All-American Decor

By Ayn-Monique Khlare


red, white and blue room

In this 1960s cabin in the northeast corner of Georgia, every day is the Fourth of July. "The yard is full of blue hydrangeas," says Craig Kettles (C-Designs.biz), who decorated the home. "Between that and the view of Lake Burton, blue was a logical jumping-off point for a color palette. We added the red to give it pop." The iconic color combo, plus natural textures, distressed finishes and quirky antique furniture, gave this remodeled home its vintage American feel. Here's how to do it on your own. Photos by: Gridley & Graves

DETAILS:

This vinyl floor is made with three shades of vinyl tiles.

Though the living room reads as patriotic, it's actually grounded in neutral tones. "We painted the walls white and the floors a putty color to create a blank canvas," says Kettles. This brightened up the original pine planks-keeping the texture of the wood but making it easier to patch holes or cover any stains that come with years of use. Sisal rugs, wicker ottomans and woven baskets pick up the grays and browns from the stone fireplace. Then strong colors were added in low-commitment doses: slipcovers for the sofas, throw pillows and art that can be changed out seasonally.

DETAILS:

In the summer, flowers cut from the garden can stand in for a roaring fire to fill the "black hole" of the fireplace.

Don't be afraid to paint! Unless it's a fine species like oak, elm or maple, aging wood can look dated. Bright white is an instant update.
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Seaforth Natural Ottoman, $95; LandsEnd.com

Chandra Rugs Bay America Red Rug, $621 for 8'x10'; RugsUSA.com

Allegiance by Luke Wilson, from $42.99; Art.com
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Indigo Stripe One-Piece Slipcover, $69.99; SureFit.com

Water Hyacinth Laundry Basket, $29; Pier1.com for stores

Creating character in a renovated space can be a challenge, but in this kitchen Kettles made it look effortless. He mixed old (a hutch found in Atlanta's monthly Scott Antique Market) with new (Shaker-inspired cabinets from IKEA) to make the redone kitchen fit with the rest of the home. Galvanized barn-style lights and planks applied horizontally to the walls complete the architecture of this retro-country look. The final touch: open shelving (see slide 1) to let splashes of color come into view.

DETAILS:

The framed vintage poster does double duty: It's actually a hinged board that hides an electrical panel.
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Hi-Lite One-Light Outdoor Galvanized Sconce, $116.95; Bellacor.com

Choices 12"x12" Vinyl Tile in White/Coastal (AL-19), Horizon Blue (AL-90) and Denim (AL-92), $37.72 per carton; Wayfair.com

Manhattan Blue Plate Special Side Plate, $12.95; FishsEddy.com
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Emile Henry 9" Pie Dish in Cerise, $44.95; SurlaTable.com

Striped Dishcloth, $18.95 for 8; Williams-Sonoma.com

A sunny spot in one corner of the living room is a cozy place to play board games or eat breakfast. Cheery red chairs-found on sale at Pottery Barn-play up the worn red paint on the tabletop and surveyor's tripod, which was converted into a floor lamp. Because the room opens onto a deck with access to the lake, the furnishings have to be able to take a beating. Durable outdoor chairs and washable cushions and covers can stand the abuse from wet bathing suits and muddy feet.

DETAILS:

This table was originally bar-height! Kettles sawed a few inches off the legs so it would work with the chairs.
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Garden Side Chair in Red, $99; HomeDecorators.com

ALVINE RÄFFLA pillow cover, $7; Ikea.com

Reclaimed Barnwood Windowpane Mirror, $279.99; MyBarnwoodFrames.com

Surveyor's Tripod Floor Lamp, $260; Brookstone.com