Home Décor – American Style
There are many choices to make once you decide to redecorate your home. The selection of colors, fabrics and accents seems almost infinite. To add to the challenge, different tastes between you and your spouse or partner could result in creating a dilemma that may never be resolved.
Setting aside the personal issues for a moment, you may be surprised to learn how much the area of the country that you live in affects what you buy. Of course, the climate, referring to the weather, is a factor. However, we have found that the cultural climate affects the way homes look, too.
In the southwest, the use of colorful serapes as a table cover indicates the strong Mexican influence. Cactus plants, planted in figurines, are found everywhere. Rugs, throws, pillows, place mats, napkin rings, coasters, doormats, table runners and jute rugs in coordinated themed designs of moose, bear or the sun are popular choices. Even the candles have a southwestern flare. There are sand cast candles decorated with a chili pepper, which is found on many accents. A rustic branding iron, horseshoe wall mirror or podium is sure to provide a finished touch inside of your southwestern style home.
Outside the home, you may place terra cotta garden statuaries representing anything from golfers to cactus in your garden. Outdoor wall dйcor are available in a variety of materials. You may choose a rustic clay eclipse or sun face. In Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona you’ll find wrought iron art on the outside of nearly every home. There are a many styles to choose from. The coyote and, again, the sun face are very popular.
While the mention of New Orleans may bring to mind thoughts of Cajun food and jazz music, there is also a distinct decorating style found there. Historically, in 1788 after a fire destroyed much of the French Quarter, the rebuilding was redone with Spanish architecture, not French. In the dining area, the use of seafood decorated bowls, plates and utensils is favored. Frog and alligator figurines appear in a variety of items, such as a decorative frog bank.
In the Pennsylvania Dutch country, the Amish need their quilts for more than just decoration. When the wind whips across the fields and the temperature drops below 0 degrees, the quilt, while beautiful, also becomes a necessity.
Amish quilts are made from solid color fabrics only, in bright and somber colors. The patterns are usually large geometric medallions and are heavily quilted with elaborate designs such as feathered scrolls and cables.
The furniture is also sturdy and well made. Typically created from cherry and oak, it is hand crafted by Amish builders, one piece at a time. While you can order the furniture online, taking a drive to one of the locations to select your furniture personally will give you the opportunity to enjoy the many sights and wonderful food of the Amish country.
In the western states, popular decorating themes include cowboys, Indians, horses, wolves and more. Fashioned in the style of Native American pipes of yesteryear, wall hangings recall the pride and spirit of peace as well as add color to your room. If you prefer plaques, a Native American eagle headdress wall plaque is a popular design. For a final touch and maybe some good luck, hang a unique Native American Indian dream catcher in your home.
The Chinese have affected design as well as eating habits. How many of you are going to order Chinese for take out tonight? A teapot beautifully decorated with dragons or blossom flowers accompanied by a matching set of teacups will set the mood in the dining room.
Include some silk throw-pillow covers featuring the traditional dragon design for luck. A green cover with the Chinese character “Fu” for good luck, and a red cover that says “Shou” for longevity – may help all of your wishes to come true!
Add a touch of far away lands to your wall with a golden dragon wall plaque. In the ancient practice of Feng Shui, the dragon is the symbol of power, good fortune and wisdom. Then, accent tables with a fan-shaped Feng Shui candleholder that will cast a comforting glow while the Chinese characters meaning wind and water are backlighted.
Of course, learning about your own heritage and incorporating those styles and traditions can help you as well as your children appreciate the family legacy.
Wherever you live, be sure to choose what is comfortable for you. Perhaps the most important decision that you make is in creating a home that is warm and loving for your family and friends to enjoy.
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