Lana Parrilla, whose dual roles on the fantasy drama “Once Upon a Time” include the fearsome Evil Queen, wasn’t satisfied just knowing her character was evil.From a tailored, classic line to a colorful zigzag, stripes can add a bit of pizazz to any room.
Classic stripes
Clean-cut and tailored, classic stripes (those of a consistent, moderate width in two tones) are the room equivalent of a three-piece suit. In general, a tone-on-tone take is softer than high-contrast colors.
Soft-glow pendant: A striking sub for a standard overhead, and perfect for a kid’s room. Oilo Double Decker pendant, $200, 2Modern.com.
Preppy pillow: Use a few to cozy up wicker porch furniture. Striped pillow, $75, HenryRoad.com.
Cotton blanket: Breathable, luxurious, and just the right weight for summer nights. Cotton-twill blanket, $98, PineconeHill.com.
Earthenware platter: Imagine it piled high with grilled corn on the cob. Sag Harbor platter by Kate Spade New York, $60, KateSpade.com.
Curved-back sofa: Muted stripes and a cushy seat relax its regal profile. Swedish Stripe curved sofa, $1,399, Wisteria.com.
Ceramic bowl: Leave it on the counter as a sunny kitchen catchall. Ronnie Ceramics Falmouth bowl, $35, JoanneHudson.com.
Multicolored stripes
Lively and happy, multi-colored stripes are a natural for kids’ spaces but can also work well in sophisticated neutral rooms.
Table lamp: You can restack this clever base for a custom pattern. Even Steven lamp by Inhabit Living, $196, BobbyBerkHome.com.
Acrylic tray: The right size and shape for incoming mail and magazines. Acrylic tray, $72, LesToilesDuSoleilNYC.com.
Throw rug: Delicate strips of color on a mostly gray background make it graphic but not overpowering. Altamar rug, $699, BoConcept.us.
Louis XV chair: This showstopper would be stunning as the only pattern in a room of solids. Louis XV Ribbon chair, $3,125, DransfieldAndRoss.biz for stores.
Wall art: Consider leaning it on the mantel (rather than hanging it) to temper its intensity. Curvilinear Time by Jessica Snow, $50, 20x200.com.
Ceramic bowl: A handcrafted piece that’s a tactile delight. But don’t be afraid to use it for popcorn. Summer Deep serving bowl, $75, HeathCeramics.com.
Off-kilter stripes
Zigzags, curves, broken lines – these renegade patterns represent the wild side of the stripe family, less structured but still ordered. Stimulating and energetic, they can tone down the seriousness of a traditional space or up the fun in a modern scheme.
Metal bin: Stick a potted tropical tree inside for a Palm Beach feel. Zebra wastebasket by Worlds Away, $135, ClaytonGrayHome.com.
Small hand-hooked rug: A nice hit of personality, warmth, and texture for a big bathroom. Lator Gator hooked rug by Trina Turk Residential, $195 (three by five feet), ModernChicHome.com.
Tiny bowl: For ice cream, nuts, wasabi peas-or your cat’s Fancy Feast. Origo Mix dessert bowl, $26, Iittala.com for stores.
Linen pillow: Dead center on a dark sofa, these organic, ethnic stripes would add cheer. Matchstick pillow, $139, RoomAndBoard.com.
Lightweight quilt: An artful print like this transforms a whole bedroom. Road to Delhi quilt, $285, Sukicheema.com.
Glam pouf: Signature Missoni zigzags enliven movable seating. Kew cylindrical pouf by Missoni Home, $445, Elizabeth Bauer Design, 212-255-8625.
