Southwestern design combines interior design and architectural elements with Native American and Mexican influences. This style of design is most commonly seen in residences and corporate buildings located in southern Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. It is fairly easy to recognize iconic symbols and architectural elements that are distinct to the Southwestern style. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Recognize iconic symbols. Southwestern decor often incorporates images of cactus plants, lizards or iguanas and desert scenery. In addition, influences of the Anasazi Indians--including images of the god of fertility, Kokopelli--are emblazoned onto pieces of furniture, art and bedding. Navajo Indians also contribute to Southwestern designs with their vividly colorful woven patterns on rugs, blankets and fabric.
2. Look for terra-cotta, stucco and adobe styles. These elements of architecture are used both outside and inside of homes and buildings to accentuate the Southwestern feel. Terra-cotta is a rust color commonly identified with flowerpots. Southwestern homes have walls that are painted in this color. Stucco style is an art technique applied to the external walls of buildings to give it a bumpy texture. Adobe is dried mud or clay used to build homes.
3. Seek homes that incorporate reds, oranges and browns. The interior walls of Southwestern homes embody these color schemes. These colors invoke a sense of warmth, which is also indicative of the geographic weather and climate of that area.
4. Expect to see landscapes without an abundance of flowers. Most Southwestern homes are located in deserts, and therefore, floral landscapes around homes in these environments feature only those flowers and plants that can thrive with little water. The backyards of Southwestern homes are often laid with cement, gravel or another hard surface.
Tags: Southwestern homes, architectural elements, iconic symbols