How to Create An Americana Decor

Treat your home to a burst of red, white and blue.

Call it Americana or patriotic, decorating with red, white and blue is a classic look. Whether your tastes runs to country or contemporary, Americana decor is easy to find and even easier on the pocketbook. Sticking to a theme, like Americana, can narrow down your color pallet and accessory choices, making decorating easier. Do your decorating in late summer, an you can take advantage of post-Fourth-of-July sales.

Things You'll Need

• Paint or wall coverings
• Americana accessories

Instructions

1. Color it patriotic with red, white and blue. Paint in any one of those three colors. Or, find wallpaper that incorporates the colors. It does not have to look like you mother's country decor -- unless you love it, too. Use bold stripes and checks. Even a graphic design in one, two, or all three of the colors in a great backdrop for a contemporary Americana. If bold colors are a little scary, use red, white and blue as accents against neutral wall coloring. Muted tones in dark red, navy and off white can work as well.

2. Wave the flag proudly. The flag is a prominent feature of patriotic decor. Hang an antique or reproduction antique flag over the fireplace or even a flag crafted from weathered wood fence pickets. Use small flags in a vase instead of flowers or throw flag-inspired pillows on your living room sofa and chairs. Create a flag-themed shower curtain or pop a birdhouse decorated with the red, white and blue of Old Glory on a console table or top of a bookcase.

3. Declaim your love of the U.S.A. on the wall. Use stencils to write out the words to the Pledge of Allegiance around your living room wall. Or use signs with patriotic sayings, such as "Glory, Liberty, Freedom and Independence" or "United We Stand." The signs can be a fun do-it-yourself project or you can find many handcrafted decorations on the Internet.

4. Salute the stars-and-stripes proudly. Use fabrics, wall coverings, artwork and decorations that feature stripes and stars. Hang tin stars on the wall and slipcover a chair in stripes. Use throws and quilts to add splashes of color. Just keep to the color scheme of red, white and blue and everything looks like you planned it.

5. Hail to the president or even Uncle Sam. Start a collection based on your favorite president. Presidential memorabilia can be found at flea markets or on the Internet. And, remember, the best deals can be found at closeout sales after the presidential holidays.

6. Mix up old and new in pursuit of a happy mix of Americana styles. Folk art and modern posters can work well together. Do not be afraid to add the unexpected. Mix a French blue and white toile with red striped twill, throw on a rustic flag pillow and you have Americana.