Four Essential Elements Of Southwestern Decor

16 April 2015
 Categories: Home & Garden, Blog


If you've ever wanted to create decor that looks like it's right out of the American southwest, read on. Here are four essential elements you need to assemble the rugged, historic look of the borderlands, with influences from Native American and Mexican cultures, as well as the desert and the open range.

Religious Iconography

Religious iconography is perhaps the most important element of southwestern decor and reflects influences of both early Christian missions and pre-Christian beliefs. Both aspects are often combined in the same home, as history has blended them over the years.

Decorative crosses are a common item in southwestern homes and are often hung en masse over living room sofas or beds. Many people collect crosses that have been handed down through generations or purchased at antique or vintage stores. These are typically made of heavy, dark wood and/or tooled metal and sometimes inlaid with semiprecious stones or even natural elements like seashells.

To make your collection of decorative crosses look like it's been in the family for centuries, seek out old, worn crosses, and don't worry about matching them. You should have a blend of large and small ones in a variety of styles.

Other common southwestern iconography includes

  • votive candles (purchased at Hispanic grocery stores)
  • primitive religious paintings on wood or metal
  • Dia de los Muertos altars (some are left up all year)

Collectibles

In addition to collecting crosses, many southwestern home owners display other items they're passionate about. Straw hats or sombreros are popular collectibles, as are elaborately tooled cowboy boots and Native American silver jewelry.

The kitchen is an ideal spot to show collections too. A classic southwestern kitchen will often have a wall of copper pots or brightly painted ceramic dishware.

Brilliant Color

If you've seen the desert when cactuses are in bloom or witnessed a sunset in the Grand Canyon, you know the southwest is alive with color and not just a faded palette of sand and sage. Bring those hues into your home for year-round energy and cheer.

Typical southwestern colors are turquoise, red, and yellow, but you can use magenta, violet, orange, or any other bright color, and don't be afraid to combine them in bold ways. If you're not sure where to start, try painting one wall with an accent color to see how it looks, or add a panel of stained glass alongside a door or on the transom.

Painted wood furniture is another common element of southwestern design, as are Mexican blankets covering sofas and armchairs. You can also make pillow covers from old Mexican blankets that have become too worn to use otherwise.

Animal Motifs

Animal motifs are another common southwestern theme. Try adding horse sculptures or other animal statuary, or look for furniture with animal figures carved in them. There are other ways to add animal elements too:

  • a collection of Native American fetishes or fetish chains
  • horsehair or cowhide upholstery
  • horns used as hooks
  • found antlers or skulls mounted on the wall

If you take your time and shop slowly for your decor items, you'll put together a nice collection that looks like it's been there for decades. You'll know you did it right if you turn around one day and feel like you're living in your own little southwestern hacienda or art gallery!


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