Outfit to Room, Summer Edition: Red, White, & Blue

Everyone loves red, white, and blue. It’s practically un-American not to. But when it comes to dressing or decorating, this is actually a tough combination to pull off without screaming Yankee Doodle Dandy. That’s why I partnered with The Hive to show you how both can be done in a stylish way. They provided the outfit and I’m providing the room.No one says the blue in red, white, and blue has to be navy, so consider using softer hues of blue. The contrast against red can be quite striking and the combination can be less American flag and more an American in Paris. Both examples below use light blue and red. Though the Hive version is more tomato and the Red Barn Mercantile version is more raspberry, I think you get the idea.

Ganni Clark pants in Big Apple Red, $160; Kule Cream, Sky and Poppy striped tee, $88; Veronica Beard Marianne Jean Jacket, $350

For our room, let’s start with the red. Since it’s the Fourth of July I wanted to keep this on the casual side and Dash & Albert’s classic, Birmingham Red Stripe cotton rug, is perfect. This rug has been in the line since the beginning and it’s a perennial favorite. I think it sets a nice, casual, and accessible tone, just like the relaxed outfit The Hive assembled for us.Next up I wanted to bring in the light blue in a sweet and special way. A Peter Dunham linen fabric fits the bill beautifully. Upholster two John Derian Tulip chairs (we have one in the store if you’d like to sit in it!) made by Cisco Brothers, and you have a lovely statement that references the super cute Kule tee. In between the chairs is another fun texture in the form of a rope side table. It’s a nautical nod without feeling too literal.To anchor the seating area I went with one of our favorite Cisco Brothers frames, The Rebecca Deluxe. Slipcovered in a neutral flax linen, it makes the room feel comfortable and inviting. Plus, it complements the casualness of the rug and stands as a counterpoint to the more tailored upholstered chairs. Balance the seating area with casegoods that further bridge the tailored chairs with the slipcovered sofa. A coffee table that is bold yet airy creates balance between the pieces, and a delicate side table adds a bit of something unexpected.To further add interest – and capture the ruggedness of the jean jacket – I wanted to pull in accents with different shades of blue. The painting by Gingham & Grosgrain is so powerful and has the perfect blues in it. (This one was sold but she does commission work!) The blue ceramic lamp for the side table on one side of the sofa and the wooden floor lamp by Ralph Lauren for the other side add touches of color and texture that elevate the design. Top off the room with a couple of custom pillows in a coordinating Peter Dunham fabric and a pair of light blue tasseled pillows from Guatemala and you’re off to the races. Just like The Hive outfit, this room is well thought out while still feeling collected and cool. Style isn’t exactly effortless, but it can sure seem like it when you put a little extra spin on an old classic. Happy Fourth of July, all!