The Old-School Wallpaper Trend That's Here To Stay (But With A Sophisticated Twist)

When it comes to interior design, choosing wallpaper can be a bit of a headache. The patterned paper adds personality to your home, but you want to choose a wallpaper style that won't look like your grandma's walls. You want to be on trend, but you don't want something that will look dated after a few years. It is a bit like walking a tightrope, and this means that many of us are opting for wallpaper designs that are timeless, slightly subdued, and blend both contemporary and traditional themes. One wallpaper design trend that has this and looks great in any room is ticking stripes. This design consists of a central broad stripe with two thin stripes of the same color on either side of it. The stripes are usually set against a neutral background, like white or beige.

If you think striped wallpaper is too loud, outdated, and circus-esque, you may be afraid of bringing it into your home. But designers are putting a sophisticated twist on this old-school wallpaper trend by opting for ticking stripes over thicker lines. Ticking stripes have been trending for a few years now, with their popularity linked to their versatility and understated elegance. This pattern is a toned-down, sophisticated stripe design that can blend seamlessly into your style. 

But ticking stripes are not new. This design has an interesting history, becoming popular in France as bedding and clothes in a woven, dense herringbone fabric. Sister Parish then brought it to America in the 20th century, and it took off, with high society seeing it as a must-have design. Over the years, ticking stripes faded into the background as other, bolder trends took over. However, they have come back to reignite our love for stripes.

The timelessness and subtle nature of ticking stripes makes the design a fantastic option for wallpaper. Unlike wider lines, the slim stripes in this design don't overwhelm a room. Understated motifs, natural tones, and rustic charm have increasingly become popular over recent years, and the simplicity of ticking stripes fits into these trends. However, ticking stripe wallpaper still has personality, allowing your home to feel like yours.

Ticking stripes are also extremely versatile, fitting into many different styles and themes. There is a vintage, cottagecore feel to them if you opt for traditional shades of light blue or red. This type of stripe can also fit into modern homes, maximalist spaces, and traditional-looking rooms. The pattern pairs well with many different colors and preferences, and you can have fun experimenting with the design. 

You may wish to simply add it to your walls as a neutral backdrop for the room. Or, you may wish to express your personality through pattern drenching for a new modern twist on vintage by matching ticking stripes with florals, gingham, and other motifs. Whatever you decide to do with ticking stripes, it's a design trend will add more character and personality to your home while staying stylish and sleek for years to come.