How do you feel about stripes?  I personally think a room isn’t complete without a stripe fabric, rug, etc.  Stripes are a fundamental part of design. They can change the look of a piece of furniture or a room by being bold or subtle.  Stripes can be edgy, playful, modern or sophisticated depending on the size, color and placement.

So, which ones are right for you?  I’ve compiled a group of beautiful spaces using stripes to their advantage.  See if this helps you narrow down your options!

A well-tailored room gains energy from the striped rug.

This bold cabana stripe awning is the perfect backdrop to the colorful furniture and lush plants.

Wide horizontal stripes along with moulding accents blend beautifully with the baroque elements in this room.

This playroom screams enthusiasm partly due to the varied colorful stripes on the wall.

I love how this traditional room is transformed by a bold color palette and the vibrant striped rug.

This sofa from Crate & Barrel is like a men's suit, handsome and timeless.

This is not your grandmother's sofa. Reupholstering an antique in a modern stripe is the perfect juxtaposition.

Skinny stripes form a soft balancing backdrop for a room that is full of collected pieces.

Another great example of a bold stripe on a traditional piece of furniture.

Previously written by Kimberly for St. Louis AT HOME’s website.  Read more of Kimberly’s work and view her portfolio at www.kimberlyreuther.com.

Roman shades are basically the chameleon of window treatments.  They can conform to almost any decorating style, window size/shape, they have top down/bottom up features, blackout lining, cordless options for child safety, the list goes on and on.  So, how do you determine which one fits your style, home, and personality?

Here, I’ve broken down the basic five types of Roman shades to correspond with specific lifestyle and decorating tastes.  As I stated before, they are a chameleon breed so there is no hard and fast rule to follow.  Just trust your instincts and imagination to select the best choice for your home!

Classic Roman Shades – relaxed americana style, painted, weathered furniture, twill slipcovered upholstery, casual, whimsical accessories, kid-friendly spaces, crisp color palettes, cottage stripes, farmer’s market, coastal indulgences

Flat Roman Shades – sophisticated decor, understated elegance, clean lines, tailored furniture, rich wood finishes, neutral palettes, drum shades, contrast banding, semi-formal entertaining style, cocktail hour, natural light, low-pile wool carpets

Relaxed Roman Shades – shabby chic feel, subtle toile patterns, feminine lines, relaxed refinement, antiques, soft, natural linens, abundance of pillows, billowy fabrics, fresh flowers, fragrant candles, Parisian influences

Soft Fold Roman Shades – classic, traditional style, opulent silks, velvets, and damasks, leather sofas, warm wood paneling, nailhead details, turned legs, formal entertaining, masculine environments, architectural features

Solar Roman Shades – modern power couple, minimalist accessories, sleek furnishings, art displayed like galleries, linear forms, bold accent colors against neutral backdrops, lively dinner parties, open floor plans, cutting-edge technology

If you get stuck, consult with one of our talented team of designers!

Originally written by Kimberly for St. Louis AT HOME’s website.  View post here.  You can see more of Kimberly’s work here.