All-American Abode

Happy Bday to the US of A! To celebrate we are whipping out this red, white and blue extravaganza of a home we created for a family earlier this year. 

When I was called in, this home built in the 80s was an explosion of black and gold wallpaper, crazy-huge crystal chandeliers, black and white checkered floors, floor sized tile on the backsplash, yellow oaky tones, heavy glazed cabinetry.... ya feel? It all had to go, yo.

So when we initially sat down to discuss the vision for the renovation, I will not lie, I didn't quite know how I would handle the request for all the American hues. These Texan-transplant clients expressed their love for this star-spangled scheme and I went to work, figuring out how to make all of their American dreams come true without making this place feel like a parade. Enter, strategic color.

The kitchen was where we went full on flag. The barstools added a pop of red that we paired with the island in navy. The footprint of the kitchen was there, we just updated with paint, countertops, tile and lighting. For paint, we paired, SW Naval, Worldly Gray, Snowbound and Antique Red to create a choir that sings, "land of the free, home of the brave" on repeat... or "God Bless Texas" if these homeowners are missing their roots. 

The lanterns were ordered from Ballard in red but had to be brightened up with a coat of SW Antique Red to match the intensity of the barstools, and to keep the color scheme bright and bold and not muted Americana. 

We made this bank of cabinetry feel like the most VIP in all the land, adding an accent of blue and white cement tile sourced locally from Clayton Tile. We had a fireworks show in celebration of this chance to add some pattern in the kitchen. JK, but we should have. 

Looking into the living room, we kept the color scheme going strong but introduced more abstracted hues. A more mellow blue adds some interesrt to the existing mantle and the stone was white washed to give it a new - very welcomed - brightness. 

Our red paired with softer hues, went a little less firetruck in this space and we introduced yellows and golds to add a new element of color. Marquin's super-sized (the most American size) masterpiece pulled the space together. 

In the dining room, mirrors and crystals galore were ripped out and more casual elements entered. Wallpaper in the back of the hutch - which we raved about our love for, last week - adds some interest and makes the items on display look more collected. All around, just a good place for a good ol' American supper. 

Last but not least, Antique Red has it's solo performance in the kid's hang space where I am sure patriotic Olympic table tennis stars are being cultivated on the daily. 

And just like that, we have you singing "I'm proud to be an American", standing next to your grill, right behind your white picket fence. I just saw and eagle soar above you followed by a trio of fireworks. In between flipping patties, you just hugged your neighbor that sits right across party lines and although you should really be congratulated for your multi-tasking skills of doing all this and reading a blog... this house should really be congratulated because, it just unified America! 

Have a happy fourth and be safe! You can find me in a closet or under the bed with a pup who thinks the world is ending when the firecrackers start raining down. If you're forced to be in solitary confinement on the fourth like me, you can at least shop this look via Pinterest or below. 

Peace, Amanda Louise