Fourth Of July | Design Happens

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Daily Delight: Blue Stripe Junk Trunk

by Grant Dudley July 4, 2012 6 Comments

Today we celebrate our nation’s independence (I hope everyone has a relaxing, fun-filled day planned).

To keep with the day’s patriotic theme, I highlight Bungalow’s stylish collapsible white and blue storage bins. Yes, the “red” may be missing, but still — they have that “4th” feel to them.

Junk Trunk

A lot of these types of bins are on the market, but Bungalow promises theirs are different in that they are “sturdy enough to last.”

I like that tag line. It’s the same sentiment I have for our country. Happy 4th of July, everyone.

Festive 4th of July Crafts

by Jessica Yonker June 28, 2012 4 Comments

Charcoal is on sale and the smell of barbeque and bottle rocket smoke is in the air. This can only mean one thing: it’s almost the 4th of July! For those of you entertaining hordes of friends and family this 4th, you may need some Independence Day crafts to keep everyone occupied.

Check out the projects pictured above and other fun 4th of July crafts and ideas below.

Make an American Flag Tote Bag
Fourth of July Table Setting Ideas
Chic Fourth of July Entertaining Ideas
All-In-One 4th of July Envelope Card
Shoebox: Patriotic Crafts
Sew Patriotic Red, White and Blue Bunting
Create a Shimmery 4^th of July Candle Votive
Patriotic Desserts + Printable Cupcake Wrappers

Year-Round Approaches to Red, White + Blue Decor

by Jeanine Hays July 4, 2011 3 Comments

Happy Fourth of July! This is absolutely my favorite time of year. Independence Day not only represents a time for family reunions and summer fun like barbecues, it also signals the perfect opportunity to contemplate how to bring those red, white and blue hues home all year long. Here are some looks sure to set off fireworks!

Miles Redd

While a red, white and blue color scheme runs the risk of being kitsch, here’s a sophisticated, modern interpretation. Interior designer Miles Redd reveals how traditional yet contemporary the red, white and blue color scheme can be when you mix in bold black and dark brown furnishings.

What City Has the Most Iconic American Architecture?

by Kayla Kitts July 4, 2011 7 Comments

I’ve always been fascinated by the architectural variations from city to city. While San Francisco is recognized for its colorful Victorian row houses, you probably won’t find them along the coast of Florida or next to a Cape Cod in New England. Each city’s signature style is part of what makes our country so beautifully diverse, “from sea to shining sea.”

American-Architecture-Charleston-HGTV-DesignHappens

Architecturally-speaking, one of my favorite cities to window-shop homes is Charleston, S.C. I absolutely love the neoclassical and Greek revival style of the houses that line the old cobblestone streets. (And if you’ve never been there, you must visit Rainbow Row – a collection of colorful historic homes located along East Bay Street near the Battery.) So, if your Fourth of July plans involve traveling to either a new or familiar city, I encourage you to pay attention to the architecture you pass along the way. And if you can’t explore new places this weekend, take a HGTV virtual, all-American tour through the most influential and iconic architecture and designs our country has to offer.

Now I have to ask – what city do you feel has the most iconic American architecture? Maybe the colorful cottages of Key West or the intricate, Southern-style of New Orleans? Pueblo revival structures in Santa Fe or mid-century modern architecture in Los Angeles?

Tell us in the comments below.

Happy 4th of July From Design Happens!

by Hilary Johnson July 4, 2011 2 Comments

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate our nation’s independence, let three of our favorite red, white and blue Etsy “treasury” finds inspire your 4th of July patriotism.

Stars and Stripes Cookies

Etsy Seller sugarandflour :: Star Bangled Sugar Cookies

Red, White and Blue Candle Jars

Etsy Seller usedandabused :: Red, White and Blue Mason Jars

Lady Liberty Rubber Stamp

Etsy Seller SweetSpotStampShop :: Statue of Liberty Hand Carved Rubber Stamp

What makes the 4th of July special for you? Homemade apple pie? A plethora of American flags? Or simply watching fireworks with your family? We’d love to know!

Tell us in the comment area below. And have a happy and safe holiday!

Featured

Daily Delight: Backyard Scrabble

by Lili Zarghami July 4, 2011 15 Comments

Happy Fourth of July, design lovers! I hope you all have a long, languorous day spent outdoors with family and friends on tap. I know I do!

Photo: E. Spencer Toy

If the backyard barbecue I’m going to had a hand-built Scrabble board like this one, I might not show up here tomorrow. (Scrabble and I have a long, loving history.) This outdoor board was built by Sacramento, California architect Kristy McAuliffe with stained poured concrete. She crafted the tiles from baseboard trim and adhesive letters and numbers. I’m wondering if Ms. McAuliffe needs a new best friend?

