Americana is a decorating style long associated with rustic country charm, American flags, and plenty of red, white, and blue (and not just on the Fourth of July). “Think gingham cafe curtains in the kitchen, 1980s Ralph Lauren plaids, and of course a heavy dose of red, white, and blue color schemes,” says design and decor expert Benjamin Reynaert.
But lately, we're seeing this classic style updated with more personalization, modern touches, and fun new takes on traditional elements. “Americana with a twist is all about mixing the past with the present, the antique with the new, and bringing your own voice forward in your design," Reynaert says.
What Is Americana Home Design?
The building blocks for this look are the authentic, old objects you find at flea markets or, if you're lucky, that get handed down from a relative. We're talking handmade quilts, cross-stitch samplers, wooden rocking chairs, etc. “Americana with a twist takes all of those beautiful homespun elements our grandmothers may have embodied,” says Reynaert.
Adding a few of these storied objects into a room not only helps them look more layered, personal, and collected-over-time, but also adds comfort. “During tumultuous times, how nice is it for our personal spaces to become even more of a respite, a comfortable and safe space,” says Reynaert. “I believe this style is really taking off because of the nostalgia it makes us feel.”
However, it is possible to have too much nostalgia. Nobody wants a room that looks straight out of 1776. The goal is updated Americana, not a period room in a museum. The key is to strike a balance of old and new, rustic and modern. Use some of the hallmarks of the style but only as an accent against a more neutral, more contemporary backdrop.
The 1. Play with Checkerboard
Call it what you want—checkerboard, gingham, buffalo check—this pattern is a key element of the Americana look. It nods to the historical but also looks modern because it's so simple and so graphic. And the bigger the scale, the more modern it looks. You can use checkerboard on the floor, on the wall as wallpaper, or put it on a focal point piece of furniture (or as a pillow or two if you're not quite that brave).
Designers are using this classic motif in new and interesting ways. “Nick Olsen took a classic checkerboard design that's typically seen on bed covers and floors and applied it asymmetrically to the walls and ceiling of his bedroom in his Hudson Valley farmhouse," Reynaert says. "Checkerboard is having a moment and is here to stay."
DAVID TSAY
The 2. Use Old Objects in New Ways
Shop flea markets and estate sales for collections of old objects with Americana associations that you can display. For example, at their house in Portland, above, Brian and Jill Faherty, founders of Schoolhouse, display a collection of vintage flashlights and utility lights like it's artwork. “Don't be afraid of buying used and vintage,” says Reynaert. “Hit up those yard sales and dusty antique malls, see things in person, and bring home what you love.” Hang a collection of cross-stitch samplers on the wall gallery style, or make them into throw pillows. Or borrow an idea from interior designer Max Humphrey and display a bunch of ordinary blue bandanas framed like artwork. Multiples of the same or similar objects displayed together will always have more visual impact than sprinkling them around the house.
DAVID LAND
The 3. Add Some Rustic Wood
Keep an eye out for small, natural wood pieces of furniture such as tables, stools, or benches that have the patina of age. Look for simple lines, no shiny finishes, and signs of wear and tear (in the new Americana look, that's a bonus). A rustic wood piece is easy to add into just about any space and will look perfectly at home in updated Americana decor. Its visual and textural warmth of the wood will add a little soul to your room. “Shaker-style wooden furniture seems to go with everything nowadays,” says Reynaert.
ADAM ALBRIGHT
The 4. Make It Personal
The new Americana style is versatile and forgiving. It can be assembled over time as you find things that speak to you—an approach called slow decorating that is not only rewarding but also saves you money in the long run. This deeply personal look happily accepts that inherited turn-of-the-century buffet, that 1960s clock, and that still-life drawn by your uncle. If it's from the past and it's special to you, it will work in your room.But don’t forget that including contemporary pieces is part of what brings this style forward—it’s not just vintage flair. You need enough neutral and modern pieces to provide visual relief so that your carefully curated collections and special objects get the attention they deserve. Remember to pair old with new, modern with vintage. “My biggest advice is to go for it and mix it up,” says Reynaert.