| When you think of southwest style home decor, | | | | Wrought iron lamps, candleholders, wall sconces |
| you probably picture the deserts of Arizona and | | | | and accents; hand woven rugs placed on the floor |
| New Mexico. While that's where the style started, | | | | or hung on the wall; and colorful native blankets |
| you'll find homes decorated in Southwest style | | | | go hand-in-hand to create the Southwest |
| from California to the Carolinas. The style derives | | | | ambience. |
| from the earth tones and rustic landscapes of the | | | | Decorative items may include Indian drums, |
| Southwestern United States, but it fits in just | | | | alabaster or clay sculptures, Native American |
| about anywhere. | | | | baskets, and the popular Kachina dolls. Metal |
| Southwest home decor combines Mexican, | | | | mirrors and wall art represent Southwest themes |
| Spanish, and Native American influences. The | | | | like buffalo, elk, cactus, deer, and eagles. Mayan |
| warm, subtle colors - like cactus green, adobe | | | | and Aztec circle of friends pottery depict the |
| red, and neutral tones-come from nature, and are | | | | geckos, flute players, and symbols and idols of |
| accented with vivid blues, turquoise, and yellow. | | | | long ago cultures. |
| Southwest furniture tends to be rustic. Artisans | | | | Framed in rough wood, rustic paintings of pueblo |
| still make Mexican equipal, or pigskin, furniture the | | | | life add three-dimensional texture to any room. |
| time-honored way - lashing cedar splints and | | | | Paintings show the plants, animals, and landscapes |
| tanned pigskin together using maguey rope, a | | | | of the pueblo, as well as religious and secular |
| type of fiber rope. The result is Southwestern | | | | scenes. The scenes give a good sense of what |
| style furniture that is lightweight, long lasting, and | | | | life was like in a different age. Other wall pieces |
| surprisingly comfortable. | | | | for the southwest home include wilderness scenes |
| Hand-carved Mexican furniture is brightly painted | | | | laser cut from metal. Handcrafted by artisans, no |
| with classic colors and designs. Unique chairs, | | | | two pieces are exactly alike. You can also |
| tables, and benches are practical and comfortable | | | | decorate your walls with sand paintings. With their |
| conversation pieces. Other furniture, such as | | | | earth tones and rough textures, sand paintings |
| chests, armoires, cabinets, and bureaus, tend to | | | | evoke the lives and the landscape of the pueblo. |
| be substantial. Typically made from dark wood, | | | | Simple objects found in nature, like stones, twigs, |
| the wood may be distressed to make it look old | | | | and feathers are right at home in the rustic |
| and rough. | | | | southwest decor. Cactus plants add even more |
| Accessories define the Southwest decor, | | | | authenticity to your motif. |
| especially handcrafted items. Mexican hand blown | | | | Welcome your friends and family to your |
| glassware - including pitchers, margarita glasses, | | | | Southwest interior with a traditional-themed |
| shot glasses, and drinking glasses - have bright | | | | doormat. You can choose from colorful geometric |
| rims of cobalt, aqua, or green. Modern | | | | designs and classic images of horses, cowboys, |
| hand-painted Talavera pottery recreates the | | | | rodeo, and cattle. These warm, bright, and |
| designs and styles of its 16th century origins, | | | | invigorating mats will give your guests a taste of |
| adding imagination and originality to the decor. | | | | what awaits them in your newly decorated home. |