Variations on a Theme: Red, White, and Blue
I have two sides of my personality - neutrals and red, white, and blue. The main living spaces in our house are pretty neutral. Designed with varying shades and combinations of black, blue (obviously), flax, grey, white, and olive green. Honestly, that’s what is hanging in my closet too. But, if you go downstairs to our basement, you’ll find red, white, and blue. Plus, a bit of black and grey for good measure. It’s a classic color combo that I just can’t quit.
Now, some of you are thinking red, white, and blue is so cliché. Well, I can assure you it is anything but. It can be quite chic when done correctly. When applying the trio look for non-traditional shades of it. For instance, light blue with strawberry red or crimson and cobalt as opposed to the standard cherry red and navy blue. If you are going to use tried and true flag colors, then perhaps punctuate a space rather than dominate it. To keep from being stale, go bold with pattern and mix them like to your heart’s content. And, if straight up red, white, and blue isn’t quite for you, then toss in hints of yellow or green - or black and grey if you’re me - to shake it up a bit.
Today, I wanted to share a few bits of inspiration that show you how truly interesting this color combo can be. You’ll also find a few of our favorite variations on the theme below.
Photo credits: Nathan Turner, Sonia Delauney, and David Netto
Photo credits: Tom Samet, Celerie Kimble, and Terrafirma Ceramics (available at Red Barn Mercantile)
Photo credits: Elizabeth Hay Design, Raili Classen, and Lilse McKenna
Shop with Red Barn Mercantile: Painterly pillow, $210; “The United States of Cocktails,” $24.99; Wool hooked flag pillow standard size, $85; Mini leather-bound US Constitution, $30; Farmhouse Pottery small crock, $95; Stripey Whale notepad, $19; Fourth of July confetti rocket, $29; Cotton rug, starting at $44
Whether it’s a dose of color or the whole dang room, you can’t go wrong with red, white, and blue. I believe in it so much that we just painted Red Barn Mercantile’s building these colors, and I could not love it more. I’d like to thank Jean Kee of Painted Room for the delicious color selection and invite you all to stop by and see red, white, and blue in chic action for yourself!
