About Southwestern
D?cor
Southwestern is one of the most distinctive decors. It is not found anywhere else like other styles that were popular in more than one location. Southwestern decor took a little bit from all of the different settlers of the region and came up with a style that reflects the history of the people and the geography of the region. Does this Spark an idea?
Influences
Southwestern decor is the result of three influences. The Spanish were the ones who explored the Southwest and their influence is one part of Southwestern decor. American Indians were there first, and the Navajo , Apache and other Southwest tribes have had a big influence. The last to arrive were the pioneers who brought with them the simplistic styles of homemade furniture.
Styles
The Spanish influence can be seen in the style of the furniture with heavy and beautifully decorated wood pieces. The Spanish influence also is in the tiled floors and bright colors. American Indian tribes are famous for their pottery and intricately woven fabrics. The pottery is still used as accent pieces and the woven patterns are still used in rugs and throw pillows. The pioneers who came and settled in the Southwest came from settlements where they had to make their own furniture from the natural resources and they continued making furniture in that style.
Features
Southwestern decor will feature brightly colored floor tiles. This will carry over into the kitchen with tiled countertops and backsplashes. The backsplashes are likely to have hand-painted tiles mixed in with solid-colored ones. Accessories play a big part in Southwestern decor. The pottery and statues are made with the native adobe clay. Area rugs, not wall-to-wall carpeting, are the choice for floor coverings. The flooring and accessories will go well with either the Spanish or pioneer rustic style of furniture, although with the rustic style, the colors are more muted.
Geography and climate
The style the Spanish brought with them fitted in with the local geography and climate. The cool tiled floors are perfect for the hot climate. The dark wood furniture works at creating a cool atmosphere. And the accessories made by the American Indians make use of the natural products of the area. The same can be said of the rustic-style furniture. The pioneers made use of the native woods to make their simple style pieces.
Effects
Southwestern decor has a relaxing and cooling effect. It creates a calm atmosphere. You can combine the American Indian accessories with the Spanish-style furniture to have a more formal effect or with the rustic-style furniture to have a more casual effect. And you can create a different effect in each room. The living room can be formal and the bedrooms casual. Done right, the three influences blend well together.
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