By Mi-Ling Stone Poole
Author’s note: This article was published in 2003. It’s one of my favorites and I wanted to share it again!
The Fourth of July is a day of celebration. Decorations are hung, flags are waved, and red white and blue are the colors of choice. But in this Nantucket style cabin you can celebrate the Fourth of July for 365 days of the year.
This two bedroom one bathroom retreat is at Lake Hiawassee in Arcadia. The owners Danny and Rhealene Cook have shared their 50-year-old cabin with family and friends for the past 10 years.
“I wanted to create a summer home that would put a smile on our face every time we opened the door to the cabin,” Rhealene said. Upon entering the property you are immediately greeted by a wonderful old red door and a red, white and blue hat placed on a hook that sets the tone for what’s to come.
In the family room, a red and white checkered couch is accompanied by a large white drum with a piece of round glass placed on top. Underneath the glass are various collectibles; antique Uncle Sam cards, flags and other patriotic memorabilia. Behind the couch sits an old wooden table with a flag lamp proudly displayed. This multipurpose room is used both for dining and entertaining.
A unique red, white and blue carpet, adorned with stars flows flawlessly throughout the space connecting each room together.
The headliner of the cabin is definitely the large red, white and blue hand- painted bench. “When I found it in the dump it had no seat so Danny and I refurbished it,” Rhealene said.
Next to the bench is an old rocking chair draped with a quilt in the red, white and blue flag motif. A blue side table with a lamp and a star shade add drama to the room when lit.
Every inch of space in this home is affected by the patriotic theme. Even the antique claw-footed bath tub boasts hand-painted blue stars.
The guest bedroom has two beds with red, white and blue checkered bed spreads. Another hand painted table with a red shelf is placed above the twin beds. It displays colorful bears and clowns in the same color tones.
Throughout the home the Cooks have painted the old brown paneling white.
The master bedroom is inviting with a red and white comforter and lots of handmade quilts. The metal bed frame is painted a light powder blue to accent the colors in the pillows. She also has hung blue and white stripped wall paper in the corner.
A red and white checkered couch sits beneath a window overlooking the lake. A sea gull is perched on a white drum, which acts again, as a table. She also has placed little sailboats on the steps of a red ladder near by. The finishing touch in the bedroom is the sheer white drapes with stars that hang on the windows.
Even the kitchen is red white and blue with flag fabric draped over the windows and plates, napkins and bowls all joining in the spirit of independence.
Do it yourself
If you would like to create patriotic-themed rooms, follow the instructions below:
- Purchase an area rug or carpet that highlights the theme
- Repeat the red, white and blue theme all around the room
- Paint a shelf red and add bears or clowns to it
- Paint existing outdoor furniture to match the theme
- Add throws, pillows, candles and lamps with flag themes
- Paint an old bench or table red, white and blue and add stripes
- Paint a lamp in the theme colors and cut out stars in the lamp shade
- Display antique flags, Uncle Sam’s and other patriotic memorabilia
