Decorating Guides
I Spy: Union Jacks
British Flag Adds a Graphic Punch via Pillows, Paintings, Rugs and Furniture
With four Oscars for The Kings Speech and the media frenzy surrounding the upcoming royal nuptials, I thought it would be fun to give a nod to the iconic Union Jack. The fun graphics of jolly old England's flag are wildly popular, glorified by punk rockers, Austin Powers and Vivienne Westwood alike. Let's take a look at how people around Houzz are perking up their interiors with this flag.
One of my all-time favorites is Betsy Burnham's painted dresser. It is a part of her daughter Carson's cool California bedroom. If you are really good at measuring and taping off straight lines, you can totally do this.
This Vanity Fair poster with the Union Jack in the background adds a touch of Swinging London to this room. It's just a pinch of Austin Powers fun (remember his Union-Jack-covered "Shaguar"?).
Artist, blogger and homeowner Lisa Borgnes-Giramonti is a master of mixing prints; I don't know how she pulled off a Union Jack, zebra, florals and even a bird print all at once, but it just works!
P.S. I believe this pillow was designed by Vivienne Westwood.
P.S. I believe this pillow was designed by Vivienne Westwood.
Here Borgnes-Giramonti used a different Union Jack throw pillow with a whole other mix of patterns — a blue and white ceramic Chinese garden stool, a trellis pillow, an Oriental rug, and the striped desk chair. Where to find your own Union Jack throw pillow? Many options are available on Etsy, and Jonathan Adler makes a needlepoint version.
Made by Girl is a master of graphic design, and she's chosen to prop a Union Jack painting so it can be viewed from her living area....
...and her dining area.
All right, please educate me — is this a take on Australia's flag with the blue and white reversed? Or is it the flag of another former British colony? Either way, it is a fun replacement for a door that gives the room a nautical feel.
This room unites a few former colonies with the U.K. If you're looking for Union Jack rugs, they are available on Etsy, at Jonathan Adler, and by Vivienne Westwood at The Rug Company.
It's even picked up again in a small black and white image in this art wall.
She uses them on her bedscape as well. I am loving the orange and pink version!
Do you have any Union Jacks around your home? If so, please share a photo with us in the comments section.
If you're obsessed with the upcoming wedding, you'll enjoy 8 Ways to Decorate for Kate Middleton and Prince William.
More: Design Eye on the Oscars: The King's Speech
Do you have any Union Jacks around your home? If so, please share a photo with us in the comments section.
If you're obsessed with the upcoming wedding, you'll enjoy 8 Ways to Decorate for Kate Middleton and Prince William.
More: Design Eye on the Oscars: The King's Speech