Home decor trends come and go, but one design concept that seems here to stay is the creative use of lines in interior spaces. From stripes to shapes, lines provide a bold and graphic element that instantly livens up any room. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the top ways to incorporate line-driven decor into your home.
The Allure of Stripes
Stripes continue to be one of the most popular prints in home decor. They offer a classic, preppy vibe and can be worked into designs ranging from nautical to modern. When using stripes in your home, consider the following tips:
- Mix wide and narrow stripes for visual interest. Wider stripes tend to give a more relaxed feel, while narrow stripes feel crisp and tailored.
- Try different orientations. Horizontal stripes can lend length to a room, while vertical stripes add height. Diagonal stripes make a dynamic statement.
- Vary stripe colors and patterns. Pair classic navy and white stripes with bolder colors like orange or chartreuse. Mix different scale plaids and checks for eclectic style.
- Use stripes selectively. They can get busy if overdone, so consider limiting stripes to upholstery or accent pieces.
With the right balance, stripes add timeless aesthetic appeal to any living space.
Zigzag, Chevron, and Herringbone Accents
Beyond straight lines, decorative zigzag, chevron, and herringbone patterns also make for eye-catching additions to home decor. A few ideas:
- Use zigzag-patterned pillows or area rugs to inject visual energy into a neutral room.
- Install chevron-patterned floors or tile backsplashes for a modern, geometric look.
- Choose furniture like chairs or sofas with herringbone upholstery fabric for subtle visual texture.
- Paint a black zigzag, chevron, or herringbone motif along one wall for an artsy focal point.
- Layer in throw blankets, curtains, or wall art with bold zigzags or chevrons.
Applied thoughtfully, these angular line motifs create movement and dimension for any design scheme.
The Linear Look of Wood Paneling
Wood paneling and other linear plank details give a welcoming, natural look to home interiors. Some ideas for adding this element:
- Use real or faux reclaimed wood planks to panel one wall in a room for rustic charm.
- Install wood-look porcelain planks as flooring. This adds modern appeal and is easy to clean.
- Incorporate wood-framed mirrors, photo ledges,shelving and furniture. The lines and grains give warmth.
- Paint wide stripes on walls in creamy off-whites to emulate paneling, without the cost.
- Add wood ladder-style shelves on walls or open sideboard cabinets to boost visual interest.
Wood paneling strikes an inviting balance between cozy and contemporary when incorporated thoughtfully.
Drawing the Line with Paint
For the artistically inclined, painting crisp graphic lines or shapes directly onto walls is an eye-catching technique for injecting personality into home decor. Consider these creative applications:
- Delineate architectural details like archways or niches with painted outlines in a contrasting color. This adds definition.
- Paint on vertical stripes, stacked rectangles or overlapping circles for abstract modern art flair.
- Use paint to create faux chair rails, wainscoting, or baseboard effects with straight lines and blocks of color.
- Outline the parameters of an accent wall with hand-painted stripes or geometrics. This contains the visual flair.
- Paint large squares, triangles or diagonals thinly over a feature wall’s base color for a faint patterned effect.
Let your inner artist run free! Painting lines and shapes lends unique artisanal style to your home.
The Clean Look of High-Gloss Lacquer
Another way to incorporate strong lines in decor is through the use of lacquered furniture and cabinets. The glossy finish emphasizes the outlines and edges of a piece for a striking, contemporary look. Ideas include:
- Choose lacquered dining tables or consoles for sleek modern style. Use in moderation to avoid feeling too icy or impersonal.
- Opt for lacquered open shelving and display units to show off decorative objects with graphic impact.
- Install lacquered kitchen or bathroom cabinets in bold colors like red, black or ultramarine blue for high-contrast drama.
- Select glossy black or white lacquered nightstands and dressers for crisp definition in a bedroom.
With its light-reflecting shine, lacquered furniture calls attention to line and form in a dramatic way.
FAQ
What are some good rooms to use striped decor in?
Stripes work well in many areas of the home, including living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. They pair nicely with slipcovered sofas or tufted headboards in bedrooms and add a classic touch to kitchen roman shades or bathroom towels.
What paint techniques can create lines on walls?
Some DIY-friendly ways to paint lines on walls include using painters tape and a level to create sharp stripes or grids, employing a protractor and pencil to outline geometrics, free-hand painting with an angled brush, or using a projector to trace patterns from templates.
How do you arrange furniture to align with stripe patterns?
When using striped rugs, pillows or upholstery, position furniture to either ground the stripes (placing perpendicular to the stripe direction) or elongate them (placing parallel). Float furniture evenly over striped area rugs. Frame stripes nicely with furniture placement.
What are good ways to mix and match stripe patterns?
For visual interest, pair wide and narrow stripes, change up orientations, layer different colors, mix classic stripes with bolder patterns, and combine various scales like fine pinstripes with wide nautical stripes.
What types of rooms work well with lacquered furniture?
The sleek, reflective look of lacquered furniture pairs best with contemporary spaces like kitchens and living rooms. Use lacquered pieces sparingly in traditional or rustic rooms to avoid clashing with the cozier decor.
Should you pain a whole accent wall with lines or just partial sections?
Painting a whole accent wall can risk looking too busy, especially with intense colors and patterns. Often it works best to paint lines or geometric shapes over just a section of a wall, leaving negative space to balance out the busyness.
Conclusion
From classic stripes to hand-painted murals, incorporating prominent lines in home decor provides graphic impact and visual edge. Lines equally suit both traditional and contemporary spaces, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Consult design experts for guidance, do mockups with painter’s tape, and start with temporary additions like striped pillows or chevron rugs. With thoughtful placement and creative details, lines can draw the eye in intriguing new directions within any interior.