HGTV How-To: Sew Patriotic Bunting for the Fourth of July

by Kayla Kitts June 29, 2011 3 Comments

Give your home some patriotic flair in preparation for the Fourth of July by sewing red, white and blue bunting. This easy-sew project is a simple way to decorate for our nation’s birthday. Plus, if you’re feeling a little crafty and ambitious, sew more than one bunting and hang them together to create a full all-American banner. (I’m picturing “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” on repeat.)

How-To-Project-Patriotic-Red-White-Blue-Bunting-4th-of-July-HGTV-DesignHappens

Learn how to sew this patriotic bunting (and plenty of other Independence Day projects) with the detailed materials list and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions at HGTV.com.

Be sure to let us know how it went. Did your neighbors “ooh” and “aah” over your DIY skills?

Tell us in the comments below.

Popsicles + Prints: Host an Easy, Modern 4th of July Party

by Hilary Johnson June 26, 2011 3 Comments

A red, white and blue theme is pretty much required when throwing a Fourth of July bash, don’t you think? However, if you’re looking to go a little less John Philip Sousa/Stars and Stripes Forever and instead want to try something modern and chic, you’ll love these Independence Day party ideas from our featured blogger Brian Patrick Flynn. After all, Brian is the go-to-guy for daring and wonderfully different. (And if you’re all about a classic look with American flags a plenty, we’ve got that covered with this table setting theme featuring Old Glory and old-fashioned lemonade!) Here are three fabulous tips from Brian:

Simply Chic 4th of July Entertaining

Layers, layers, layers. Pull out the red, white and blue in unexpected ways by substituting those stars and stripes with modern graphic patterns. Like the table setting pictured above, steer clear of clutter by layering large, medium and small prints.
Fireworks. Who wants candles when you can add sparklers to your Fourth of July dessert? (Leave it Brian to figure out how to pack style and flames into a cake!) But don’t forget that safety comes first. Only light these babies outside.
Popsicles. If you’re ready to start your summer soiree early, try making these fruity Fourth-of-July popsicles. All you have to do is pick your favorite red and blue juices, pour them into popsicle freezer trays, and freeze them overnight. Nobody will be able to turn down your patriotic pops in the heat of July.
Check out #4 – #11 of Brian’s modern and chic 4th of July entertaining ideas.
Bonus. Check out these mouth-watering patriotic dessert ideas from our featured blogger Kim Stoegbauer. Yum!

What do you think? Do you prefer a traditional or non-traditional 4th of July celebration? We’d love to know!

Tell us in the comment area below.

4th of July Party: 7 Sweet Desserts + Free Patriotic Printables

by Kim Stoegbauer June 21, 2011 22 Comments

How are you celebrating the 4th of July this year? If you’re attending a party or gathering, I suggest you volunteer now to bring dessert. I’ve collected seven easy, festive and delicious recipes. Plus, with the patriotic cupcake wrappers and party toppers I designed exclusively for HGTV readers, you’ll be sure to impress the host and other guests!
HGTV Exclusive From The TomKat Studio - Fourth of July Cupcake Circles & Wrapper - Free Printables

HGTV exclusive :: download free printable party circles

HGTV exclusive :: download free printable cupcake wrappers

I seem to always be in charge of dessert at gatherings with family and friends. I absolutely love to bake {when I’m not blogging}, especially cupcakes. Cupcakes are easy, cute and oh so popular.

Memorial Day: Plant a Patriotic Garden

by Kayla Kitts May 22, 2011 9 Comments

Give your garden a thrilling dose of patriotism this coming Memorial Day weekend by planting flowers that bloom in red, white and blue. (Cue the John Philip Sousa.)

Memorial-Day-Red-White-Blue-Flowers-Gardening-HGTV-DesignHappens Photos: Bloomers Blog; Lowes; Sonja Smith

If you don’t think you’ll have time for planting, grab a hanging basket filled with red, white and blue petunias from your local gardening center. For you more adventurous green-thumb types, here are a few of my favorite flowers to get you started creating your own patriotic combinations.

Memorial-Day-Red-White-Blue-Gardening-Flowers-HGTV-DesignHappens

Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet', Clematis, Grape Hyacinth

Patriotic Flower Ideas From HGTV.com:

Red: Potentilla ‘Gibson’s Scarlet’ (or dianthus, geraniums, hydrangeas, zinnias, begonias, mums)
White: Clematis (or geraniums, salvias, mums, snapdragons, daisies, impatiens)
Blue: Grape hyacinth (or morning glory, verbena, blue bells)

Keep your garden gorgeous all summer long with HGTV.com’s expert gardening tips.