Americana Decorating
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Get ideas for authentic all-American style. Look beyond typical flags, stars and stripes to find a style that expresses you...!
Are you an American patriot, proud of your country? Or do you love America, and would love to travel there one day, to see the sights?
If you would like to bring a touch of America into your home, this is the place to look for ideas. Americana decorating means different things to different people, so you are sure to find an Americana style to suit you and your home.
Although it’s fine, if that is what you are looking for, Americana decorating doesn’t need to be all flags, stars and stripes and looking all decked up for 4 July…
You can go much subtler than that, but still get a real American theme in your home.
Here are some great ideas, which you can use, to discover your personal American theme…
Patriotic themes
- Yes, of course, for patriotic Americana decorating themes, red, white and blue and stars and stripes do feature quite heavily.
- You don’t have to look like a 4 July parade though – the best way of getting a patriotic-inspired Americana decorating look, that is easy to live with, is to tone it all down a little…!
- Yes, use red, white and blue still, but use more muted tones (the bright, primary colors of the flag are very strong colors, and not easy to relax with.) Try a soft, muted or dusky blue, cream, and a soft maroon.
- I advise to make the cream the basis of your design, and incorporate one of the colors as an accent (to a larger extent) while using the other very sparingly indeed.
- Equally, with the stars and stripes you do not need to go for a full on flag every time (although a flag, or flag design, does work very well as a wall-hanging or throw). Try a cushion or throw made up of cream and dusky blue stripes. Then you might try a cushion with a single maroon star … get the picture?
- Try to incorporate such items subtly into your decorating scheme, for the best effect – and for an Americana decorating style that works perfectly all year round!
- Look out for fabrics that incorporate these colors (you will find plenty around) so that you can continue the theme in your room without going full on for an over the top theme.
- It is a great idea to continue the Americana theme by borrowing from the colonial decorating styles with lovely quilts, rustic furniture and nostalgic pieces.
- You could also extend your Americana decorating style into a western home decorating look to further the nostalgic, rustic style and all-American feel.
- Or look at the classic southwestern interior design theme, for yet another take on American style decorating.
Retro Americana decorating
- Another great way of getting an authentic Americana style, is to go retro – more specifically: 50’s diner! This is a fantastic look to go for – and so much fun…
- A retro 50’s diner is a typically American look – recognised the world over! It is (understandably!) a great look for the kitchen. It would work well in a dining room too, but could really be adapted to any room you chose.
- For the basics of the style, choose black and white as your base colors (especially a check pattern – for example black and white vinyl, check flooring). Then choose an accent color – bright red, pink or turquoise are your best choices for an authentic look.
- Vinyl (or real leather) and chrome furniture are a must for this look – think of little circular bar stools and matching tables.
- Accessorise with soda fountains, juke boxes, and particularly pictures and posters of 50’s adverts and typical American icons – such as James Dean or Elvis.
Choose your American Icon and Style
- A fantastic way of getting a really unique and personal Americana decorating style is to choose and decide on your personal American icon… what symbolises America for you?
- Is it New York? With yellow cabs, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State building, Central Park…?
- Is it Florida? Miami Beach, Art Deco, pink flamingos..?
- Is it Native American culture? Horses, tribes, crafts, head-dresses…?
- Is it Hollywood? Marilyn Monroe, Laurel and Hardy, Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly, posters of your favourite American film, or retro-style pin-up girls?
- Does America mean Elvis for you…?
- Or Disney…?
- Whoever you are, and wherever you are from, you will have your own mental image of what America means for you. Use this to find your own Americana decorating style..
- Look for posters and pictures that represent your own iconic images, people, places and buildings - for me this is the best (and quickest and easiest) way of getting a really authentic and personal Americana decorating look
Look on eBay for great American styled goodies – these will get you started.
Below is a live feed from eBay. It is constantly updated. Just click on any product, for further information, or to bid or buy…
Happy Shopping!
The Americana look is a really great, flexible look, that you can make into your own personal style – so go on, have some fun and start decorating today…
Why not begin with a look at my checklist of interior design tips to take you easily through the design processes…
Browse for more interior design themes and inspirations.
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