American Style Defined

Filed under: Your Home, Fun Stuff, Holidays

With July 4th fast approaching, is there any better time to talk American style?

When it comes to American style, it's tough to identify key design elements that can be seen across the country because as you've probably noticed, interior design varies a whole lot from region to region. So, we tapped into a few of our nation's most talented interior designers -- all based in different parts of the country -- and asked them to share what's what when it comes to home design in their region.

Find yours, then tell us below: Do you agree?

Here, their thoughts:

In the West

"Fresh color palettes and vibrant patterns make Western-American homes special -- they just have an extra-crispness and freshness you don't see anywhere else. California style specifically is a great gauge for what you normally see out west. Here, rooms are comfortable and inviting, and are often characterized by big doses of eclecticism and personality. Unusual, interesting and eye-popping pieces are a must, whether they're beautifully-shaped chairs, quirky works of art or groupings of remarkable things brought back from overseas trips."
--Julie Massucco, Melissa Warner and Carrie Miller, Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design and Decoration (San Francisco, California)



In the North

"We northerners are infatuated with being outside 12 months of the year; we're not afraid of the cold. The way we build and design our homes reflects our desire to be in harmony with the outdoors. Screened-in porches, sun rooms, conservatories and big outdoor fireplaces all help us extend our outdoor time. Look outside of any typical northern home and you'll see really gorgeous vistas -- lakes, wooded areas, manicured lawns -- that we show off with floor-to-ceiling walls of windows. Our furnishings focus more on comfort and a bit less on formality than those you'd typically see down south, or on the eastern seaboard. I look for every piece to say, 'Sit down and put your feet up!' We're casual and comfortable -- never intimidating or overdone."
--Martha O'Hara Martha O'Hara Interiors (Minneapolis, Minnesota)




In the Midwest

"Midwestern expression is usually driven from a traditional core: While we like to build on familiar things, it's the mix of rough and polished, high and humble, that makes our design approachable (yet never boring). Chicagoan design and architecture in particular, are great examples of quintessential Midwestern-American style. You'll often see Victorian, gothic, mid-century and modern buildings all within the same neighborhood; homes in most other cities mainly share a single prominent characteristic. Midwestern design has always embraced eclecticism -- as does America as a whole -- and successfully mixes different cultural and global references together to make one cohesive space."
--Summer Thornton, Summer Thornton Design (Chicago, Illinois)


In the East

"Eastern-US style is clean and refreshing, and characterized by the utilization of traditional elements in non-traditional applications -- basically a call-out to our Yankee ingenuity. Our rooms are no longer fussy and pretentious, but casually chic with a focus on livability versus high style. They tend to incorporate relaxed colors and one or two brief nods to our heritage as well. The fact that Granny's old rocker isn't too precious to repaint and reupholster is a testament to our growing eco-consciousness and can-do attitude. Swags are long gone."
--Amanda Nisbet, Amanda Nisbet Interior Design (New York, New York)


In the South

"There are as many variations on Southern-American style as there are recipes for a good batch of chicken and dumplings. But what they all have in common is a deliberate use of color, a confident mixing of patterns and a feminine sensibility. All of these qualities make southern style warm and inviting -- a place that feels like home and really makes you want to stay awhile. Rooms in the American South aren't unlike America itself: No matter how clean-lined or collected they happen to be, they're created with love and appreciation for those who visit the space now, and for many years to come."
--Tobi Fairley, Tobi Fairley Interior Design (Little Rock, Arkansas)

We love all the differences -- and common threads! -- that make up American style all over. Tell us where you are and what American style means to YOU in the comments.

You'll see more 4th of July ideas on ShelterPop next week but you should also see the fantastic things going on at Holidash!
Craft a 4th of July Flower (Adorable)
Throw a Retro 4th of July

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments