38 | January 2013 www.womanthismonth.com HomeSeeing Stripes Patterns continue to be big in 2013 in the world of interiors. Leading the troop are stripes, in all sizes and colours. Here are our tips to master the trend without going overboard. By Elma Bartholomew Owing to its simplicity and limitless options, there is hardly a more undemanding trend to apply to your home than stripes. It lets you play with dimensions and transform dull rooms with a single item. It helps you change a living space without changing much at all. The trick to using it in home décor is similar to your wardrobe rules. As the eyeengaging pattern is so directional, it can help create an illusion with the size of a space. Dos and don’ts A place we often forget needs beautification is the kitchen. A subtle way of adding some colour to this space is by using striped linens. You can also take this trend on a bigger level to the dining room. Table settings can liven up this area more than you can imagine. @home offers amazing sets of cloths, placemats, runners and napkins. Opting for striped table runners can instantly make a short table appear longer. For the same reason, avoid using them on long tables. Why not leave the stripes to the crockery? A large plate with colourful concentric circles can make a great centrepiece. For a more simplistic yet fun touch, you could use dinner sets that boast a hint of stripes closer to the edge. However, stay clear of striped everyday water and wine glasses. While striped walls are acceptable, striped floors are definite no-nos. Unless you want people to be dazed and ignore the rest of the interior, this is something you should avoid. If you like the effect of the pattern on a floor, opt for a rug. It is impossible to think of stripes and not think of Paul Smith. The rugs from the designer are perfect for the theme. A trick to making a couch look wider and thus more spacious is to place the rug closer to its edge. Stripes help pull disjointed solid elements together. If you are one of those who adore one-tone spaces, a graphic-striped rug is all you need as you can see with Crate & Barrel. The chic cool grey walls are well complemented by the grey and white rug which anchors the space in an understated manner. @home
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