southwest

Start Small with Southwestern Design Elements

One of the most popular themes in interior design today is the Southwest theme.   While to some it can mean a lot of pottery and rugs with the color turquoise dominating the color scheme, and to others it may be just incorporating a lot of rustic wooden furniture.  Decorating in the Southwestern style can be tricky it is very easy to cross that fine line between great design and tacky.  If you are new to Southwestern design then you might want to start off with a table or two.  Coffee and end tables can make a bold statement without being overbearing.  Here is how you can start small with Southwestern design elements.

Start with a Coffee Table

You can get a Southwestern coffee table in lots of different styles.  There are some exquisite pieces that are constructed with kiln dried pine that come with a beautiful rustic iron base.  There are color variations that will still fit the Southwestern look that you’re going for but keep each piece unique.  Pine is a great wood to work with, it has a smooth golden shade with plenty of knotholes that add character.  The iron base is what gives it its Southwest flavor and you can top it off with some great locally made pottery.  You can also add a Southwestern or Navajo rug underneath your table to make the room even warmer.

Adding More Color

If you want a table that is a focal piece and has a lot more color to it then adding a Talavera tile top to the table might be just what you’re looking for.  Using that same kiln baked pine as a base these table add a layer of tile to the top.  The tiles come from Mexico and are beautifully hand painted, you can add sun designs or nature seasons.  The table alone makes a statement so there is no need to find pottery to place on top.

It’s fairly easy to go over the top when it comes to Southwestern design, there is a pretty fine line between perfect and too much.   You can start with small pieces to have that authentic Southwestern look you love and add elements in gradually until you have reached that peak of perfection.  Start with a coffee table and maybe a couple of pieces of art throughout the room, combined with a high quality area rug and then you have reached perfection.…