Decorating Guides
Decorating Styles
Celebrate Patriotism All Year With Americana Style
Cozy quilts, folk art, gingham and American flags help proclaim pride in the country even after the Fourth of July
Happy Fourth of July, everyone! I hope you have some great cookout and fireworks plans. While many Americans are bedecking their front porches with red, white and blue for the day, others enjoy Americana style year-round. The style includes elements like American flags; quilts; a red, white and blue palette; nautical touches; classic American furniture of the colonial and farmhouse varieties; folk art; shingles; plantation blinds; ticking stripes; Amish quilts and iconic logos like Coca-Cola. You don't have to have an explosion of red, white and blue or ginghams and plaids everywhere to attain the look, though; there are plenty of ways to embrace the style that range from the aforementioned explosion to very subtle hints.
If you are hanging a flag on the facade of your house or even framed on the wall as you see here, the proper way is with the field of stars to the left.
Americana style does not mean an explosion of fire-engine red, white and navy blue (though that's OK too). This settee vignette carefully edits the patriotic palette and elements: The blue is a very light shade; the stars are a folk-art shape rather than the usual five-point star seen on the flag.
This barn goes all-out in embracing Americana style, including gingham, quilted pillows, a red-white-blue palette and the framed flag. The use of white paint and mixing in neutral shades of tan prevent Americana overload.
Interior designer Barclay Butera is never afraid to fully embrace Americana style, especially when decorating seaside cottages.
A framed vintage bathing suit adds just the right dose of Americana to this updated cottage kitchen.
This porch has big Americana curb appeal, with its proud flag flying, shingles that resemble barn doors and farmhouse feel.
A shingled porch is a great place to flaunt some stars and bars. A large pillow in a Betsy Ross–inspired design and striped bistro chairs bring patriotic style.
This clipped modern landscape mixes classic Americana style (shingles, blue shutters, geraniums in window boxes) with modern touches (gridded pavers, modern lounge chairs, an edited plant palette).
Gingham fabric and solid blue cushions piped in white are popular upholstery choices that add Americana style. Adding another strong color such as sage green to the red, white and blue changes up the expected look.
A completely different palette can still include Americana style. Iconic photography from Ansel Adams, a star-patterned quilt and a weathered caramel leather sofa complete the look.
A chic coastal look can give a nod to Americana through its color palette.
Federal and colonial furniture pieces like these nightstands and this four-poster bed also add Americana style. A striped rug is another strong part of the look.
A cozy colonial New England look full of antique furniture and farmhouse touches is also pure Americana, as the pieces recall Americans' early history.
Looking to later times of settlers out West, rustic Western style is another take.
Folk art elements, especially those associated with farms and barns, like weather vanes, are fun ways to bring in the look.
Contemporary and modern spaces also can embrace this look. This home's architecture is barn inspired, so in spite of its contemporary finishes and lack of ornamentation, overstuffed pieces in a red, white and blue palette fit into the mix.
Iconic American logos and products like Coca-Cola paraphernalia are also a part of Americana style. The vintage coke machine in the corner serves as a fun conversation piece.
Iconic American logos and products like Coca-Cola paraphernalia are also a part of Americana style. The vintage coke machine in the corner serves as a fun conversation piece.
A dash of Americana style even works in this very contemporary home in the form of the flag as modern art.
More:
Timeline of American House Styles
Classic Color Duo: Blue and White
More:
Timeline of American House Styles
Classic Color Duo: Blue and White