How To Add Patriotic Decor When You Don’t Like Red White and Blue
Today is the Pinterest Challenge for May, and my blogging friends and I are cookin’ up some inspiration for you! And though some might call it ‘un-American’, I’m sharing how to add patriotic decor when you don’t like red white and blue. We’ll be specifically looking at small porch 4th of July decor ideas (say that 5 times real fast).
Each month, we are given a Pin or photo to use as inspiration for our own decor. It’s so much fun, and it challenges me to get out of my comfort zone. I missed last month’s challenge due to illness, but the month before that we were challenged to create a Spring Vignette!
A HUGE shout-out to my sweet friend Cindy at County Road 407 for being the awesome hostess of our monthly Pinterest Challenge! You’re amazing, Cindy!
Also, if you are here visiting from Lora’s blog at Lora B. Create and Ponder, thank you so much for coming by! I especially love Lora’s vintage touches (that galvanized can is SO pretty… and those pillows!)
SMALL PORCH 4TH OF JULY DECOR IDEAS When You Don’t Like Red White and Blue
Before sharing our inspiration photo, let me be up-front and say that… I really don’t like decorating in the colors of Old Glory.
Though some might call my aversion of red-white-and-blue decor ‘un-American’ (I won’t mention any names, but it starts with a “C” and ends in “indy from County Road 407” (permission given with much laughter to actually share her name), I think it may come from an over-exposure to our country’s birthday that was celebrated in 1976.
You see, in 1976, there was a HUGE celebration at the Anaheim Convention Center for our country’s bicentennial birthday, and our school’s Glee Club (which I belonged to) was invited to participate. Without getting into ALL the details, there were months spent in patriotic song and red-white-blue costumes and decorations. I think I may have just gotten my fill of RWB from that event.
Our Inspiration
Before I start sharing some ideas for decorating your porch for Independence Day, take a look at this beautiful patio from Mary at Home Is Where the Boat Is. We are using this lovely photo as our inspiration this month! Thank you, Mary!
Note several things that I find inspiring about this photo:
- The vignette and decor are outside on a porch
- Lots of red-white-and-blue (yes, it is inspiring to me!)
- Lots of texture (florals, wood, fabric,baskets)
Now, let’s take a look at how this inspiration is used in a bit more understated way on My Wee Abode’s tiny porch.
You can read more about how I use red-white-and-blue in a subtle way HERE.
How To Decorate a Small Porch When You Don’t Like Red White and Blue
Let’s see how we can add patriotic touches to a small outside area, without using flags (nothing wrong with using flags… It’s just me and that bicentennial celebration ‘issue’.) However, by the time I was finished with this challenge, I kinda warmed up to the color combination. 😉
Here is a full view of my little porch landing. This is at the top of the stairs that lead to my tiny loft apartment.
You can add texture to a tiny patio area by using red, white, and blue foliage placed in a white ironstone bowl. Use a tall plant stand to give some interest and height. Kind of ‘welcoming’, right? 😉
You can find more hints on container gardening for small homes HERE.
A big ol’ white bowl is a great investment, in my opinion. You can use it over and over again for serving, decor, or gardening!
You can also add texture with candles, wood, or even baskets!
These wood pilings give a nod to the coastal aspect of My Wee Abode. Use items that reflect your personal decor style.
And, instead of using actual flags… you can add signs and star garlands to show your patriotism. I picked this sign up at Hobby Lobby.
This wood bead garland with red-white-blue rattan stars adds even more texture and patriotic inspiration. Using stars pays ‘homage’ to our flag, without actually using the US Flag.
Wood bead garlands are great for any season and very versatile! You can even paint wood bead garlands!
Last, but not least, include a ‘welcome’ mat with a fun stenciled pattern in the colors of the USA. This lends even more texture to this little patio area and is practical, too!
And one more look at the small porch landing. (Don’t forget to add a cute white lantern with a red candle and blue bow!)
Now for MORE Inspiration
Be sure to hop on over to First Day of Home, owned by my dear friend, Crissy. She is sharing an adorable patriotic outdoor space that is sure to inspire you to celebrate with red-white-and-blue. I love her style!
Also, be sure to check out ALL the beautiful posts that are linked below!
It’s Your Turn!
Do you decorate your home, or even your outdoor living space, for the patriotic holidays? Share in the comments how you add red-white-and-blue to your home. Do YOU use flags? Come on, be honest! 😉
Julie, your decor is absolutely adorable and I love it! I especially love how you used the wood pilings to hold your candles…great idea! Love that door mat also! Have a great day! Hugs!
