Just because you may live in a different region of the country does not mean there is a rule stating you cannot have the southwestern style in your home. Southwest kitchen décor is a popular style amongst homeowners. You do not only find it in your bedrooms and living rooms. Kitchen themes with a hint of Southwestern flair are very common.

When it comes to a Southwest kitchen decor, the interiors and furnishings are rustic with the colors of red, yellow, rust, and turquoise making the kitchen feel warm and soft. Also commonly found is earthenware pottery, ceramic tiles, and art. If you are thinking of just adding a few elements or maybe going all out with transforming your kitchen there are some tips that may help you.

If you are in the mood to change your walls, you might want to add a more Southwestern flavor to it. Common colors for this type of décor are turquoise, rust red and light brown. Once the walls are painted you could add a common design. Geometric patterns would be a great choice. Turquoise paint that is washed on the cabinets is a nice addition and has meaning. The ancient Native Americans thought that the color would keep evil spirits away from the home.

Traditional Navaho patterns can be easily found and will make any room feel Southwestern. You will be able to find rugs, towels, curtains, tiles, and plenty of more that showcase this style. One type of traditional tile is Terra Cotta which is a common type used. It is beautiful and very functional. It absorbs heat during the winter months and keeps the air cool in the summer.

You can also add the Southwestern style by changing your furniture.

Rustic looking furniture such as a table and chairs will fit perfectly. They should be made from weathered, rough wood, or even branches that are bent.

Pottery and artifacts from Native Americans will add a special touch to the room.

Hand woven baskets and tin decorative elements also fit well. When you think of the Southwest décor what is the first thing that comes to mind? Did chili peppers pop in your head? Many stores offer chili décor that is common in the Southwestern style. You can find a large assortment of items that have the chili theme. Chili salt and pepper shakers, place mats, napkin holders, and even lights are available!

If you long for being in New Mexico, or enjoy the beautiful Native American pieces of art, adding a touch of the Southwest might be perfect for you. It is easy to get started. So let your imagination fly and soon you will have your own piece of the Wild West in your home.

By: Jeff Stevens

You’ve repainted the kitchen, installed some tile for a backsplash, and even installed a new floor. But something is missing from your kitchen decor. You look around, and realize that none of the accessories match. Your kitchen needs matching accessories to look right, just like a new outfit. Try adding some matching accessories to your kitchen, and notice how it improves the appearance.

The first thing you should do, is to decide what theme or colors you need. Do you want a country cottage style decor? A rustic Tuscan look? Or a sleek modern look? Depending on the theme, you’ll need different accessories.

Take a look through some kitchen decor magazines if you can’t decide what you want. The internet is another good source for inspiration. Just browse around, and get an idea of what you would like in your kitchen. Once you’ve decided, then you can go to your local kitchen or home improvement store, to get what you need. The color choice should compliment the main color of your kitchen.

Sometimes, you may not even need to buy anything. Sometimes, just re-arranging what you have can create a new look for your kitchen. Look for groupings of odd numbers, rather than even. Vary the height and texture of accessories. Move things around until you get the look that you want.

Wall art, decorative baskets, plates, and trays can really add to the appearance. Just be sure that you know how to properly hang art pieces on the wall. In general, wall art should be hung, so that the center of the piece is at eye level. It should also be no more than seven to ten inches above the table. Try placing wall art in groups on the wall. Placing pieces in a rectangle, triangle, or circle helps to add more interest.

Shelves, and bakers racks often look too cluttered. Vary the heights of your cookbooks, but avoid putting small cookbooks next to large cookbooks. Often, you can make the books look more appealing by removing the dust covers. Organize the shelves, and decorate them with pictures, baskets, candles, and other small decorative items. Be sure to place them in groups of odd numbers. Clusters of 1, 3, or 5 items looks more natural than an even number. If there’s room, place some plants on the shelves and in the corners to add some color and texture.

Hang copper pans from a wire rack to add warmth and color to your kitchen. While you’re hanging things from the ceiling, add a plant or two to a bare corner of the ceiling, to give your kitchen a lived in feeling. You can grow herbs in decorative containers on the windowsill, to add some interest, and provide you with fresh herbs for cooking. Colorful bottles placed on the windowsill can also add a splash of color and interest to your kitchen. Canisters and cooking utensils can add life to your countertops.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to accessorize your kitchen. You can buy one or two items at a time, and add them to the counter or shelves, and then buy more as you can afford it. You can find some good deals for kitchen decor items at garage sales and flea markets. Take your time, and look around. Find the right accessories for your kitchen, and just be creative. After all, it’s your kitchen.

By: Tim Sousa