There is something to be said about a southwestern
styled home decorating plan. It is undeniably beautiful
and in incredibly elegant when done with an eye for the
real beauty of this style of architecture and design.
More importantly, in the right home, this style of décor
can be nothing short of fun. From geckos to cowboys, and
cacti to anything in between there are plenty of options
from which to choose when it comes to southwestern
design.
The southwestern design and décor style is more than one
thing. It is more like a lifestyle-much like the Creole
home decorating style. There are many things that make
the southwest such a wonderful place to live and visit.
It makes perfect sense that many would want to bring
these things into their homes in order to experience
them day after day, even when the southwest seems so
very far away. In fact, even those who have never seen
or experienced the southwestern states of the US for
themselves have found the style of architecture and
décor to be enchanting enough to want to incorporate it
into their homes.
For those who are unfamiliar with home decorating in a
southwestern style this is a style that makes copious
use of the elements when decorating. Metal, clay, water,
plants, and animals are essential to this style of
décor. Colors are also important to this style of décor.
The colors required to pull this look off are going to
be decidedly sun baked and not bright and bold as other
design styles call for. Pottery is also a very important
design style of this type of décor. Have fun and be
imaginative. Incorporate wall art into the room, some
properly colorful throw rugs, and some clever baskets
and pottery for storage and effect and before you know
it you will have a beautiful room in the grand
southwestern style.
Don't make it too neat but at the same time do not allow
clutter to get a grip either. Decorate with living in
mind and create a room that provides a few hiding places
for those stray items when company pops in unexpectedly
while you are at it. Pottery and baskets provide the
perfect opportunity for this. Just make sure that you do
put the items where they belong afterwards or you are
going to find your pottery overflowing.
One thing to keep in mind about the southwest is that it
holds its ties to the old west rather closely. This
means that you are quite likely to find a cowboy or two
sitting right next to an old Indian or riding on the
back of coyote. There are no hard and fast rules in the
old west or the modern southwest other than he who has
the quickest draw makes the rules. Enjoy the process of
decorating in this grand style and you will have won
half the battle. More importantly however, do not over
think it. If it looks too contrived the look will simply
fall flat. Pile blankets and rugs in the corner on top
of the baskets in order to create height as well as easy
access to those items when the temperatures suddenly
dive at night-this is the desert right? Or at least
that's the atmosphere you are going for. If you are
really adventurous hang a lasso over the door somewhere
for real southwestern effect.