BBQ’s, lake weekends, and warm evening soirées – it’s time for Summer (cue Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Summertime”)! As Spring fades into Summer and the days get longer, I love to highlight reds, whites, and blues in my home décor. Both Mary Carol and I love this classic color combination, and it’s especially appropriate this time of year with the Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day holidays happening over the course of a few months. Just because red, white, and blue are synonymous with the aforementioned holidays doesn’t mean you can’t play them up all summer long (or even use them year-round)! If you missed it last week, our blog post on the The Wagon Wheel Farms is a great example of red, white and blue mixing together in harmony all year long!
When you are in holiday mode, introduce accessories to your space that really play up the stars and stripes! Pillows, blankets, banners and fans make for quick and easy additions. These cost-efficient textiles can complement existing décor and when summer is over, you can pack them up and store them in no time! When I want to add a bit of sparkle, I love to add themed ornaments to a tabletop or a vignette in an unexpected way. I switch out my Easter eggs for my red, white and blue ornaments and call it a day!
Carrying these classic colors throughout the rest of the summer without being over the top is simple! Red accents bring a certain energy into a space, especially in the summer. Turn up the heat on your classic blue and white by adding this bright, vivid hue. Style your traditional blue and white chinoiserie with simple red containers, or swap them out with blue, white, and red variations. Adding red blooms – tulips, poppies, amaryllis, or cockscomb, perhaps – brings in the red along with some delicate textures. If you’re a textile lover like me, consider adding a red throw to a neutral sofa or chair or swapping out an accent rug for something that pops with red and blue.
Even out your punchy colors with natural elements to add an organic, summery freshness to your rooms! Wicker baskets, bleached-wood lanterns, and natural wood accessories give tablescapes and ottoman vignettes alike the perfect balance. I like to add other natural elements like fruit, flowers, and greenery to my displays this time of year as well. This takes away from the strictly “patriotic” theme in between the big holidays. You might be surprised what a bowl of fresh citrus hues can do to your vignettes!
This color combination is so versatile – there are plenty of ways to incorporate it into the unique style of your home. Are you a fan of this color palette? I would love to hear about your favorite summer additions, whatever the color! Share them with me in the comments below or on social media using #nellhills. Happy Decorating!