July hosts the celebration of independence for America. With thankfulness in our hearts for the freedoms we have in this country, and feeling festive, it is an opportune time to reflect those feelings throughout our homes and in our decor.
A quick run to the local big box store will have your vision loaded with red, white, blue, stars and stripes…on everything. The challenge we are taking on today is to use creative ways to add the feeling of “I love America” without screaming it. Let’s approach a “feel” of Americana in our spaces.
1. Mason Jars
Is there anything more classic than a Mason Jar? You can find them in a beautiful, vintage blue, and fall in love immediately. Fill it with water and add some white hydrangea blooms for an instant pop of Americana wherever you place it. If you cannot find a blue tinted jar, use a clear one and add blue or red flowers. You can also dye the water red or blue for some color, but be careful what flowers you add as they soak up that color.
2. Pillows and Throws
Instead of adding a pillow covered in stars, add a few pillows to pop the colors of red, white and blue. A blue and white pillow ticking thrown in your arm chair, or a couple of red pillows mixed in on the sofa, will bring the American theme into your living space. Tossing some striped or solid throws casually over the backs of your seating areas will also tastefully communicate your patriotism.
3. Use Patterns to Your Advantage
Our homes are full of opportunities for simple switches to decorate a particular theme. We can go beyond added party streamers and flag buntings. Take advantage of the areas you already have, and do a simple change out. Take inventory of your dishes, towels, curtains, bedding, rugs and table linens, and do some quick editing. There are so many wonderful patterns that you can use in various shades of red, white or blue that will have your home singing the national anthem. Toile, gingham check, seersucker, and awning stripes can all serve this purpose. Have fun!
Photo: Better Homes and Gardens
4. Use Natural Items
Rustic wooden boxes, wicker baskets, metal buckets…these all reflect the history of our great nation. Set a blooming flower pot, or ice and cold drinks, inside a galvanized bucket, and you have instant nostalgia. Use a wicker door hanger with a cascading arrangement, and pop an American flag into it, and you have already conquered a front porch welcome. Construct a simple, chunky wooden box, paint it white, sand it down and use it as a table centerpiece to hold candles, flowers, or utensils (directions here)! Sometimes, simple truly is more beautiful, and it reflects slowing down and enjoying others, which is classic America.
Don’t be afraid to enjoy this month of July and the many wonderful hues of red, white and blue. Push beyond the “norm” and add a splash of your love for our great nation into your home. Let us know if we can help you in any of these ways!
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Interiors Revitalized is a full-service home staging, model home merchandising, and interior design firm located in Jacksonville Florida. In addition to Jacksonville, we serve the St. Johns, St. Augustine, Orange Park, Fleming Island, and Fernandina Beach areas. Contact us today at 904.625.2214 to discuss your home staging or interior design project. We’ll make that first offer your best offer!
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