Modern Americana Design: Red, White, Blue – and New

Happy Fourth of July – the ideal time to pay homage to one of design’s most enduring styles: Americana. Stripes, stars, red, white, and blue. Yes, please.

Just ask interior designer Noel Pittman. “I view Americana décor as anything that has been used in the country for generations. My mind goes to a style of decorating most commonly seen in the northeast; coastal towns like Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Kennebunkport.”

A little Americana can go a long way, she added. “I don’t like to think of decorating as a theme. It’s how you mix and incorporate antiques that make a room interesting and contemporary.”

Internet personality/creative content producer Benjamin Reynaert agrees. “Americana with a twist is all about mixing the past with the present, the antique with the new, and bringing your own voice forward in your design.”

Don’t be afraid of buying used and vintage. “Hit up those yard sales and dusty antique malls, see things in person, and bring home what you love,” he said.

Reynaert’s best advice: Decorate with what speaks to you.

For Pittman, comfort is key. “Wicker with comfortable down cushions and antique quilts create a cozy feeling of home.”

Both are featured on her website, along with tabletop, framed art, and decorative accessories. Ceramics are another favorite. “Blue and white spongeware used en masse creates a lot of look while staying fresh and useful.”

Designer Max Humphrey, author of the book Modern Americana, encourages DIY homeowners to “create their own stylish digs using things they collect, buy, inherit, or dumpster-dive for.” Among his go-tos: bandana wallpaper, old maps, and plaid everything.

A collaboration with Sunbrella features gingham, elevated florals, and treasured vintage styles.

“I’m always on the hunt for the perfect plaid shirt, antique quilt, or floral bandana, and this collection pairs those classic design motifs with some of my favorite memories,”  he said. “From a quintessential gingham to bow ties, dots and stripes, the nostalgic patterns in this collection reflect my New England upbringing, but I also wanted to make sure they were versatile and functional.”

Humphrey’s love for vintage inspired two additional partnerships. Chasing Paper x Max Humphrey wallpaper features prints influenced by classic Americana motifs. And the Hartmann & Forbes window shade collection offers a fresh take on classic prints and patterns rendered in handwoven natural textiles.

Not surprisingly, stars and stripes take center stage, as does red, white, and blue.

According to Architectural Digest, as long as you go with just one of these patriotic styles as the main design element, “a room is sure to be chic and never cheesy.”

Case in point: Red, navy and gray carpet tiles by Flor combine for a contemporary take on Americana style. And the glistening gold stars of Serena & Lily’s Redwood wallpaper match the Kohler fixtures in the bathroom by Kips Bay Decorator Show House designer Leah Alexander.

“Americana with a twist differs from Americana styles of the past,” said Reynaert. “Today, interior designers are subverting the style in new, fresh, and innovative ways.”