Up, down, all around and even diagonally, stripes are a timeless motif that keeps decor in line. Trends may come and trends may go - let's face it, fashion is fickle - but the stripe has played an integral role in home fashion for centuries. With timeless appeal and enduring qualities, the stripe is a key decor tool for a multitude of reasons. Alone or paired with floral, paisleys, checks, animal prints, toile’s and even other stripes and geometric designs, stripes can fit in and work with almost any décor - contemporary or traditional. In a room, stripes give us an edge and tremendous design versatility.

They can make your room look taller or wider, elegant or casual, soft and sexy or bold and exotic. Stripes can also bring a sense of calm and serenity to a space as they provide visual balance and symmetry. Stripes are master illusionists - used vertically, a stripe can raise a low ceiling. Alternately, horizontal stripes can make a narrow wall appear wider. Keep in mind that the larger the room, the wider the stripe can be. A narrow vertical stripe works well in smaller rooms, particularly those with low ceilings, as they will help make the room appear larger.

The key is to choose the width of the stripe carefully. Large stripes in a small space may be too much, just as narrow stripes in a large room will appear to blend together. Not sure how to add stripes to your current decor? No problem - stripes are easily integrated. Look for a striped pattern that has colour in common with your current decorating palette and choose a stripe that is larger or smaller than other patterns in the room. For example, if your room currently is home to a large-scale floral pattern, choose a smaller sized stripe - perhaps a pinstripe or ticking. If the room boasts a small leopard print pattern, choose a large or wide width stripe for contrast.

When mixing and matching stripes with patterns in a room, use common colours and diversity in the scale of the patterns. A vertical stripe needs a stopping point. The eye feels most comfortable when you provide a stopping point. I recommend using a crown molding, wallpaper border or turning one stripe horizontally and running it at the top of the wall. On fabric treatments add a cord or fringed treatment to break the line. To add stripes to your walls use wallpapers - striped patterns are available in an almost endless choice of patterns and colour palettes.

With decorative paint techniques, stripes can be easily painted on a dark coloured wall using a high gloss lacquer. Simply measure and mark the stripe separations on the wall with painter's tape, then paint a coat of lacquer on top of the unmasked areas for subtle sheen striping that looks great in a bedroom or dining room. Use a narrow roller to hand paint stripes onto a wall in a cozy country home or a child's room. Use bold colours and don't worry if your stripes are not perfectly straight- the "hand painted" look will only enhance the charm of the technique.

Striped fabrics are available in an equally vast selection of colours, styles and patterns for window coverings, upholstery and accessories. For an urban feel, hang horizontal patterned stripes in cream and chocolate brown fabric from a stainless steel curtain rod to frame a window, or simply add a couple of throw cushions from the same fabric to a leather sofa. To create a traditional ambience, place a pair of striped chairs next to the fireplace or near the entryway of your home. In the dining room, reupholster chair seats in an upscale striped patterned to add elegance. Wide stripes tend to appear more masculine and upbeat than smaller or narrow striping. Stripes can be adapted to any traditional or current home fashion trend.

Be courageous, go bold with colour, pattern and with the mixing and matching of various patterns. On the floor, consider a striped area carpet. On a mantle or side table place two striped vases or mat a picture with leftover striped wallpaper. Don't be afraid to think outside the box - or in our case, the stripe - to add these clever lineal details to your rooms. There are a great many striped products and accessories available to allow for a quick "striped" addition to any space and besides - stripes are always in good taste!

FENG SHUI

Your front door plays an important role in the flow of energy into and out of your home. From the exterior of your home, ensure that the front door is clearly visible and easily open. Clear away any overgrown plants and move aside anything that may be blocking the door. Also, keep the walkway clean and provide direct access to your door. Once inside the foyer, you should decorate with colours, ample natural light and items that bring a happy, expansive feel to the space.

GET ORGANIZED-SHORT ON STORAGE SPACE?

A handsome wooden or rattan chest or a toy box can serve double duty as a coffee table as well as storage for out-of-season clothes, toys, CD’s, DVD’s or art supplies.

COLOUR NOTES

Trying to decide what colour to paint a room?  Bolder colours are very ‘in vogue’ this year and well the thought of painting your walls dark, rich, bold colours may scare you almost to death, many people are combating their fear of colour and reaching for the paint brush.  If you’re set on lighter neutral hues, understand that well these colours are safe overusing shades of white can come across as cold or harsh. Be brave and try working with colour, in one room of your home, for starters.  This way you will be able to see first hand how it quickly adds life and energy to your surroundings and acts as a mood lifter.

The kitchen is an ideal place to start adding a little colour- there is not a lot of wall space here between cupboards, appliances and windows.   Shades such as oranges, reds and yellows are the perfect complement to white or stainless appliances and the bright lights of the cooking area.

Cheryll Gillespie is a nationally syndicated Design and Décor columnist.