The Met Gala 2025 was alive with exciting fashion trends that translate into the schemes designers are creating for the world's best homes right now, too.
One such interior design trend, which was beautifully showcased by actress Anne Hathaway, is decorating with stripes.
Never really out of fashion, the classic stripe is having a particular moment right now and it's less about country ticking and more about adding personality. It is being heralded as the must-have trend for 2026, signaling its much-anticipated revival.
'Stripes bring order and structure to a space and have the ability to redirect the eye,' says Roselind Wilson, founder of Roselind Wilson Design.
'When incorporated into an interior scheme, they inject a dose of understated elegance and sophistication. I'm drawn to layering when designing an interior scheme, and incorporating stripes into the design provides the perfect structure that can be contrasted with other designs, patterns, and colors.'
The benefits of stripes are endless. Stripes tend to create the illusion of space: vertical stripes make ceilings look higher and horizontal ones make rooms appear wider, so they are perfect in spaces that are quite compact.
'In small bedrooms, I like to use a combination of both vertical and horizontal stripes to elongate the room,' explains Roselind Wilson. Conversely, using vertical stripes in an already large room accentuates the ceiling height and expansive nature of the space.'
To prevent the stripes from overpowering the room, choose your color palette and then add patterns and accents of that color palette in darker and lighter shades.
If you feel hesitant about decorating with patterns, such as stripes, perhaps start with a small room or a corner space in your home. Or as an introduction to using graphic patterns in your interior scheme, use a decorative element, such as a striped vase or striped throw pillow as a starting point.
Shop the stripe edit
With infinite colors and configuraions, there's a stripe to transform any space – whether you want a striking focal point or a subtle backdrop.
Sarah Sherman Samuel's balanced yet modern throw pillow design will make your color scheme pop. The on-trend painterly stripe print on linen is the perfect way to add a touch of visual impact to any room.
An ode to sunny days and backyard soirees, the Larkin Stripe Tablecloth features a timeless green and white striped design. Its 100% linen material is soft with a weighty, quality feel. Blending indoor-outdoor style, a linen tablecloth will effortlessly elevate any table setting.
Softer than your favorite t-shirt, this bedding set is just as cool and comforting. Made with organic cotton, and designed with a strong stripe, it is the perfect foundation for a dorm room bed. Mix and match with the Comfy Tee jersey bedding in striped and solid green and layer with pillows in a similar color.
Finally, don't be afraid to use a combination of both horizontal and vertical stripes in different colors to add a bold yet playful twist. Also consider pairing different finishes for the stripes, such as satin and gloss for a crisp, contemporary look.
