Wednesday, April 3, 2002

Home fashion reflects patriotic trend

'America United' booklet brings patriotism home

A rejuvenated sense of patriotism is sweeping the nation. Since Sept. 11 Americans all over the country are rediscovering a passion and zeal for the ideals that helped build our nation.

This is evident by bold displays of our flag in places that last year would have seemed unlikely. Cars zoom by with flag stickers, people literally wear their colors on their sleeves, and due to popular demand, home fashion is also reflecting this patriotic trend. Homeowners can now wave the red, white and blue on the inside.

Wallpaper is a perfect way to add some American appeal to your home, and finding the right products has never been easier. Now potential decorators can find all those in-demand patriotic images in one place.

"America United," a special booklet comprised of more than 40 classic American wallpaper patterns is put together by The Wallpaper Guide. Published twice a year for 25 years, The Wallpaper Guide categorizes more than 90,000 wallpaper patterns by subject, style, collection and manufacturer. The guide is referred to as the "bible of the wallpaper industry" because of its usefulness to retailers and customers.

Retail subscribers to The Wallpaper Guide will receive a copy of "America United." Otherwise, these promotional booklets are available for $3.99 each plus $1 postage and handling. For patriotic Canadians, the price is $4.99 and $2 postage and handling in Canadian funds. Retailers can order the booklet in lots of 50 and a donation for each booklet sold will be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Each booklet contains more than 20 pages of wallpaper products with full color pictures, collection names and brief descriptions, along with detailed "How to Hang" information. The products themselves are as diverse as the country they honor. Choose from poignant artistic renditions of our national symbols, quaint small town themes or simple star and stripe patterns whose style will hold up for years.

These featured patterns offer something for everyone. Capture the spirit from York's breathtaking "Patriotic Border," featuring an American flag gracefully unfurled against a softly rendered outline of the New York City skyline and accented with our national bird, the bald eagle. Recall a simpler way of life with Warren Kimble's "Art for your Wall," a collection of timeless country themes. Or feel the glory as Babe Ruth hits another home run on A.J. Exhibit's "Hall-of-Famer" border.

Americana is not a new trend, nor is it exclusively tied to Sept. 11. Both wallpaper retailers and manufacturers reported a surge in Americana products before the events of last year. Terri Nagel, owner of Design Gallery and Wallpaper City in Clearwater, Fla., spends a lot of time in Michigan, where, she says, Americana has been very popular for the last two years.

Designers at Eisenhart Wallcoverings, based in Hanover, Pa., also have noticed a slow shift toward classic Americana patterns. However, they are quick to point out that "classic" is different from the flags and patriotic emblems selling out of stores today. Instead, these patterns feature images that reflect enduring American values. Traditional country scenes and landscapes can transport people back to simpler times, he explains. One Eisenhart coordinator remembers that such patterns were popular in the 70s, a decade also marked by domestic turmoil.

The Wallpaper Guide makes it easier for consumers to locate and decorate with wallcoverings. Plus, customers can continue their wallpaper search on www.wallpaperguide.com.

Not only does "America United" list hot new design ideas, there is also a How-To section with helpful step-by-step instructions for do-it-yourselfers. The section also simplifies the sometimes tricky process of estimating and measuring. Tips from the pros make the whole process a snap.

"America United" booklets can be ordered through The Wallpaper Guide. Call toll free to order: (800) 275-1891 or click onto www.wallpaperguide.com.

Back to Home & Garden Home Page | Back to the top of the page