Tommy Smythe Living Room
YI’ve always loved stripes and patterns like chevron, zig zag, and Ikat. They feel timeless to me—classic designs that can endure if used thoughtfully.
When my daughters were little, about fifteen years ago, their rooms had striped walls and even a zig zag carpet. I also used Ikat curtains in our kitchen. Back then it wasn’t as trendy, I simply loved the pattern and color. Over time stripes, chevrons and Ikat have cycled into fashion, but because these motifs have been around for centuries they can be styled to feel current without feeling dated.
Trends naturally rise and fall, and retailers push new looks quickly, but when you find a style you truly love you can work it into your home in moderation. That approach keeps the design feeling intentional rather than merely trendy.
That said, the ubiquity of chevron and similar patterns can be amusing—and sometimes frustrating—to people who want more originality. When a motif becomes a shortcut to popularity, it can feel overdone. Still, I’m willing to give stripes, chevrons, zig zags and Ikat a little grace because I genuinely like them.
Yellow and white striped shower curtain via West Elm
That yellow-and-white striped shower curtain is charming—cheerful and simple enough to brighten a bathroom without overwhelming the space. Small touches like this are an easy way to test a pattern you love.
Subtle striped napkins offer an understated way to incorporate pattern into a table setting.
Zig zag baskets add texture and pattern to a room while serving a practical purpose.
I spotted striped poufs that make a bold statement—especially a red-and-white option that feels nautical and fun for summer. Accent pieces like poufs are a great way to embrace pattern without committing to a large investment.
Striped rugs can anchor a room and add cheer.
Dash & Albert rugs are a personal favorite—I have one in my kitchen and it always lifts the space. Rugs are one of those items that can change the feel of a room immediately, and a striped rug can provide both a classic look and casual charm.
A mix of striped and zig zag textiles can create a lively but cohesive look when balanced with solids and neutrals.
Color blocking is another current trend to consider alongside pattern.
What about color blocking—the trend of the moment? Is it something you love or are unsure about?
Trends spark conversation because they invite personal choices. Some people tire of seeing the same motifs everywhere, while others enjoy playing with what’s popular and adapting it to last. The key is balance: use trends where they make sense for your home and taste, and pair them with timeless elements so the overall look endures.
Does it frustrate you to see the same trendy patterns repeated everywhere, or do you enjoy experimenting with trends while keeping a timeless foundation?
Share your thoughts—do you embrace trends like stripes, chevrons, Ikat and color blocking, or do you prefer to avoid what’s overexposed and stick to classics?