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The Retro-Modern Appeal of Summer Stripes

Could anything be more summer-perfect than crisp stripes?! Not only are they a key feature of retro tropical style motifs, they are surprisingly modern. Today we’ll take a look at how summer stripes work on both counts, from evoking the breezy past to celebrating current design trends. All that’s required of you is a sunny attitude and a minute or two to scroll down. Now who’s ready to bring a big dose of refreshing stripes at home?!… [umbrella below from CB2]

Black-and-white-striped-sun-umbrella

Retro Flair

Ready for some retro-style inspiration? Stripes immediately channel the past. From shady afternoons under a beach umbrella to vintage dresses with timeless appeal, there’s something undeniably classic about stripes. Anyone else in love with the photography of Gray Malin? This gorgeous piece from the La Dolce Vita series was inspired by the 1950s-1960s lifestyle of the Italian Riviera. So chic!

Gray-Malin-photoraphy-striped-umbrellas

The apartment from the 2016 film La La Land definitely turned heads. So many retro accents and gorgeous stripes in the mix! Thanks to Vogue for showing us how to get the look. Here are a couple of irresistible shots from the piece:

La-La-Land-apartment

The-apartment-from-La-La-Land

No wonder black and white stripes are staples of retro-chic Miami hotels such as The Raleigh! Below we see a sunset pic that leaves us wondering if it’s too early for happy hour… [photo via Traveller Made]

Raleigh-Hotel-in-Miami

See the striped towels in the next photo? It’s funny how one bold accent can create a retro tropical vibe. You’re looking at Austin patio bar Kitty Cohen’s, where the stylish past is alive and well. [photo via Tribeza]

Striped-towels-at-Austins-Kitty-Cohens-patio-bar

Hello yellow! While not retro, these Yellow and White Blackout Curtains from Crate & Barrel definitely evoke a cabana look that could be from yesterday or today:

Yellow-and-white-striped-curtains

Black and White

Black and white stripes are HUGE in the world of design, especially when it comes to outdoor furniture and current textiles. Not only do these stripes evoke the past (especially when they’re clean-lined and crisp), they can create an earthy modern look when they have a woven appearance. A case in point: this stunning bedroom fromH&M Home!

Earthy-modern-bedroom

CB2’s Pinstripe Natural and Black Placemats bring the look to your dining room table:

Pinstripe-placemat-from-CB2

Crate and Barrel’s Cuisine Stripe Black Dish Towels would look at home in any foodie kitchen. Not to mention, they come in a range of colors. Their high-contrast style is also super refreshing for summer, wouldn’t you agree?!

Black-and-white-striped-dish-towels

For a lighter look that oozes contemporary (yet equally crisp) style, check out CB2’s White Pinstripe Terry Dishtowel. Also available in black with white stripes!

Black-and-white-striped-dish-towel

For sleek stripes, check out CB2’s 20″ Noren Pillow with Feather-Down Insert, shown below. Fun fact: this pillow actually features deep, deep blue stripes rather than black!

Striped-pillow-from-CB2

This organic cotton striped sheet set is inspired by classic Parisian stripes. While it may have been influenced by the past, the sheet set certainly showcases a true modern element:

Black and white sheet set

Last but not least, this retro-modern sofa can’t help but channel Old Hollywood glamour. Or the beauty of the French Riviera! Details at CB2.

Black-and-white-striped-sofa

Modern Must-Haves

We’ll end by showcasing a few more striped finds that we couldn’t leave out! For starters, these Lightly Striped Baby Blankets are a great way to add a light splash of color and pattern to your little one’s nursery. Modern yet classic at the same time!

Striped-baby-blankets

Here’s more striped design goodness from H&M Home. This time, it’s the small stoneware vase that’s the highlight of the shot:

Striped-style-from-HM-Home

Care for a striped mixing bowl? Thanks to Crate & Barrel, you can give your kitchen a summery look. Also available in green, blue and grey.

Striped-mixing-bowl

On a final note, never has storage been so summery. It must be the stripes and the rope handle! Luckily these Stripes Around the Floor Bins are still available in vibrant shades of yellow and red (also green).

Crisp-striped-storgae-bins

Hope today’s piece has gotten you in the mood for summer! One last note: if you’re doing some seasonal party planning don’t miss this Oh Happy Day piece on How to Throw a Stripes Party. I’m currently planning my own and just might share the results right here at Decoist. Cheers to a colorful transition into summer…

Kate Simmons
Kate Simmons is a freelance writer and design blogger with a love of all things decor. She spent her childhood writing stories and working on interior design-themed DIY projects. Kate’s published writing reflects her special interest in how design has changed through the decades. Her blog Mirror80 ( http://mirror80.com/) explores the fashion and [...]

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