The Rustic Home Americana Decorating – The Land of the Free

BY PAM VANCE, HOME DESIGNER, CANYON CHARM, LEAKEY, TX ME AND MY PORCH DESIGNS, TOMBALL, TX

Americana Decorating usually means a folk art style with a patriotic feel and is casual country at its’ best. Americana décor is denoted by historic American designs created by our early pioneers and colonists. It not only reflects our history but is also a tribute to early artisans from all over our great land. And, not only can this style of decorating be used year round in a rustic country home, you can also make it a part of your seasonal décor as well. What better time of year to express our patriotism than July 4th, with our very own Americana style and designs.

Because America is such a large country with different landscapes, cultures and people, there are no limits to the many inspirations and styles in which to choose from. Always start with a patriotic color palette – red, white and blue of course! Be careful when using these primary colors, too much can be overpowering. I recommend using more subtle blues along with maroons and creams, especially if this is a style you plan to use year round. This will create a more relaxed, informal feel to your room and it works great with primitive finds, country pine furnishings and other rustic décor.

Finding American decorative accessories or hand-making your own can be fun and creative. The simplicity of this folk art and crafts theme can evolve into a great summer project for your children as well. It will create a country feel bringing to mind the lives, homes and styles of early settlers keeping a historical focus on the value of good, honest work, home and family.

Here are some suggestions and tips to help you create your own “Americana Decorating Style:”

a.Frame a Flag – but first tea stain it to give an aged timeworn look. Just toss it into the sink filled with hot water and a cup of instant tea. Let soak until desired color is achieved. An old cedar frame will complete the look.

b.Paint some inexpensive terracotta pots using your patriotic color palette. Stencil on a star or two or hand paint stripes creating simple rustic folk art. Seal with a spray varnish.

c. Crackle paint a shelf, end table, lampshade, old books, a trunk or even an old water bucket. Clean the surface and light sand if needed. Base paint with one primary color (latex water base paint). Let dry, and apply crackle medium or Make your own crackle using Elmer’s Glue or Wallpaper glue. Paint crackle over the first base coat in different directions and let dry. Then apply the second primary color. (Don’t paint over once it begins to crackle.) As the paint dries, the crackling begins.

d. Braided colorful rugs are a great find to create a country American style. And certainly reflect an old folk art.

e. Shop for patriotic birdhouses, wood flags or framed art. A collection grouped in one area of your home will create a great “wow” factor.

f. Make a wreath. Simple grapevine or barbed wire wreaths can be adorned with raffia ribbon, a wooden flag or any patriotic embellishment you may find. Remember, your entry should tell the story of what your home is all about.

g. Don’t forget the American Bald Eagle – Our U.S.A. National Emblem. If you are a true artist, why not paint an eagle mural on your entry wall or other focal area of your home, or commission a local artist.

h. Paint a bench using all three primary colors and place on your porch, entry or use along side your dining table. Or crackle it or stencil it….

i. Patriotic Pillows – a must for a casual welcome to your Americana style. Again, if you choose to make your own, tea stain your fabric before sewing.

j. Hand Paint iron stars or wall iron décor using your patriotic colors. Did you know you could apply crackle first to your iron and then paint it? Once dry, try wiping areas with a wet cloth for a more primitive rustic look.

k. Incorporate sunflowers – they mix very well with the Americana style and you know how I love their vibrant, bold colors.

l. Simple cotton muslin or beige linen fabrics make for great window treatments. They are affordable and again reflect a simple pioneer style. Consider muslin roman shades.

Americana Decorating is fun, colorful, inspiring and historical. But for me, because we are living in “The Land of the Free”, the ultimate choice of style, color and design is completely up to you! May God continue to bless America and here’s wishing you and your family a very safe and enjoyable July 4th holiday. Come see us this July 4th weekend at Canyon Charm and Company, located on Hwy. 83 in Leakey. We are hoping to have our new expansion open for business. I will be happy to visit with you and assist in any of your decorating needs.