Using Americana in Home Design

In my early days of scouring the local Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market and antiquing at various Antique Stores in Connecticut, I was always interested in items that reflect America’s past.  As a child, we never had those things, my family coming from Germany, with only two dollars in their pocket, bringing not much of their past with them.

So, I searched for American Flags, one I hung as art in my son’s bedroom, it has 48 stars dating back to 1912 with the addition of Arizona and New Mexico, it’s probably from the 50’s.

Let’s talk about Eagle’s. The bald eagle has been America’s national bird of 1782, a symbol of pride and strength, I found a really beautiful hand painted eagle made out of wood.  I hung two eagle chandeliers in my hallway and have an eglomise mirror, a reverse painted eagle.

And my beautiful needlepoint scene of a quintessential American Inn is soon to hang in my office.  At the basement door hangs a Mondrian colored board with a collection of locks and switches, called ‘Robby’s Board’, handmade as an interactive toy of the past.

If you are lucky enough to have been here since your great grandparents were alive, don’t overlook these handed down items, there could be a hidden gem you can use for nostalgic décor called ‘Americana’.  They look great in my colonial style home!