Life may never follow a straight line, but this year, your decor should.

Ham & High: Aqua print mug, available from Sainsbury's. PA Photo/Handout.Aqua print mug, available from Sainsbury's. PA Photo/Handout. (Image: Archant)

Stripes are decorating every surface right now, from walls to floors. And not only are they the most fashionable choice of the season - and a smart way to bring colour and personality to rooms - they have the power to ‘stretch’ walls too.

It’s all a visual trick, of course, but vertical stripes can make ceilings appear taller, creating the illusion of height, while horizontal stripes elongate a space, making rooms feel wider.

“Stripes are a perennial favourite both on the catwalk and for interiors, and are particularly on trend this year,” says Mike Constable, managing director of fabric specialists Jab Anstoetz. “Their popularity isn’t surprising, because they’re versatile and have the power to completely change the look, feel and mood of a room, depending on their direction, width, colour and pattern sequence.

“Stripes can be elegant and sophisticated when monochrome, conjure sail-away style in blue and white, or be playful and wild in bold and bright colours. Bands of colour in the same width help create a classic look, whereas a mix of stripes in different widths are more modern.”

Ham & High: Milo fabric for the Yin & Yang collection, available from JAB Anstoetz.PA Photo/Dominic BlackmoreMilo fabric for the Yin & Yang collection, available from JAB Anstoetz.PA Photo/Dominic Blackmore (Image: Archant)

So if you thought zebras, pedestrian crossings and bar codes had the monopoly on stripes, think again, and bring decor into line with this expert guide.

Stripes ahoy

Blue and white’s a classic combo for stripes, which evokes a coastal feel, and this year its popularity reflects our passion for blue shades.

“Crisp, clean stripes are synonymous with seaside interiors and can be mixed and matched for breezy, summer looks which are appropriate all year round,” says David Collinge, managing director at fabric specialist Ian Mankin.

Ham & High: Xian Fresh 76800 rug, available from Kelaty. PA Photo/Dominic Blackmore.Xian Fresh 76800 rug, available from Kelaty. PA Photo/Dominic Blackmore. (Image: Archant)

“Consider a thin ticking stripe as a neutral and match with a stripe of a different scale or density. To enliven a scheme, add pops of red in accessories or contrast navy blues with details in sky blues.”

TIP: Stripe patterns can be mixed with gingham, larger checks and florals, as long as you ensure all patterns are within the same colour family.Black and white vision

Monochrome’s also one of the fashion’s big trends, which means black and white stripes are everywhere, and these work just as well dressing-up rooms.

“Stripes particularly suit monochrome, as black and white’s a sophisticated, powerful colour combination, which adds a formal and polished element to a space. It works particularly well in traditional settings,” says Constable.

Ham & High: Monochrome stripe runner, available from Sainsburys. PA Photo/Dominic Blackmore.Monochrome stripe runner, available from Sainsburys. PA Photo/Dominic Blackmore. (Image: Archant)

“Accent colours added to a monochrome scheme will bring warmth, but in general, stripes look so graphic and bold on their own, it’s better to avoid cluttering a setting, or distracting with too many colours.”

TIP: A combination of reflective and light-absorbing monochrome fabrics is striking. For example, black velvet absorbs light more than black silk, and so will look darker. Alternating flat and glossy stripes can add perceived depth and dimension to a room.

Rainbow stripes

Take a shortcut to summer with stripes in zingy colours reminiscent of beach huts, deckchairs and parasols.

Ham & High: Nautical stripe cushion, available from Dunelm. SPA Photo/Handout.Nautical stripe cushion, available from Dunelm. SPA Photo/Handout. (Image: Archant)

“Colour’s come to stay in homes, and stripes are a fun way to introduce it. Make stripes work as a creative statement and try some interesting painting effects which can give you a look unique to you and your home.

“There’s no rule that says stripes have to be rigid straight lines, and I think wavy, softer bands of colour are just as effective,” says Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux.

“Try a simple dragged technique, using horizontal layers of colour, to get a stunning effect in the bedroom. Alternatively, make your own decorating tool by taping a row of artists’ brushes to a block of wood, and use it to paint finer layers of colour on smaller areas and architectural details.”

TIP: You only need a couple of handy DIY tools to help you create stripes. Use a plumb line for vertical stripes and a spirit level for horizontals, and if you want an accurate sharp edge, apply decorators’ low-tack masking tape.

Ham & High: Boston stripe organic cotton bedding, available from The Fine Cotton Company. PA Photo/Handout.Boston stripe organic cotton bedding, available from The Fine Cotton Company. PA Photo/Handout. (Image: Archant)