Today's Sydney apartment by Arent and Pyke reminded me how much I like black and white stripes, which, when used with restraint, add a fresh graphic note to a space, as shown in the rooms below.

Above: A striped bedskirt in a photo by Martin Lof.

Above: A sail-like canopy in a bedroom by Dara Caponigro; Paul Costello photo via Domino.

Above: A striped headboard in a French home via Cote Maison

Above: A striped rug at the Hotel Sigtuna in Sweden.

Above: Stripes of different widths in a graphic daybed by From the Desk of Lola.

Above: A striped rug in the Tree House by Bates Masi Architects.

Above: A bath in the south of France, photographed by Julien Oppenheimer, via Les Carnets du Design.