Tommy Smythe Living Room
YI’ve always loved stripes and patterns like chevron, zig zag, and Ikat.
Years ago, when my children were little, their rooms featured both striped walls and a zig zag carpet. In that same house we also had Ikat curtains in the kitchen. At the time it wasn’t a particularly fashionable choice — I chose it simply because I loved bold pattern and color.
Chevron, stripes and Ikat have had periods of strong popularity, but they are fundamentally classic patterns that can last for years if you use them thoughtfully. These motifs have been around for centuries, so they clearly have staying power. The key is how you incorporate them: balanced and well-placed, they can feel timeless rather than temporarily trendy.
It’s easy to be wary when a pattern is everywhere. Retailers push what’s hot, and the internet can amplify trends until they feel overwhelming. But if you truly love a pattern, there’s no reason to avoid it entirely. Use it in moderation, mix it with neutrals or solids, and it will complement your home for years, regardless of what’s popular at the moment.
For some creative people, the frustration comes less from the pattern itself and more from how frequently it’s used without much thought—apply a chevron or stripe to anything and it suddenly feels “Pinterest-ready.” That overuse can make trend-averse decorators shy away from patterns entirely. I prefer to give stripes, chevrons, zig zags and Ikat a little grace — I still like them.
Yellow and white striped shower curtain via West Elm
That yellow-and-white striped shower curtain caught my eye — cheerful, fresh and simple. It’s the kind of accent that can brighten a room without overwhelming it.
Subtle striped napkins
Small patterned items — napkins, baskets, or poufs — are a low-risk way to enjoy stripes and chevrons. They add personality and visual interest without committing the whole room to a bold motif.
Zig zag storage baskets
Bold poufs and accents
I recently saw striped poufs that make a big, playful statement — the red-and-white option felt nautical and fun, perfect for summer. These kinds of pieces are easy to switch out as your tastes change.
Striped rugs
Striped rugs are one of my favorite ways to introduce pattern. A well-chosen rug can anchor a room and bring energy without overpowering other elements. In my own home a striped runner always lifts the mood, and I plan to add more once I replace worn carpet with hardwood.
Textiles that play with stripes and zig zags
Color blocking inspiration
And then there’s the current craze: color blocking. What do you think — embrace it or pass?
Trends come and go, but the way you interpret them makes all the difference. Some people are exhausted by seeing the same patterns repeated everywhere; others enjoy using trendy elements to refresh their space. The smart approach is to incorporate trends selectively, combining them with classic pieces so the overall look feels intentional and lasting.
Does it bother you to see the same trendy patterns over and over? Or do you enjoy trying them out, knowing you can keep what you love and let the rest pass?
Share your thoughts — do trends inspire you or wear you out?