In case you’re not already aware, this July 4 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States—also known as a semiquincentennial. (Sending love to all the newscasters who have to say this word on repeat.) While there will be all sorts of fanfare tied to the celebration this weekend, the pomp and circumstance has inevitably paraded its way into the design conversation, too.
After all, it was right around the country’s last major milestone—the nation’s bicentennial in 1975—that American country style experienced a resurgence so strong that it spawned this very magazine just a few years later. And while some designers and tastemakers have already embraced this distinctly American point of view—which The New York Times dubbed “Bicentennial Millennial” style—we’ve only scratched the surface of the aesthetic, which reaches far beyond the more obvious patriotic icons (see: flags, eagles) with everything from braided rugs to canopy beds.
As the country marks a historic milestone, consider this less a history lesson and more an open invitation to look past the star-spangled spectacle and rediscover the enduring, everyday details—and humble craftsmanship—that have always defined American design. Below, the 10 icons of classic Americana design that are making a big resurgence in American design this year.
Federal-Style Mirrors
Typically capped with an eagle, these gilt-framed mirrors—frequently referred to as “bull’s-eye mirrors”—often feature 13 balls around the perimeter that are thought to symbolize the 13 original colonies. Those of the actual period date to 1780–1830 and fetch top dollar (up to $10,000) in the antiques market. If you’re not a purist, you can snag a nice 19th- or early-20th-century “in the style of” example for much less.
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Eagle Needlework
Trivia night enthusiasts, take note: Although Congress adopted the bald eagle as the national symbol in 1782, it wasn’t until 2024 (yes, 2024!) that the winged creature was officially declared the national bird—a designation spearheaded by eagle enthusiast Preston Cook.
While eagle motifs are ubiquitous in the patriotic collectible space, our intrepid collecting editors have noticed an especially strong resurgence of the icon within the world of embroidery enthusiasts—and you don’t even have to reach that far back to get in on this trend. To mark America’s bicentennial in 1976, companies such as Vogart Crafts and Avon Creative Needlecraft released limited-edition needlepoint, cross-stitch, and crewel patterns featuring the bald eagle, and completed pieces from this era have already become sought-after collectibles in the first half of this year. Prices range from $15 for smaller works to over $200 for larger framed pieces.
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Braided Rugs
Perhaps nothing speaks to the self-sufficiency and “make-do” mindset that was central to life during Colonial times quite like the humble braided rug. Because fabric was both scarce and expensive—and those wooden floors were quite cold—families reused everything from old clothing to blankets for creating comfort underfoot. They’d first cut the items into strips, then braid those strips before sewing the braids into oval or round rugs. Because of the hodgepodge, use-whatever-is-handy selection of fabric, many rugs from this era are known as “hit or miss” rugs. As the textile industry grew, wool skeins were more available, which offered an opportunity for more sophisticated designs and intentional color palettes.
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Stars & Stripes
While the earliest version of our flag first flew in 1776, the Continental Congress didn’t codify it as the U.S. flag until the next year. The Flag Act of 1777 unified a young country under a banner of 13 alternating red and white stripes—one for each of the 13 colonies—and 13 stars to represent each state. Each hue of the red, white, and blue is said to represent an American ideal: red for valor, white for liberty, and blue for justice.
There have been many variations through the years (the 50-star version, designed by a high schooler in Ohio, was introduced in 1960), which is why collectors at every level can find flags within their price range. Unframed vintage flags in good condition start at around $75, while older flags in good condition can run from $600 to upward of $6,500 from trusted dealers like Jeff R. Bridgman Antiques. Far rarer American Revolution and other early American flags can fetch up to six figures at auction!
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Handwoven Baskets
Handwoven baskets have always been the workhorses of daily country life—think of them as the original market totes. American versions were traditionally woven from splint hardwoods like ash, oak, and hickory, while reed and willow often hint at French or English origins. Many shapes were specifically created for farm tasks, from flat flower-gathering baskets and double-bowled buttocks baskets (designed to keep eggs from rolling around) to bushel baskets for collecting and measuring produce.
These days, larger designs can restore order to all manner of odds and ends, like the miscellany of the mudroom and quilts and blankets in bedrooms. And they’re just as pretty when not in use, whether grouped on top of a cabinet or hanging from hooks on a pantry ceiling.
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Pieced Quilts
American quilting is rooted in the 18th century’s needlework tradition. Early quilters, usually women, pieced together humble fabric remnants into beautifully patterned, hand-sewn quilts for both utilitarian use in their own homes and as commemorative works to document a special event or to gift a new bride. Wealthier quilters turned to Europe’s finest fabric houses for more fanciful material.
