The All-American House After July 4th
~ Amy Lignor
Yes, July 4th is upon us and events, fireworks, backyard picnics – everything is about to commence. This is the celebration of our freedom; the celebration of America, but the events – the décor that will be used for the 4th and the theory that we should keep things ‘All-American’ does not fade away when the fireworks stop flashing in the sky.
As far as the holiday, itself, new ideas are coming out all the time. For a little chic to be thrown in with the norm, ideas of using beverages in glass bottles that are red, white and blue, sitting in metal tubs around the yard filled with ice – is a great way to make a splash and add to the patriotic theme. Supplies and/or gift baskets for your visitors can include things to help them with the heat that may come to your backyard on the 4th – red, white and blue face towels and water bottles are a great addition. Sparklers can be made into fantastic party-favors, wrapped as bouquets with red, white and blue ribbons. And the idea of red, white and blue flowers that can be planted in order to come back year after year is always an awesome idea, as well. They are not only a stunning American tribute all year round, but also the garden will provide an all-natural privacy screen that enhances and adds color to your home.
But you see, when the 4th is over, things do not have to end. Let’s face it, the kitchen is the room that gets the most time in the All-American households across the country. The kitchen is where everything is baked, prepared, and everyone stands on a daily basis to catch up and talk about life. Well…buying All-American and fixing up that small kitchen so that it allows more space for any event can be done quite easily…and allows for the purchasing of American-made products in the process.
The National Kitchen & Bath Design Competition does a wonderful job in bringing out ideas for that small kitchen where touches can be added that are not overly expensive that will make the small area look far bigger. Some of the ideas include; bracketed molding and drawer pulls, and changing the cabinets to a color that not only looks as if it has created more space but also is stunning to look at year-round. Robin’s-egg-blue is a great choice. If not wanting to paint, knocking out a wall in between the small kitchen and a family room to make a larger area for entertaining, is a great thought. Scraped maple floors, simple cabinetry with river-stone hardware that offers the room a completely uncluttered look. The ideas are endless.
A glass-tile mosaic backsplash, or a small island with storage space inside can go amazingly well with everything from tile to wood; as well as putting in recessed lighting and open shelves above the cabinets that allow for collectibles, will enhance and enlarge the kitchen area. Not to mention, all of the products and hardware purchased in the United States will bring even more patriotism by infusing the economy and offering jobs to many.
In other words, when the party ends on July 4th, the red, white and blue lifestyle most certainly doesn’t have to. And shouldn’t. There are stunning designs that are affordable for your small kitchen, and even other rooms you wish to alter or transform in the house. And with “Made in the USA” as the theme, the celebration never has to stop.
Source: Baret News Wire