Naomi Watts shows how stripes bring life to a neutral living room – no makeover needed, just a pillow or throw

Naomi's cream living room features blue-and-white striped throw pillows and blankets, evoking a French style that designers say is trending right now

naomi watts on a gray background
(Image credit: ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images)

A neutral living space is timeless for good reason. Light, airy colors provide a space with just the right blend of warmth and coziness. However, introducing pattern and texture to these rooms saves them from feeling flat.

Take Naomi Watts' living room: the cream-dominated space sees a delightful disruption via blue, striped pillows and a blanket, which add just the right amount of pattern to the otherwise matte room.

Shop the striped living room accessory edit

According to interior designers, stripes are making a mark in design thanks to their visual appeal and vivid nature.

Magdalena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker & Stonehouse, explains, 'Stripes are currently proving popular in interior design because they offer a perfect balance of boldness and versatility. The clean, graphic lines add a striking visual element to a space, making them ideal for both modern and classic interiors.'

They fit into a range of design aesthetics, from modern farmhouse to quiet luxury; however, there is one trend in particular that design experts say stripes evoke at the moment.

'French style favors print and pattern, particularly the Breton stripe, a timeless and perennial favourite,' explains Georgia Metcalfe, Founder & Creative Director at French Bedroom.

'A touch of pattern can truly enliven a space. Stripes work perfectly on larger pieces of furniture like headboards to create a focal point in the room or equally well on soft furnishings like cushions or curtains to add personality and interest.'

If you want to go for a more maximalist striped look, try introducing a striped sofa or rug, which pairs just as well with neutral accessories.


Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.

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