Six of the Best: Stripes lend a crisp elegance

This trusted and straightforward design element never falls out of favour. And there's a linear style to suit every look.

Clean, crisp and effortlessly elegant, the trusted stripe never really falls out of favour. And even though it is the most straightforward of design statements, it still offers plenty of scope for creativity. Vertical, horizontal, narrow, wide, colourful or understated, there's a linear style statement to suit every look

Italian connection

Quintessentially Missoni, this curvy striped designed bedlinen, which has a luxurious thread count of 280, forms part of the designer's new home collection, featuring fabrics, cushions, throws and towels in vibrant blues and rich berry hues. From Dh1,856, Missoni Home at Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates.

French fancy

Block brights continue to dominate this season and this wallpaper from Caselio perfectly captures the trend. The Stripes pattern is part of the French boutique brand's new Vibrations range and is stocked in Dubai by Little Luxuries. Dh160 per roll, Little Luxuries, Arabian Centre and Town Centre, Dubai, www.littleluxuries.ae.

Budget buy

Stripes are well loved by the Swedes and Ikea's forthcoming Autumn/Winter 2011 collection includes Nils, a handsome occasional chair covered in a smart vertical design fabric. The fabric option will also be available in other styles of chair. From Dh395, Ikea Yas Island and Festival City.

Right on target

If the rigidity of straight stripes doesn't appeal, the Robin rug by BoConcept might. With its kooky colour scheme and target-style design, this will be the focal point of any room. The rug is made from multicoloured wool and measures 150cm in diameter. Dh1,795, BoConcept Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi and Mall of the Emirates, Dubai; www.boconcept.ae.

Better bolster

To introduce some subtle colour to a neutral palette, we like this sateen bolster cushion that works in both the lounge and bedroom. Its understated pinstriped design means it's ideal for a bachelor pad, too. Also available in green and light blue. Dh229, BoConcept Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi and Mall of the Emirates, Dubai; www.boconcept.ae.

Floor 'em

Often copied, never bettered, this vibrant motif is the fashion designer Paul Smith's signature, and his specially designed piece for the Rug Company, hand-knotted by Tibetan weavers, shows it off to impressive effect. Price on request, The Rug Company, The Gate Village 02, DIFC, Dubai.