FROM zebras to bold nautical impersonations, stripes are all the rage. Interestingly, stripes have a shady history as the distinctive pattern once relegated to social misfits, including jugglers and prison convicts. In medieval paintings, Lucifer is often depicted wearing stripes.
Perhaps, then, we owe a grateful nod to Coco Chanel for legitimizing the bold design. Legend has it the fashion maven borrowed a blue-and-white sweater -- the Breton, established in 1858 by the French navy -- from her lover, tailoring it to hug her slim body. A durable fashion staple was born.
Here are ways to infuse this happy staple in your home.
-- Store it: Steer away from generic baskets and add colour to bookshelves, closets or other nooks with these soft fabric solutions from IKEA. The Malla organizer, with six compartments and storage pockets on the sides for small items, is flexible and will hang neatly in a closet. It measures 32 by 35 by 110 centimetres and is $19.99. KAJSA boxes feature a handle for easy pullout and a clever zipper in the bottom for easy folding. A set of three goes for $14.99.
-- Trash splash: Who says dirt has to be dull? Bag it in style with some handy helpers from HomeSense stores, like this pretty-in-pink-and-bright-hues garbage can, ideal for a powder room ($9.99). You might even delay sweeping time with this snazzy broom ($7.99).
-- Good sipping: One sip from these Lollipop mugs and you're sure to be beaming a Shirley Temple smile. Made by Maxwell Williams Designer Homewares, the tall mugs boast colourful vertical/horizontal stripes reminiscent of a candy shop. A set of four costs $22.95 at Bowring.
-- Fringe fun: Mix cushions with flapper-like tassels and ribbon to liven up neutral spaces. This spicy-toned pillow, measuring 60.9 by 33 centimetres, costs $32.95 at Pier 1 Imports. Or opt for subtle shades of silver, gold and brown with this smart selection from The Bay. It measures 38 by 38 centimetres and sells for $29.99.
-- Welcome home: Enter your doorway in style and step on this rich-toned, cosy mat made in India. Measuring 69 by 114 centimetres, it'll fit nicely in most entranceways and its tassels add a dressy touch. Buy it for $29.99 at HomeSense stores.
-- Kitchen lines: Cook that clam chowder in nautical style with a simple apron. This one-size-fits-most frock sells for $4.99 at Stokes. Add to the mix a set of four of these folk-art-style fish measuring spoons that sell for $18.95 at Pier 1 Imports. When cookie time calls, count on a cheery container like this one to have treats ready on the kitchen counter. It's $23 at Pier 1 Imports.
-- Shades of grey: Sleek and sexy, this modern lamp will add old-school class to a sitting room (think Mad Men). Its silky, grey-lined shade, paired with a lead-crystal base, makes a chic match. Find it for $59.99 at HomeSense.
-- Candy cane chilling: Snooze your lazy summer afternoons away and put your feet up on IKEA's Karlstad Rannebo red-and-white-striped footstool. Made of 100 per cent cotton, it measures 78 by 158 by 80 centimetres and its removable cover makes for easy laundering. It sells for $159.99 at IKEA stores.
-- Postmedia News