With growing consumer interest in sustainable design, there’s a whole new generation seeking out pre-loved pieces and displaying them in all sorts of ways beyond the bed. Classic American quilt patterns to seek out include Log Cabin, Flying Geese, and Dresden Plate, while Honeycomb is thought to be the first quilt block officially published in the U.S. (in Godey’s Lady’s Book, 1835).
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Colonial Colorways
Have you ever noticed that the colors of historic homes often have a certain muddiness to them? Historically, paints were made from pigments and raw materials such as clay or sand, which lent them an earthiness that felt—and still feels—right at home in a country house.
Whether you’re looking to embrace a classically patriotic palette in a more subdued and sophisticated way or considering trying out other ye olde faves (ochre!), Benjamin Moore’s paint deck featuring 144 colors inspired by Colonial Williamsburg will steer you in the right historically minded direction. In this living room in Colonial Williamsburg, designer-in-residence Anthony Baratta opted for the milky blue, Azurite. “It’s the most gorgeous color,” he says. For a tried-and-true red, the Americana enthusiast recommends Greenhow Vermillion.
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Punched Tin
From the early Colonial era to well into the 1800s, candle lanterns made from punched tin-plated sheet iron served as durable, affordable, and rust-resistant light sources. Though often difficult to date—uneven hand-folded edges along the doors can indicate age—larger examples from the early 19th century can bring up to $400, while more recent vintage pieces (look for tighter designs with uniform hole patterns) can be found for as little as $10. For a heftier hit of tin, seek out pie safes and cupboards with punched tin panels.
Canopy Beds
Often called “testers,” which derive from the Latin word testa (or head), tent-like, fully curtained canopy beds were used by medieval nobility for both privacy and protection from cool drafts and pesky insects. This practicality also proved useful during the Colonial era, which is why canopy beds were the preferred sleeping arrangement at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. You can also find plenty of examples of the style at Colonial Williamsburg, including this not-quite-so-enclosed version (above) designed by Country Design 100 honoree Heather Chadduck Hillegas.
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Windsor Chairs
In our book, this iconic silhouette, with its splayed legs and saddle-shaped seat, is never not in fashion, but given its association with the Founding Fathers (Jefferson was said to have drafted the Declaration of Independence from his Windsor writing chair; Washington kept dozens at Mount Vernon)—not to mention modern makers like Sawyer Made and O+G Studio—they’re sitting pretty with a new generation. Often fabricated from a variety of woods (for example, hickory for the spindles, pine for the seat), they were also an economical choice for public spaces, making them a staple in American taverns and meeting halls, with a coat of paint helping disguise their hodgepodge construction.
When seeking out your own antique Windsor, know that nine back spindles are typically the maximum—and a good indicator of old age. Splat-back styles (think a hoop-back with long spindles on either side of a central back splat) and non-saddled seats tend to be more common to England and typically more valuable, although that’s not to say there aren’t real finds to be had stateside.
Rachel Hardage Barrett has written for and edited lifestyle publications for more than 20 years. As the editor-in-chief of Country Living, she has covered all things related to country life—including design, gardening, food, travel, antiques, crafts, and country pop culture—for more than a decade. Before Country Living, Rachel spent several years at Southern Living, where she served as Executive Editor covering travel, food, style, and features. Before Southern Living, Rachel was the Special Projects Director of Real Simple, where she wrote and oversaw books and special issues about food, travel, weddings, organizing, and parenting in addition to working on international editions and licensed products. Before working at lifestyle brands, Rachel started her magazine career at Glamour, where she wrote and edited relationship articles, celebrity interviews, as well as fashion and features content. When she’s not working on the magazine, she can likely be found poking around an antiques shop, perusing country real estate listings, or dreaming of opening a general store.
Anna Logan is the Deputy Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
Sarah Zlotnick is the Lifestyle Director at Country Living, where she has run point on travel, rural lifestyles, and all things vintage and antiques since 2021. Previously a lifestyle editor at Washingtonian and Philadelphia magazines, she has been championing small businesses and regional destinations for 15 years. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Georgetown University, a major her younger self would be quite surprised to learn has come so in handy. First and foremost a service journalism enthusiast, she loves an in-depth explainer on an everyday topic or a deep dive into the history of vintage objects. When she’s not editing and writing, you’ll find her needling her husband to pull off the highway so they can explore a new small town or cozying up with a juicy murder mystery.
