Every heart beats true 'neath the red, white, and blue

Bedroom by Sara Gilbane

Hello, all! I am so sorry for my long break in posting, but I have a very good (and very happy) excuse! My sister welcomed her second child, Lydia, a couple of weeks ago and I have been busy with babies ever since!

I wanted to do a quick post today, though, to commemorate my absolute favorite holiday that we celebrate here in the States: Independence Day! (Sorry to all my Brit readers out there!) Summer is my favorite season and the Fourth falls smack in the middle of it. Plus, it is a very laid-back holiday (aka, no presents to be bought or fancy meals to be cooked or extensive travel to be undertaken). It's about appreciating where you are and family, fireworks, and fun!

Bedroom by Sara Gilbane

So, what better color scheme to feature than good old red, white, and blue! How festive!

Living room by Lulu Powers

Rich, saturated color in a room by Miss Powers.

Seating arrangement by Meg Braff

Love all the chinoiserie accents in this space!

Home of Kate Spade - Photo courtesy of The Selby

Red heats up this corner of the Spade's home library...

Living area by Tobi Fairley

While Miss Fairley keeps this space cool with a paler, more turquoise shade of blue.

Design by Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Million Dollar Decorator's Martyn Lawrence Bullard goes traditional with toile, a grand piano, and a collection of blue and white china.

Home of Joaquín Sabina - Photo courtesy of Nuevo Estilo

A full and fanciful room in the home of Spanish singer Joaquin Sabina.

Sitting room in the J.K. Place Capri hotel by Michele Bonan

Isn't this room so crisp and classy, yet so bright and comfortable? Ideal interiors for a Capri getaway, I'd say!

Bedroom by Tom Scheerer

Classic Scheerer: cozy and offbeat. As usual, I love it!

Living room in Manhattan apartment of Sig Bergamin

Our final pics of the day are from the Manhattan pied-à-terre of Sig Bergamin. I love the irreverent artwork and wild combination of pattern here. Certainly the spirited and colorful interiors I would expect from a lively Brazilian!


Living room in Manhattan apartment of Sig Bergamin


I hope you all have a wonderful day (or holiday), wherever you may be!

Walk the Line

Bedroom design by Peter Dunham

One pattern that keeps catching my eye recently is striped. I love how many variations it comes in, and how, even when saturated with color, it can still provide such a solid base for a room.


Bedroom by Peter Dunham

Ticking stripes are a popular option right now and I love the casual charm they possess.


Living room by India Hicks

Note how the lines of the wall panels are mimicked by the ticking on the cozy sofa, creating a tidy, but comfortable, look.

Carolina Herrera takes stripes in a much different direction, creating calm and order in her very elegant living room. Note how the vertical stripes on the wall really accentuate those soaring ceilings!

Bedroom by Tobi Fairley

I love how playful stripes can be, as well. Despite the boldness of the colors on the bed above, it still remains orderly and refined.

Design by Tobi Fairley

Alternately, in this sophisticated color palette of red, white, and blue, this foyer still feels fun and energetic.


Living room by Jay Jeffers

Don't those chair pillows look just like candy?


Pic courtesy of Pink Wallpaper blog


I love this very simple, yet quite lovely, dining area. The color and width of these stripes is, to me, just perfect!

Design by Chad Eisner


Chad Eisner uses a similar wide-stripe style above, but in a much more traditional setting. I love that etagere, painting, and the plaid window shades paired with the reserved stripes.


Bedroom by Katie Ridder

I love how Miss Ridder carried the smaller stripes all the way up the vaulted ceiling and then used bolder, more variegated stripes on the rug. Love those ikat drapes too!

Our last photo of the day is from the fabulous Mr. Gary Spain. His designs are so original and innovative, bold and engaging. (You must look at his website.) I get so much inspiration from looking at his designs! Anyone that can use Bertoia and Biedermeier, French country and modern, all in one space (and so beautifully) has my heart!


Living room by Gary Spain

I want to call this chair stripe "Venetian" although I'm not sure why. I guess it just seems to have that playful European style so embodied by Venetians!

Have a great day!