Stripes have long taken the cake as the go-to warm-weather decorating pattern. But lately, we’re seeing a swap: gingham has recently given the perennial favorite a run for its money, enchanting the chicest backyard scenes with a familiar, farmhouse, cottagecore-adjacent charm.
This outdoor decorating trend feels uniquely… honest. Besides, what could possibly go wrong, sprawled across a Serena & Lily coastal blue-and-white check Sundial sofa? Where stripes read sharper, more severe, gingham reads soft, casual, and – like the idyllic picnics it muses – completely carefree.
It shifts easily depending on saturation. Beige, for instance, reads whisper-soft against the cream base; a berry check makes more of a statement. That flexibility lends itself to layering – from ruffle-edged cushion covers by GreenRow to tonal outdoor rugs from Rugs USA, grounding alfresco arrangements with an air of nostalgia.
Stripes can feel a little strict. Gingham is house-next-door. The one with the luscious, high-set grass and something chilled already poured. Stripes aren’t going anywhere, but if we’re keeping score this season (and we are), gingham is winning by a mile.
The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.
