Southwest Decor
East end of the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, New Mexico via USA Today
Spirit in the Sky — Elements of SouthWest Decor
One of my philosophies, is generally that decor ought to be inspired by the location and architecture of one’s dwelling. So to embrace that truth was easy. Thibaut’s new grasscloth called Sandia was the jumping-off point. The mountains surrounding Albuquerque are called the Sandia Mountains because they have a pinker cast from the 95% granite. Natural choice for me. Don’t you just love it when you decorate and you find deeper meanings in colors, motifs and elements! I do!
Color Palette
Often times the palette is strong and bold like the hot desert sun. Most of the time when I see these colors done well they are not on the wall or furniture at full strength. They look worn, weathered, and have a patina on them. It gives a softer, more livable feel to these warm, rich palettes.
I recommend:
Benjamin Moore Tavern Ochre
Benjamin Moore Baked Terra Cotta
Benjamin Moore Avalon Teal
Benjamin Moore Watermelon
Other times you will see it soft and muted like the Sandia pink grasscloth wallpaper. The fabric below brings in sage green often seen. Doesn’t it look to soft, like you want to reach out and touch it? Designing awakes all the senses.
Initially, the color I saw was the pink version, and later found the beige version which inspired me. Isn’t this stunning! Just like the southwest sky! Thibaut really got this right! It really is a grasscloth so it has texture and depth to it. I wish the picture did this justice.
Then, as I said, I found the beige version of the same Sandia grasscloth and worked on building off of that instead. I found it more Timeless, Classic, and Elegant. Although, my heart still swoons when I see the pink version.
Inspiration can be found anywhere.
Fabrics of the Southwest
This fabric brings in soft sage, gold and rich terra cotta. The colors vary but what is found in the landscape is found in the palette.
Ralph Lauren Tribal Fair Canyon via onlinefabricstore.net
This Navajo Blanket in the serrated diamond pattern is a popular motif.
via 1st Dibs
Design Elements
If we look at the adobe home design elements we see arched doorways and windows, beamed ceilings, and terra cotta tile floors.
Wrought Iron
Black wrought ironwork is used heavily. This decorative use is uniquely beautiful.
Wall Decor
Hung on the wall these baskets make great wall art as the pattern is on the inside. They are great at the front entry for a drop spot for mail and keys.
Wall Art in Southwest Design using the arrow motif
via DesignerInc
Foliage
Your Southwest design wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t include foliage. It adds such life and soul. Even if its a print to be framed. It still brings life.
Aroma
I generally like to leave you with an essential oil to diffuse by doTERRA. When contemplating the scents of the Southwest they weren’t really ones I would diffuse. The pinion pine is the state tree. The scents I personally think of though are ones I would eat. After chatting with my sister we remembered that some doTerra essential oils can be ingested, which is safely eaten. Cumin essential oil. As noted on this tear sheet, cumin needs to be diluted, otherwise, it’s just too warm.
Tastes of the Southwest
Mom met Dad in the Southwest and when they moved to the Midwest they brought along their Southwest decor along with Southwest flavors, so my sister and I thought I ought to share her recipe with you with one modern adaptation.
Albuquerque Chili Ala June
1 bag dried pinto beans, sorted and soaked overnight
1 chopped onion
2 cloves garlic
1 can tomato puree
1 large quart jar tomato juice (we canned ours)
1 pound ground beef, I’ve been known to use Stew Beef
salt and pepper, Mom didn’t use salt but you will want to add it!
2T. chili powder
4-6 drops doTerra Cumin essential oil
Cook the beans til tender in a dutch oven. Saute the onions and brown the ground beef then add garlic after the hamburger is almost all browned (so it doesn’t get bitter) in an oiled skillet. Add the onion, garlic, and ground beef to the tender pinto beans. Add in salt, pepper to taste, and chili powder. Simmer 10-30 minutes. Once the chili is thoroughly cooked add the 6 drops cumin eo to the chili. Using a potato masher mash the chili beans well so that it thickens the chili. Pour in a Turquoise Fiesta ware bowl and top with chopped onion, cheddar cheese, and a sprig of cilantro to round out the flavors. If you like a little more heat add a few pickled jalapenos. Enjoy!
Now, I know that chili is hot. However, in hot climates, you eat something hot and it cools you off. So go enjoy a bowl of chili in July! Then go call your mom and tell her to thank you for all the wonderful memories she gave you.