Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. It's great because the occasion brings everyone together: eating blueberries, grilling dinner, and watching fireworks.
I often carry my patriotism into decorating the house. Stripes are such a classic... a uniquely American design that looks fresh all-year round.
And you certainly aren't limited to red and white. Stripes of any color and width look great in the summer months...
Take a look at some of my favorite striped wonders...
4 A busy household is always in need of extra dish towels. I would love to have a few of these thin-striped towels. (potterybarn.com)
6 Who says stripes need to be colorful? A simple and subtle way to add stripes is with a detailed wallpaper like this bead board version from the Martha Stewart Collection at the Home Depot. (homedepot.com)
9 This tablecloth will get a lot of love this summer. Use it for picnics or outdoor dinners. (anthropologie.com)
11 Summer is about simplicity and this tablecloth is the epitome of relaxed entertaining. (conranusa.com)
20 The stripes on this pillow make it look great, and the outdoor material makes it durable. (crateandbarrel.com)
21 Thinking of making a souffle for the 4th of July? Make sure your ramekins are patriotic. (crateandbarrel.com)
25 These wash cloths look so soft. They'd be great to use, and display next to the sink. (shopterrain.com)
31 These jugs can be used for lemonade or as a vase for summer arrangements. (suebinnspottery.co.uk)
For a DIY alternative, look no further than Martha Stewart Living's striped crafts and recipes.
1 Dress up outdoor furniture by making your own striped pillows and daybed cover. (marthastewart.com/how-to/striped-rug-pillows) (marthastewart.com/how-to/striped-daybed_cover)
2 The striped palette on these delicious ice pops is gorgeous. (marthastewart.com/349919/striped-ice-pops)
3 There are so many uses for these chic striped baskets. (marthastewart.com/how-to/striped-rope-baskets)
4 Perfect for a summer dinner party, these striped hurricane lanterns are an easy-to-make centerpiece. (marthastewart.com/how-to/hurricane-lantern)
6 Make your stairs pop with the fun painted runner. (marthastewart.com/273423/a-runner-thats-one-with-the-stairs)
7 These easy-breezy striped curtains are a perfect fixture for summer. (marthastewart.com/273650/ribbon-striped-sheer-curtains)
8 Bring stripes into your kitchen with this cute shelving project. (marthastewart.com/photogallery/stripe-craft-and-decorating-projects?lpgStart=1¤tslide=12)
9 Decorate a plain food tray for a customized addition to your summer picnic. (marthastewart.com/272222/stripes-tray)
10 Striped make lampshades stand-out in this all-white kitchen. (marthastewart.com/how-to/striped-desk-lamp)
11 These striped cookies won't just taste good, they'll look good stacked and striped. (marthastewart.com/332855/striped-butter-cookies)
12 There are many layers of taste in this striped ice-cream cake. (marthastewart.com/314399/angel-food-sheet-cake)
13 The colors on these would be great for a Fourth of July party. (marthastewartweddings.com/goodthings/sophisticated-stripes)
Here's to a fabulous Fourth of July! (check back Monday for even more Independence Day inspiration.)










































From: Rowaida Flayhan | 7/4/11 at 1:54 am
Hi Kevin, Happy forth of July! Great images.
I voted for the Schumacher & Co an alternative for the mirror. Love the Martha Stewart Precious Metals paint collection. Best of luck and success.
PS I bought some antique furniture for Beirut apt, paintings and antique christle chandeliers will send you pics when I put finish.
Have a wonderful week