For that classic look, striped wallpaper is a natural choice for heritage homes and interiors that embrace a retro vibe. But the joy of stripes is that this deceptively simple design element works well in contemporary interiors, too - especially when perfectly partnered with paints that harmonise and enhance. Neutral paints allow subtle stripes to stand out more, particularly tonal stripes that are close together on the colour wheel. Blue paint brings a cool, fresh element to stripes in a bathroom or living room, while pink paint adds a warm, welcoming feeling to a bedroom.

For a modern look, grey paint creates a softness between the horizontal plains, such as skirting and door frames and the vertical structure of stripes in more restrained tones. Striped wallpaper can work to make a space look larger or increase the perception of height in a room, so it's important to think about the geometry of your space before choosing vertical or horizontal stripes. Finish off the look with floor-length curtains that echo the vertical effect, and add wall art to create a gallery effect in hallways or stairwells.