR chairs (for $10 each!), she applied a slightly darker wood stain all over both pieces and then painted chocolate brown stripes on the legs and seat backs. She used a ruler and painter’s tape to map out 1.5-inch-wide stripes, but you can play around with different dimensions if you re-create the look. 

More recently, Drew Scott of Lone Fox Home also took an especially unique stripes approach, orienting them at a diagonal angle on the walls of his breakfast nook. He evenly layered strips of painter’s tape, applied a coat of his base paint color, and then added the accent color on top. The result? A chic taupe-and-white pairing that commenters likened to “sun rays coming through the window.”

Both of the above projects used fairly neutral palettes, but Taylor adds that “stripes are a great way to decorate with bold colors.” She recommends “interesting color combinations,” like the tomato and blue striped textiles from her home line. 

You also don’t have to commit to painted stripes or wallpaper. Striped decor makes the perfect low-stakes introduction to this aesthetic, like a throw pillow, lamp shade, or shower curtain. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to decorate with different striped motifs in the same space, like pairing a pinstripe and a thicker cabana stripe (because nothing goes better with stripes than … more stripes). “Regarding scale, we love to mix and match,” Taylor adds. “A wide striped tablecloth mixed with a thin striped napkin in the same color combo is perfection.”

However you embrace “stipe girl summer” this year (and beyond), know that this here-to-stay print transcends trend cycles, regardless of styling and color. If you do want something that’s a bona fide classic, though, Taylor says you can’t go wrong with a simple blue and white combo. “A small scale ticking stripe never goes out of style,” she notes.

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Decorating