To build a timeless look in your home, one of our foolproof strategies is to first build a room grounded in neutrals and texture. Then, swap out a few accessories in the color of the moment for a fresh look that’s affordable enough to change with the seasons. One such look we’re loving from our Spring catalog is this living room, which uses lots of neutrals, then adds an exclamation point with coral pieces!
Four fabrics really ground this space, two of which are stripes! And before you can object, yes you can mix stripes together in a room. We used two striped fabrics, both in the same go-anywhere shade of flax, but we used two different scales. The first is a wide cabana stripe in Suzanne Kasler’s Blanc and Flax Stripe on our new Candace sofa. Our next stripe was our subtle Ticking Stripe in Sandalwood which is in a very similar color to the wide stripe, but a much subtler scale.
The accessories play a key role in this living room, and we went for maximum impact by using a vibrant coral. It really only took a couple of Kiki Frog Knot Pillows and a coral Garden Seat to establish a second color story in this space.
The remaining accessories are heavily textured, like our Madera Sunburst which features three different wood finishes for an interesting look and bold shape. Next, we brought in our Paulette Table Lamp, which has a distressed finish that complements the Medera Sunburst and we topped it with a Ticking Stripe lampshade. Finally, we used our Clervaux Tufted Ottoman as a coffee table. The flax linen fabric works perfectly with our striped fabrics and brings in more texture which keeps this flaxen room from going flat.
Find more color palette ideas, or browse our Pinterest boards for more inspiration!
karen
Thanks- Caroline.
And just to be really specific: Which color of the braided jute rug?
Also we have small kids (crawlers and more to come) and a german shepherd dog. is there one that would be better for an active home?
THANK YOU!
Caroline McDonald
Crawlers and a German Shepherd? In that case, I’d suggest our Gardiner Indoor/Outdoor Rug which looks just like our natural fibers (and the one in your inspiration picture), but because it’s polypropylene, it cleans up so easily, and it’s surprisingly soft underfoot! Much softer than an actual natural fiber which can be a bit scratchy.
Let me know what you think!
karen
I am trying to re-create this in my home! What type of rug is that? Can you attach a link? BEAUTIFUL!
Caroline McDonald
Karen,
Unfortunately that particular rug is discontinued, but our Braided Jute Rug and Suzanne Kasler’s Katarin Rug would give you the same look!
So glad you like this space, and best of luck on your room!
Julie Perry
In choosing fabrics for a chair, should the stripes be proportionate to the chair? Does a big chair need bigger and wider stripes? Should multicolor skinny stripes be put on smaller chairs? Or can any size stripe look fine on either size chair? The two matching French chairs have a back cushion and seat cushion with the exposed arms and legs and surrounding edges of cherry wood. The arms have a bit of fabric on them. What is your opinion?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Julie,
This is a great question! Stripes are a very versatile fabric pattern, especially for upholstery. We actually think that any stripe fabric could look good on any size chair, depending on what type of look you’re after. For example, if you want more drama, choose a bold cabana stripe. If you want something patterned but still very subtle, choose a pinstripe!
If your chair is more dainty and has a wooden frame, we would suggest a medium or smaller stipe. Simply because they patches on the arms may be too narrow to showcase the stripe if it’s too wide. Does that make sense?
Best of Luck!
The How to Decorate Team
Candice Kolkman
I love all the great ideas! My grandaughter would like to decorate her bedroom in a French way, Paris style. She will be 6 years old soon. Do you have ideas for us?