Can't Get Enough: Stripes on a Plain

I must have been a sailor in a previous life, because I'm more than a little obsessed with stripes! I love them in all colors and scales, everywhere from on the walls to on my clothing. But lately I especially adore striped rugs--whether big and bold or whisper thin, they're the perfect example of how versatile a little striation can be!

I'll even venture to say that in shades of black, brown, white and grey, stripes act as a neutral and gel with a variety of patterns and colors! Toss in some girly florals and a splash of pink for a glam eclectic sensibility, or make a striking Scandinavian statement with hits of juicy strawberry.

What a perfect foundation these stripes provide for iconic furniture like an Eames lounger and tulip side table! The size of this rug is smashing--it positively makes the room.

A cozy romantic seating arrangement gets a shot of modern charm. Without the stripes this space would be too sticky sweet for my tastes, but with them it's the perfect balance of girly and graphic.

A striped rug in the bathroom? Maybe if your significant other is better about toweling off in the shower than mine is! For those amongst us with well trained housemates, this clean yet cheerful touch looks brilliant on a tile floor.

Speaking of tile, hubba hubba! You'd think that black penny tile with white grout couldn't possibly look any better--and yet a striped rug in the same palette takes it to a whole other level!

Not content to socialize only with Western interiors, stripes also make excellent playmates for patterned silks and linens from the Far East. Here the floor is treated as a whole other living area--I would have a tough time deciding whether to sleep in the bed or curl up on that giant cushion!

Stripes anchor a clean-lined headboard, then contrast beautifully with fluffy white pillows and frilly grey shams. Doesn't this look like a bed the whole family could happily pile into?

My go-to striped rug? This lovely one from Ikea! Now you tell me: Striped rugs, yay or nay? UPDATE: Blair recently did a fab round-up of striped rugs too!

Image Credits: 1. Living Etc. 2. From the Right Bank to the Left Coast 3. Skona Hem 4. Domino 5. Unknown 6. Marie Claire Maison November 2009 7. Domino 8. House to Home 9. Domino Sponsored Links: Latest 642-373 dump and 70-293 practice questions delivers in depth understanding so you will pass BH0-006 exam on time..

Comments

[lucy@fourwallsandaroof]

These are wonderful. I love stripes. You've chosen some great images - every single one is stunning. We bought a zig zag rug in chocolate and ivory and it has completely transformed our room. Yay for stripes!

[Taylor]

Persian Galleries

What is an “Oriental” Rug?
The term “oriental rug has become an accepted designation for all the handknotted or handwoven carpets from the Middle or Far East. Called oriental or Persian, these works include carpets from Iran (ancient Persia) China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Romania, and Russia. Although these are by no means the only rug producing countries, they are the major purveyors of the craft today.(In this text, the term rugs and carpet are used interchangeably.
A Brief History of the Art.
It is quite conceivable that one may trace the roots of this time honored craft to the beginning of man’s civilization; however, it has never been established where the art rug weavers first originated. Despite some startling recent discoveries, most experts refer to one carpet in particular as being the oldest in existence.
In 1949, while excavating a series of burial tombs in the Pazyryk Valley, located in Southern Siberia, Russian archaeologist S.I. Rudenko made an amazing discovery. Included within the many artifacts was found an incredibly well preserved wool rug. Dated by the process known as Carbon 14, the rug was determined to have been constructed over 2,500 years ago! Although there are many opinions as to the origin of this remarkable find, most scholars agree that it is of Persian origins.
Regardless of where the art form was conceived, it is widely accepted that among the major roles players in the development of the craft were the creative artisans of ancient Persia. It was especially during the 16th and 17th centuries, under the tutelage of Shah Abbas the Great, that the art of rug weaving reached its zenith. Many magnificent masterpieces were produced which set the standard of the craft for all rugs producing regions. Many of these brilliant examples are currently in Museums around the world (the Pazyryk find is in the Hermitage in Leningrad), and in the hands of collectors who were astute enough to recognize their worth long ago.

Persian Galleries
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