'Personality' is the biggest word in interior design for 2026. Every voice online echoes that your interiors should be 'weird,' individual, unique, and characterful - but what do you do if you have a traditional style preference? Luckily, opting for a classic look and creating a space point of view are not mutually exclusive. John Wayne's living room is the perfect example.
A photo of the quintessential cowboy's California home from 1940 features all the trappings of traditional interiors: from family portraits to ruffled curtains to a wooden sideboard and even a vase of daisies, it feels like the classic American home. However, a bold striped accent chair disrupts this pattern. The silky fabric and thick geometric pattern are just eye-catching enough that it feels fresh, while sticking to his stylistic roots.
It demonstrates that an accent chair is the perfect investment piece for adding spice to your living room without completely changing it. To explore, Homes & Gardens got interior designers' best tips on adding character to a living room with a single pattern. We also curated an edit of products similar to those seen in John Wayne's living room, to help you get his look at any budget. An archival glimpse into his home is the perfect place to start.
Recreate John's Look at Home
This striped accent chair feels like a modern take on the one in John Wayne's traditional living room. It would be gorgeous paired with a wooden sideboard and cream curtains.
With a thin metal frame, this piece is perfect for creating a sleek, modern gallery wall. Available in multiple sizes, it fits a variety of spaces.
This burlwood side table has a bit more personality than a classic sideboard, while maintaining a traditional feel. It's a great pick if you want something novel and design-led, yet accessible.
Switching out your curtains with the seasons is a really easy way to update a room, and these Wayfair panels would be an affordable way to lighten up a room going into spring and summer.
If you want to replicate the bold stripes of John Wayne's accent chair with a lower-lift add, this ruffled pillow is the perfect pick. It's traditional yet modern in the chicest way, you'll want one in every room.
A striking centerpiece with soft grey veining and an organic form, this large shell will look stunning filled with toilet paper, left empty as a sculptural accent, or as a centerpiece on your kitchen island.
Though any accent chair will work to add personality, John Wayne's pattern is especially effective in a traditional living room. Georgia Metcalfe, the Founder and Creative Director at French Bedroom, advises: 'You can’t go wrong by adding in a bold stripe. From Louis XV to Ralph Lauren, they’re the stalwarts of accomplished interior design. To keep it feeling fresh, lean into a maximalist look by layering contrasting patterns and colors to bring a more modern feel.'
If you're thinking of investing in John's look, now is the perfect time, as stripes are emerging as a major interior design trend for this year. Lena Gierasinska, the Interior Designer at Barker and Stonehouse, states: 'Stripes are currently proving popular in interior design because they offer a perfect balance of boldness and versatility. The clean, graphic lines add a striking visual element to a space, making them ideal for both modern and classic interiors.'
Though this photo is black-and-white, there are dozens of ways to tap into the look. Lena recommends: 'Black-and-white stripes create a timeless, high-contrast look, while softer, hand-painted stripes in muted tones bring an artisanal, organic feel. Be bold and choose a striped sofa or armchair to inject instant pattern and visual interest into a space. Lively shades of yellow or blue work especially well to add a dose of dopamine.'
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