Patriotic Decor: How to Do Red, White and Blue Elegantly

Each year I put together a chic table for July 4th and the same principles I use can be applied to general decorating for the rest of the home. Instead of using items that are each comprised of red white and blue, approach the room as a whole using solids in each of the colors. One sunbaked flag has a more authentic impact than a room full of stars and stripes. Chinoiserie and toile, gingham check and seersucker, indigo batiks and awning stripes can all serve this purpose.

Consider one dignified pattern that mixes all three colors like a floral pillow or Persian rug. Use lots of white to tamp down the strong colors and save the red to use primarily as an accent.

You can see, below, some of my favorite inspiration from around the web, and each of these images reflects the way I’d approach red white and blue decor myself. These each achieve the look in a very successful way, exuding elegance and tradition along with the cheerful spirit of this fun combination. Lengths of red drapery panels with blue + white chinoiserie at Design-Crisis. Stunning bold color play from Barclay Butera via House of Turquoise.

A bold mix with the surprise of red chinoiserie toile from Joe Nye Flair. Solid, stripe and print from Ralph Lauren Bedding at Simplified Bee.

Pops of solid red in pillows, fruit + fauna at My Home Ideas. Red country check with faded blues + chinoiserie lamps at Atlanta Homes.