Every 4th of July, the classic colors of the flag take center stage. Turns out the patriotic red, white and blue, or variations of the shades, work well all year round in the design world. Here are some sophisticated, subtle takes on red, white, and blue which can be used to create a quietly patriotic look, without a flag in sight.
Some tips of incorporating the preppy color scheme, without verging into "theme room" territory:
• Stay away from royal blue and fire engine red. Instead try pairing different shades, like muted navy mixed with bright coral. Or french blue with orange-red. It's a way of paying homage to the same color families.
• Keep upholstery neutral/white, and add pops of blue and red via accessories, pillows and throws.
• Appoint a room in blue and white wallpaper, and accessorize with red, or go the other route and use red wallpaper and accessorize with blue.
• Bring in some red or blue using fresh flowers. Red carnations are fun.
FIRST ROW
1. Seven 12 Magazine via Tobi Fairley
2. Elle Decor
3. Architectures
4. House to Home
5. Color Outside the Lines.
SECOND ROW
1. Houzz
2. Habitually Chic
3. Decor8
4. Interiors by Studiom via Coastal Living
5. Decor Pad
(Images: As credited above)











White Enamel Flatwa...
Thanks for this. My husband and I have inherited a beautiful Pakistani rug that's red with white and light blue highlights. It's not the palette I would have chosen for the living room, but obviously we're going to work with it - we certainly couldn't afford to buy such a high-quality rug! So I've been playing with fabric colors for toss pillows and curtains - and you've confirmed what I surmised: stay away from navy blue and go toward softer ones. I've also found it surprisingly difficult to find fabrics (other than holiday-themed prints) that incorporate both blue and red.
Here are 2 other photos from your archives that I've been referring to for inspiration:
1. http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/veronica-and-keiths-handmade-chic/item/347287
2. The first photo on this page: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/style-comeback-patterned-drape-136328
Oddly, I thought most of these were overpowering, but then I realised I actually have the same colour scheme in my own front room, and I love it. (I am neither American nor French, so the colours don't evoke flags for me). http://community.apartmenttherapy.com/contests/smallcool/2011/entries/1670
So obvious, but a 'why didn't I think of that' moment here. Red white & blue don't HAVE to scream FLAG! #1 pic really does look good.
I love all of these. But, man oh man, those skylights have my heart a-thumpin'.