Vivid, natural colors of the Southwest.
The colors of Southwestern interiors represent the wide range of hues that exist in the desert landscape. For the Indians of the Southwest these colors held additional meaning when used in artwork and clothing. Choosing to decorate your home in a Southwest spirit begins with selecting the color scheme that will influence the color of your walls, furniture and accessories. Does this Spark an idea?
Red
Red is the symbol of power and life for the Indians of the Southwest. It symbolizes the red-colored earth, the vital fire, the hues in the brilliant sunsets and the red of chilies. For Southwestern home designs, red particularly contains more earthy tones of rust, burnt orange and red-brown and is commonly used for accents. Woven fabrics, artwork and pillows containing red easily add red to your Southwest decor.
Yellow
Yellow is the color of the life-giving sun, the desert, birds and flowers. In Southwest design the hue is deep and rich. Although you can apply yellow in your interior design in large areas, for instance, as an accent wall color or the fabric of a chair or couch, it is more commonly used in the same manner as red in accent accessories.
Blue
Blue and turquoise hues are calming and peaceful like the color of the sky. Because of these qualities, use more blue shades and tones for your Southwest decorating in bedrooms and bathrooms. Paint walls in blue turquoise tones. Use blue rugs and carpets to create a soft, inviting environment. Like other vivid colors of the Southwest, blue is always integrated in accessory and accent pieces.
Neutral
Neutral color tones of sand, taupe, ivory, tans, and browns are the foundation for Southwestern home decorating. In rooms that are more public, like kitchens, living rooms and family rooms, neutral colors for walls, floor covering, and furniture creates a soothing, comforting and natural effect. Interest and variety is achieved by using Southwestern colors that are more vivid and vibrant in your accessories and as accents.
Accent Colors
Other traditional accent colors often used in Southwestern interior design are green, like desert cactus and grasses, and, occasionally, purple. Use these two colors minimally, and integrate them in patterns and artwork that contain other hues in the Southwest palette.
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