A versatile style, with casual beauty, Americana can be patriotic, primitive, farmhouse charm, or a combination of all three. It’s a style that can be adapted in a number of ways, making American a design style so appealing that it can be used all year round.
Patriotic Americana
This form of Americana is probably the easiest to recognize. Patriotic Americana typically includes:
- Stars (or stars and stripes in combination)
- Flags
- 1776 motifs
- Antique tin soldiers
- Old quilts
- Vintage advertising from World Wars I and II
- American symbols like the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam
- Red, white and blue color combination
A nautical motif is also popular within the patriotic theme. A lot of Americana decorating is centered on symbols of New England, so nautical decor blends into a design style like this flawlessly. Some items to consider include things such as lighthouses, old lobster traps, ships in bottles, fishnets, birds, shells, anchors, and lanterns. Vintage maps could also work.
You can get this look easily. Just start with a beige, tan or faded [denim] blue wall (an antique white will work beautifully too) and then layer in your red, white and blue. Fabric and area rugs featuring this color scheme are two quick ways to pull the look together.
Primitive Americana
Primitive American can often be recognized by its tramp art, folk art, and vintage advertising signs. Faded, checked fabrics, or fabrics that resemble old flour sacks fit perfectly into this theme. Old watering cans and mason jars filled with dried or fresh flowers look great on top of distressed furniture.
Other motifs that fit well into this theme include:
- Baskets
- Twig furniture
- Patchwork
- Yellow- and red-ware
- Muddied or faded primary colors
- Wooden bowls
- Spinning wheels
- Sunflowers, gourds, and pumpkins
- Balls of homespun yarn
When it comes to primitive style, it’s all about texture. Rusted and worn metal items can really add a lot of character to the space. Coarse fabrics like burlap and homespun cotton are great choices for pillows and curtains. For flooring, consider Berber carpet.
Handcrafted objects make perfect additions to primitive-themed spaces. Bring in warmth with shaker style furniture, pottery, and lanterns. Display books or collectibles on distressed shelves.
Farmhouse Americana
Country style, more commonly known as farmhouse charm these days, is a style that encompasses a number of decades and is one of the most used decorating styles. Colors vary, including anything from primary colors to pastel peach. Staples of this style often include:
- Rooster and chicken motifs
- Checked fabrics
- Chintz fabrics
- Red and white colors
- Decor from the 1940s and 50s, which include fruit fabrics and red kitchen items
- Eyelet
- Overstuffed furniture
- Vintage dishware
- Natural flooring materials such as wood, stone and clay tiles
Any of these versions of Americana style are easy to achieve. Secondhand stores, DIY pieces, and objects found in nature can get you on the path to celebrating your patriotism all year long.
If you live in Dallas take a quick trip to our Cutting Corners showroom in Dallas, Tx for great deals on discount designer fabrics. You will find colors, textures, and furniture to make your bedroom a romantic retreat for you and your loved one.
