Our love for Americana art pops amidst the sparklers and flags of Independence Day celebrations. But how do you decorate in red, white and blue all year round? This blog is full of tips and tricks to making Americana decor timeless and classic. It all starts with the color palette we all love and some perfectly placed framed art.
Americana Art: More than a Color Scheme
When most people think of Americana art, they immediately think of red, white, and blue. Of course, because they’re the colors of our flag, this tri-color palette features often in Americana art. But you need more than a color combination to capture the look and feel of Americana; you need to encapsulate what our country represents. The flag is a combination of colors, but it also carries a wealth of meaning. How do we represent the concept of ‘freedom’ in a frame? With words and images rich in history as well as rich in color.
Front porches, rocking chairs, quilts, barns, flags, and family pets combine with the stars and stripes to create a nostalgic, patriotic feel. For this reason, a room decorated with subtle reds, whites, and blues doesn’t fit the bill. Americana art requires a certain feel and a certain message easily evoked through framed images.
Follow the Map to Americana Art
Searching for a failproof way to capture everything American? Just look to the map! A map of the United States, that is. You can find a host of artistic renditions of North America. Though we forgive creative liberties as graciously as the next decorator, we also believe in paying attention to the accuracy of map art. Though it’s hard to find Americana art including Hawaii and Alaska, make sure the Great Lakes make it in, and Florida isn’t cut off (or… heaven forbid… Texas is misrepresented!)
If the map motif doesn’t make it into your decorating plans, consider getting specific. Images of the purple mountain’s majesty and amber waves of grain also encompass the root of American beauty. What do you picture when you think of the great United States? The landscape? The people? City skylines? Agriculture? Choose a framed art piece that is meaningful for you!
Posters and Photographs
America themes posters are whimsical, versatile decoration pieces that bring color and create an Americana vibe easily in any space. Our favorites? Vintage travel posters. Posters of vintage art from Miami to Yellowstone to Seattle serve as memorable decoration pieces, and conversation pieces as well! We love this vintage image of the Pacific coastline, coupled with the classic vintage bus.
You can also branch into another American art medium with photographs. Photographs are unique because they capture specific, actual moments in American history, and remind us of where we, collectively, have been. It’s incredible to think about the actual moments in history that we can display on our wall. Check out, for example, the photograph below of Jackie Robinson stealing home during the 1955 World Series. Does it get any more American than that?!
When getting ready to decorate with Americana art, don’t be afraid to get nostalgic, get creative, and get excited! After reading this post, your new patriotic look is sure to be a classic crowdpleaser!
