Grand Old Flag

Well, I’m back.  First, of all, please know how grateful I am for your kind comments, notes, and calls about our sweet Marian.  I do believe she will live in my heart forever.  And I have to smile as I think that she is probably not that disappointed about missing such a hot summer.  It’s hard to say which she disliked most the heat or the indignity of her annual short haircut!
Summer is upon us with record high temperatures in the Carolinas as well as much of the rest of the country.  It’s not all bad, though.  I stopped at my first lemonade stand this week, and we have been feasting on watermelon and blueberries, too.
Tomorrow, of course, is Flag Day, here in the United States, and I hope you’ll display the colors in your neighborhood.  Patriotism and symbolism notwithstanding, the American flag is a terrific example of graphic design, so  I thought it might be fun to take a look at how some folks decorate with the flag in their interiors year round.Here a flag painting on board serves as the inspiration for a Pottery Barn layout.I really like the tartan chair juxtaposed with all the red, white, and blue.  I’m curious, though, as to what the homemade arrow sign is all about.  Thoughts?Here Old Glory seems to be showing her age a bit in tea-washed pillows.  I really like this room, but that wrinkled dhurrie rug would drive me nuts. The 36-star flag was only in use from 1865-1867, so if this flag is authentic it is quite old, rare, and valuable.  It looks to be in terrific shape.
The thirteen-star flag was in use from 1777 until 1795.  Almost certainly the flag in this photograph is a reproduction.  What a great cabin room! And, of course, the American flag is oft associated with crisp nautical design.  Here the striped quilt and large gingham valance echo the flag’s graphic elements perfectly.
Middle has a 48-star flag hanging over his headboard.  I would have loved to have posted a picture of it, but my photo stylist (that would be me) simply lacked the energy to make his room photo ready.  I also have some needlepoint flag pillows that I scatter around the family room this time of year.
And I always pull out Deborah Harding’s book and put it on the blanket chest, which serves as our coffee table.  The book adds both color and inspiration.  It’s also a wonderful resource if you’re antiquing or looking for a piece of patriotic folk art for your house.  
Do you decorate with the Stars and Stripes?