A Celebration of Stripes

Walls: Closet Stripe 3-60 | Woodwork: Breakfast Room Green No.81 | Photo: Donna Dotan Photography 

A classic through and through, stripes have been a staple of interior design for centuries. In fact, when we began handcrafting wallpaper over 25 years ago, we started with stripes. So, today we’re celebrating the humble stripe by showcasing two of our best-loved patterns: Closet Stripe and Tented Stripe.  

To prove just how versatile stripes can be, we’re taking a look at how two different designers, Zoe Feldman and Ariel Okin, used these patterns in recent projects. 

Ariel Okin is a New York-based designer who specialises in “traditional with a twist”. That’s certainly how she’s styled Tented Stripe in this cheerful playroom, inspired by a circus tent. The joyful colour palette and whimsical placement across the vaulted ceiling, give this fairly formal pattern a playful feel, sure to bring a smile to your face. 

“I love the scale of Tented Stripe,” says Ariel, “it's such a great, thick stripe that doesn't feel overwhelming and comes in really great colorways. I love the yellow here — it’s so happy!” 

Ceiling & Walls: Tented Stripe 1345 (Archived) | Window Frames: Green Blue No.84 | Photo: Robert Peterson; Rustic White Photography 

Based in Washington D.C., Zoe Feldman is a designer celebrated for her seamless blending of old and new — a talent perfect for bringing traditional Tented Stripe to contemporary homes. In this living room, she’s expertly used a bespoke colourway of the paper on the ceiling and a select few walls. The result is a beautiful balance of bold and restrained, sophisticated and playful. It’s so beautiful in fact, this living room even made the front cover of House Beautiful.

Zoe commented: “The room's pitched ceilings, arched window and steel doors have a traditional vibe that we wanted to lean into. By using Tented Stripe wallpaper and following the lines of the architecture across the wall and ceiling, that classic feel is emphasised. The paper has a presence but isn’t “trendy”, and the signature Farrow & Ball depth of colour gives added interest.”

What a welcome home. This mudroom is sure to cheer up even the weariest walker in need of a rest. Closet Stripe on the walls paired with painted woodwork in a lively green shade creates a wonderfully whimsical feel — emphasised by the adorable wicker dogs. 

Ariel commented: “I really wanted the mudroom to feel classic, timeless, crisp and tailored but also fun, warm and inviting. Closet Stripe was a natural choice as it’s my favourite striped wallpaper for its beautiful scale and the hand-painted look.” 

Walls & Ceiling: Closet Stripe 352 | Photo: Stacy Goldberg 

Sometimes more is more, and that’s certainly the case for this striking space. Zoe has fully embraced Closet Stripe here, taking it across the walls and ceiling for a cocoon of pattern. The effect is almost like being in a jewellery box, making the furnishing feel all the more special. 

“We wanted to lean into the traditional bones of the house,” said Zoe, “but apply it in a way that felt fresh and modern. Running the paper in a different direction on the ceiling still captured that ensconced feeling we wanted but was also unexpected.”