Happy 4th of July: Interiors Inspired By Red, White & Blue

Decorating with the American flag can be a touchy subject. It does tend to polarize people into two different corners who present arguments that are equally compelling. Those who love to decorate with their beloved old glory will tell you that it is a gesture of patriotic zest and a celebration of being American all year round. Then there are those who will remind you of the flag code that says “The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.”

Cool blue cushions and white walls complement the flag above the fireplace elegantly

by Shoreline Architecture & Design

The idea though, as always, is to find a rational middle ground. Decorations and incorporation of the flag in ways that are not distasteful or disrespectful helps a great deal. Another wonderful alternate is to use its colors generously within your home so as to proclaim your love for the country even well past Fourth of July! Here are a few ways that look beyond simply throwing together a couch or a couple of pillows that bear the flag –

Colors of the family room complement the large framed flag in the backdrop perfectly — Colors of the family room accentuate the large framed flag in the backdrop perfectly

by Echelon Custom Homes

Hard to miss the theme that this fabulous kids' room is going for! — Hard to miss the theme that this fabulous kids’ room is going for!

by William T Baker

American flag collage adds instant color to the setting — American flag collage adds instant color to the stylish setting

by Poss Architecture + Planning + Interior Design

Brilliant use of the red, white and blue color palette throughout

by Jennifer Brouwer Design Inc

Combination of various patterns and prints in blue, white and red for a plush bedroom

Cozy and relaxing bedroom uses deeper tones of red and blue

Patriot by Patrick Matthews on the wall steals the show here

by Hull Historical

Inspirational Red, White and Blue

There are many different ways in which you can bring in the colors of the American flag without actually using the flag itself. Since the colors of the flag are red, white and blue, it is far more perplexing why imaginative and ingenious designers ever need to use the flag iconography in exact fashion for décor or furnishings. Red and blue make a brilliant combination when used on a pristine white template. The colors work well naturally with one another and make for bold, pleasant and neutral interiors.

Gentle reds combined with dark navy blue and cool white effortlessly

by Darci Goodman Design

Eclectic bedroom combines yellow with red, white and blue

Beautiful glassware and an organized dining room with neatly placed flags — Beautiful glassware and an organized dining room seem ready for Fourth of July celebrations!

by Robeson Design

When used right and in proper proportions, the red, blue and white automatically become a beautiful and balanced tribute to the flag. The effect is easily discernible and apparent. You do not always need a paint job to bring in this vibe. Red and blue décor additions with a white backdrop also can achieve the same result. This also gives you a flexibility to change themes come New Year of Thanksgiving.

Glittering potlights on the ceiling complete the star-spangled banner theme! — Glittering recessed lights on the ceiling complete the star-spangled banner theme!

by Avissa Mojtahedi Architecture & Design

Red, white and blue can be easily transformed into a nautical theme when needed

You can use a pillow in dark blue instead of one with American flag for greater impact — Use a pillow in dark blue instead of one with American flag for greater impact

by Celia Maria

Contemporary take on the traditional red, white and blue palette with chic prints

by Darci Goodman Design

Clean and contemporary bedroom uses colors of the American flag exquisitely

by Katie Denham Interiors

Artistic Additions of the Flag

One can incorporate flag-inspired artwork and creative improvisations of the flag in a beautiful and tasteful manner. Many home owners across the US sport the national flag within the walls of their home. It could be a cherished memory of a war veteran displayed with pride or a beautiful and modern take with a framed flag above the fireplace. It is important to remember though that if you are using any actual flag in set form and measurements, then you need to accord it with proper etiquette at the very least.

Living room with stylish flag portrait on the wall created by Australian artist Gav Barbey

by TOKEN

Neutral interiors sport a distinct Americana style

by James McAdam Design

Decorating interiors with a flag is a symbol of pride and honor. It is a celebration of one’s heritage and must be construed in no different manner. While some people tend to take their artistic freedom a bit further, others tend to be far more conservative. Irrespective of where you stand, there is no doubt that the American flag adds both style and color, and instantly draws your attention!

Framed flag brings a touch of color to neutral interiors — Framed flag brings a touch of color to neutral spaces

by Holly Marder

At times one major decor item can alter the entire look of an interior — At times one major decor item can alter the appeal of your home interiors

by Carly Boettcher

Artistic rendition of the national flag lights up this gorgeous dining space

by Noelia Surace Design

Custom antique flag for the boys' bedroom in white — Custom antique flag for the boys’ bedroom in white

by Kate Jackson Design

Keeping the background simple and clean gives greater prominence to the flag — Keeping the background simple and clean gives greater visual impact

by Seattle Staged To Sell

Nautical and Americana with a Twist

With Fourth of July almost here, it is also time to bring out awesome decorations in red, white and blue. But it is not a bad idea to carry these bright and trendy colors through the rest of the year with a lovely new theme. Stripes are all the rave once again and combing whites and dark navy blue is a great way to bring in contemporary appeal to a space. A touch of red with furnishings and plush fabrics completes this opulent look. Add a couple of large stars here and there with pillow cushions or wall art and you are pretty much set to give your home a striking makeover.

Striped carpet and accents of red for a trendy boys' bedroom — Lovely carpet and accents of red for a trendy boys’ bedroom

by Heartwood Corp

Creative use of the stripes and star design

If you are going for American-flag inspired interiors, try to keep the backgrounds as white as possible and add layers of red and blue. By simply removing one of these two colors and adding another, one can quickly bring in Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, New Year or Memorial Day themes with ease. Such is the flexibility offered by red, white and blue!