It’s not your imagination: The American flag is a red-hot design trend
You know something’s up when everyone from Budweiser to home décor enthusiasts are pledging allegiance to the flag.
Although it’s tempting to credit the Old Glory design influence to the perfect storm of red, white and blue patriotism conjured up by Memorial Day, the upcoming summer Olympics and an election year, retailer Stu Eli of the popular online home décor store Three Potato Four sees something else at work.
He says trendsetters have been romancing the American spirit, work ethic and grit for years, and the star-spangled tsunami of style reflects the increasing appreciation for nostalgia and an unplugged lifestyle.
“It’s something that’s super-analog,” says Eli, referencing the iconic image of a vintage American flag in a high-tech world, “it’s reminiscent of maybe your grandfather, or people who had pride in their work and things they made...
“It’s a little bit of nostalgia, or maybe the yearning for a different time and place in America where people took pride in craftsmanship and relied on themselves to make or fix something.”
Kirstin Hoffmann, director of merchandising and content for online décor retailer Dot & Bo, agrees, “We’re constantly looking at what’s trending with our customers … and the nostalgic, Army/Navy surplus collections of Americana has been one of our top performers.”
This summer, Hoffmann’s team created American Vintage, a collection that blends the Stars and Stripes with urban modernism.
“There are different American flag pieces, a lot of American maps … and a nod to the states in general,” says Hoffmann. “We pair those thematic décor elements with streamlined modern furniture and simple aesthetics.”
Hoffman says that doesn’t mean a bunch of American flag pieces all in one space. “It’s more about incorporating those décor items as statement pieces.”
Currently, vintage-inspired flags framed in rustic, reclaimed wood and a leather club chair with a flag print on the back are top-selling items, she says.
Rustic elements, reclaimed wood, cowhide, Southwest pieces, industrial items, distressed leather and vintage objects complete the look: “It keeps it fresh and modern and gives it a more edgy feel.”
Alex Bowman, lead trend forecaster for online home décor site Wayfair, says he used a vintage flag from his personal collection to style the company’s summer catalog.
“The whole trend is about reclaiming pieces,” says Bowman, “and reclaiming a used flag is perfect for that.”
Going for the glory, however, doesn’t have to include a literal flag. Bowman says red and navy throw pillows, or blue and white ticking stripes on kitchen towels and linens work just as well.
“Pull out all of your red, white and blue books and stack them on your bookshelf,” says Bowman. “Sometimes just rearranging your stuff for the season is the way to go.”