Thanks, Benita. I was actually quite happy to find that mat. 😉 And I got the pilings at a thrift store, believe it or not. A bit odd! 😉
So, so cute, Julie! You certainly know how to do small spaces so well!! XO
Well, thank you so much, Holly! It was a fun and very challenging post. 😉 I’m really glad I did it and it was wonderful to have so many other bloggers involved, too!
Your porch landing is all ready to celebrate July 4th! I’ll bet your neighbors have admired your decor and perhaps you’ll inspire a few of them to decorate their porch patriotically for summer.
Hehe… I often wonder if my neighbors appreciate my door decor and my landing decor? This is the most I have done. It was very fun to participate, and I love your sitting area, too!
In spite of your aversion, you managed to pull it off. Your story is pretty funny. Cute vignette.
Thanks, Katie… glad I could make you smile and maybe inspire a bit. 😉
Julie, It is so hard to decorate a small porch. I for one have a front stoup that is difficult to decorate. You did an amazing job in your small space. I love all your decorations and ideas. Have a great day!
Aw, thanks, Terrie! Your kind words mean so much to me. I need to go see your small stoup and what you have done with it. Let me know if you have a post about it.
What a darling porch Julie! I adore that wonderful planter and garland.
Thank you, Laura! I appreciate you dropping in! 😉
Wow, Julie, your porch looks fabulous! It looks like a much bigger space than it is. Love the decorations. You inspire me so much!
Thank you, Melan. You are an amazing friend and supporter! Love ya!
Love your red, white and blue porch decorations! I’m not big on decorating with red but I think you nailed it! Very patriotic Julie!
Thank you, dear friend! I realized tonight, I love RWB nautical look clothing a lot more than decorating! 😉 Just bought Avia an outfit and could have gotten 5 more in RWB! LOL!
Julie, your porchette turned out perfectly for this challenge. The fact you have a built-in seat with a white base for flowers is the best! Very creative. And even though you are Un-American, you wouldn’t know it from walking up to your door. Great job. Thank you so much for joining us this month. And I guess I can see why now you don’t like using the color combo. Total overload. 🙂
You crack me up! Thanks for challenging us this month with this photo inspiration. It was so fun! And I have a new appreciation for the color-combo. And I am proud to be an American! 😉
Your patriotic overkill story cracked me up, Julie! Maybe “over-Fourthed” needs to be a thing;) I like to add other colors to my red, white and blue to make the enjoyment last longer, and stylize everything with some unique touches. Your small porch version is a great addition to the variety on this hop; something for everyone, indeed! Love this bunch of ladies, led by our awesome leader, Cindy;)
I agree… I think I may go muted colors of RWB next year… I think that may be more my style (as Carol from Art and Sand suggested). Funny, I went shopping with my daughter tonight for birthday gifts for my 1 year-old granddaughter… Guess what colors I was drawn to? Yep… all the RWB! I think I have always liked ‘nautical’ colored clothing, and the RWB is obviously that style. Too funny!
I loved this roundup! So many great projects. Enjoy your week!
Thank you, friend! The Challenge was super fun, and actually really did challenge me! 😉
Hello, my friend! Well, I thought I commented on this already, but now I’m second guessing. Maybe that was IG? Oh, it’s been that kind of week! Anyway, this is just fabulous, my dear! You always manage to put a beautiful spin on any vignette and make it your own with the “small living” spin. I don’t know if you realize how many people are looking for just these types of decorating tips! I still can’t get over that bead garland! I want one! And the mat is soooo perfect. For an anti-RWB decorator, you sure fooled us! 😉
You are such a wonderful cheerleader, Crissy! You just make my day all the time! 😉 Hugs, sweet friend! Your outside space is just lovely, too! Hugs!
Hi Julie, we really are a lot alike! I too am not a fan of overt red, white and blue! LOVE my country but to decorate with these colors? Hard, right? Well, my bestie you decorated your porch perfectly. LOVE the beads with the stars. So smart. You are the queen of beautiful small spaces! LOVE you lots!
Aw, thanks, Yvonne! You are such a dear! Thanks for dropping in! I consider it a huge compliment to be anything ‘alike’. 😉 I thank the Lord often for our friendship! Hugs, dear friend!
Hi Julie! Your porch vignette turned out really pretty with just touches of RWB and the wonderful flower bowl!!! No, I don’t normally decorate with red, white and blue but this year I am feeling more patriotic. 🙂 I love your little stars and the beads!! I do like subtle more than glaring patriotic decor generally.
