Graphic stripes and bold florals together sounds unusual, but the pairing is one of the most classic and stylish combinations of all time. If you're still not convinced, seeing Zooey Deschanel and Johnathan Scott's home will change your mind.
The couple recently redid the maximalist living room in their Manhattan duplex, working with the acclaimed interior designer Young Huh to create a beautifully layered space that feels uniquely their own. This vision especially comes to life in the striking pairing of black and white striped curtains with a red and teal floral sofa.
Spaced out across the room, the pattern-drenching looks bold, but not overwhelming. It's a masterclass in effectively combining two hero patterns for a room with an effect greater than its parts.
Why is the combination so effective? And how can we recreate Zooey and Johnathan's look in our own homes? Homes & Gardens interviewed interior designers to get to the bottom of it.
First, this combination works well because it demonstrates the versatility of decorating with stripes. Though we sometimes think of this pattern as bold, it is actually subtle enough to mix with a range of different shapes
Sophia Ayrton-Grime, Founder and Interior Designer at Atelier Raff explains: 'One of the greatest strengths of stripes is their ability to layer beautifully with other patterns. They can add structure when paired with florals or soften the look of geometric designs, making them an indispensable tool in any decorator's arsenal.'
Recreate Zooey and Johnathan's Look at Home
Stoffer Home is one of my favorite Wayfair destinations, thanks to their beautiful hand-upholstered furniture pieces like this block-print ottoman. The silhouette is contemporary yet finished with a ruffle to nail the skirted furniture trend.
This ruffled throw pillow is the perfect accent piece for style-forward shoppers. I love the combo of green and pink, and it's delicate, ditsy floral that was designed in-house at The Six Bells and then crafted in India.
This black and cream throw pillow softens a dramatic pattern with a textured linen material. It would look beautiful, casually thrown on a floral sofa.
Furthermore, the combination is stunning because each of the patterns is timeless. No matter the era, you see some iteration of a stripe, and one of a floral. Sophia states: 'Stripes also strike the perfect balance between simplicity and impact, making them an iconic design that will never go out of style.'
To recreate the look, be sure to break up the patterns with empty space or solid color, as seen in Zooey and Johnathan's living room. Though the patterns can look beautiful layered directly on top of eachother, this spacing gives each room to breathe making it all the more impactful.
If you want to get creative with your interior design, but aren't sure where to start, pairing stripes and florals is a wonderful way to dip your toe into maximalism. It's bold but classic, making for a look to last a lifetime.