Oh, our junior high students painted a wall with Peanuts characters parading around with a red, white and blue 1776 flag and a blue snare drum. I wonder if it is still there… It turned out very well!
Enjoy your sweet patio and happy summer,
Barb 🙂
Okay, so y’all painted a mural on the wall at Anaheim Convention Center? That would be amazing! Thanks for the sweet words… it was definitely a hard challenge. But, I’m glad I did it, because I have a new appreciation for the decor. Next time, I think I may do muted colors like Carol from Art and Sand suggested! 😉
For someone who doesn’t like red, white and blue you created a lovely patriotic porch.
How do you feel about muted red, white and blue?
I made a flag pillow for a friend out of drop cloth. I dabbed most of the paint off the brush before I painted so the red stripes were almost pink and the blue star background was a soft blue. It was patriotic, but not bright and bold.
I think I would totally like those muted RWB colors… like your home, Carol. I love the way you add those colors all the time in a soft and airy way. I would have done that, just didn’t have the time, and couldn’t find ANYTHING like that. Next year, perhaps… I’ll take some tips from you! 😉 Hugs, and thanks for the sweet words.
Julie, your porch looks so fun and festive! I love the wood pilings and the beautiful white bowl planter filled with gorgeous blooms! So inspiring, my friend! xo
Thanks, Lynne! It was a fun challenge, and I’m glad that Cindy put it together! 😉
Julie, for someone who professes to not like red, white and blue, you sure did an awesome job of using the colors on your porch. Love the lantern with the great big red candle. The planter is precious and I love the votives on the tall wood (?) logs. Also really like your door mat and sign. For a small area, it really packs a big punch.
Thanks so much, Carol! Your sweet words are a huge encouragement! (And, yes, those are actual wood ‘pilings’. 😉 ) Hugs and hearts! Have a blessed weekend!
Your porch is stunning! I admire your creativity and the way you’ve incorporated patriotic colors in such a subtle, yet fantastic way. Your porch looks so cheerful and colorful and it’s clear you’ve put a lot of attention into details and creating beautiful textures. I love how every little piece showcases your vibrant personality and character. Truly inspiring, thanks for sharing!
Well, thanks so much, Katarina. Thank YOU for dropping in! 😀
Lots of beautiful inspiration and some really great ideas.
Thank you, dear friend! Can’t wait until next month when we get to see each other!
Thanks for all the patriotic inspiration. I am ready to bring out the red white & blue for my porch.
Aw, thanks for dropping in Kristi! Hey, if you have a minute, and you enjoy link parties, we’d love for you to link-up at Tuesday Turn About! We close the party on Friday at midnight. 😉
Great job Jule. I love what you came up with. And I understand your dislike… I feel that way about orange for fall.
🙂 gwingal
Thank you so much, Nikki! Yes… orange is a hard one for me, too… give me coral any day! 😉 Come link up at Tuesday Turn About if you have a minute or two! 😉
Your porch is beautiful! So festive, you are ready for the Summer!
Thanks, Susan… so much! Hope you’ll come and join us for Tuesday Turn About the link party! Check it out!
So pretty Julie! I love the planter and the candles look great! Very festive!
Thanks, Michelle! You’re a dear! (Haven this year?) Hope to see you at Tuesday Turn About!
Thank you for sharing at #ThursdayFavoriteThings. Pinned and shared.
Thanks, Marilyn! You are always so kind!
Your take on this challenge is so cute, love the bead garland! I really love your red, white, and blue flowers too. The sign and the door mat are adorable. Actually, it’s all adorable! For not liking red, white, and blue, your pulled off a patriotic look in your own signature style and it looks great.
So fun hopping with you!
Thank you so much for the kinds words, Amber! Love doing the Pinterest Challenge with you, too!
You sound like me….I’m not a fan of red….even with fashion. LOL! But your space is so pretty and welcoming! I actually ended up liking it a bit more once I started decorating. Happy 4th!
Thank you, Christy! I actually have been more drawn to RWB this season, too! Especially when it is more muted tones. 😉 Happy 4th to you, too!
Where did your doormat come from? I have been looking for something like this, and haven’t had much luck.
It was Target… I linked to it in the post, under the close-up of the rug. 😉 Thanks, Alex!
Wow! Your little porch looks great!
Thanks, Peg… I’ve added a window box since this, too! LOVE! 😉
How did you paint the wood pilings?
Hi, Nadine, and thanks for the comment/question. I simply painted them a dark brown, then dry-brushed them with white. You can see how to dry-brush on this post.