The Southwestern style is probably the most distinctive of any to be found in the United States. It is much in demand, regardless of where you live, as homeowners dream about replicating the laid-back, common and unpretentious look. Rustic style furniture is an essential part of the makeup of the re-created southwestern abode and for authenticity, designers should learn how to replicate the fundamentals.
Probably the most common component of rustic style furniture in the Southwest is wood, with the darker variety preferred. You should not look for complex detailing, but for a substantial yet simple approach. A few striking accents may be incorporated but you must aim to achieve a weathered and distressed look. Very often, major architectural features are wooden, with exposed beams and hardwood floors commonplace.
For your major rustic style furniture items, minimalist is a good byword to bear in mind. When you are thinking about how you will stage your home, throw away the plan and don't opt for inch perfect positioning as modern designers prefer. The less composed and the more natural look you achieve the better. Aim for color scheming that mimics nature, just as if you were bringing the outside indoors. You have a big variety of colors to choose from and try and picture nature, the sky, the earth and water. Major furniture items should have that distressed look even if you have to create it artificially using sanding methods, for example.
For those who are used to a more contemporary style of living, experts recommend that you really do some research before trying to re-create the southwestern look using rustic style furniture. Let your mind wander back to the creativity of native Indians, early settlers, Mexican life, ceramics and adobe construction, furniture and accents made from natural resources and animal castoffs.
When it comes to pulling in the colors for your rustic style furniture look, imagine the glory of a typical Southwestern sunrise or sunset across a landscape of rich colors. Determine the fabric choices for your furniture items, but remember that while vivid colors are perfectly acceptable, never make a room look too busy and use calming, more solid compositions to balance your finished look.
Southwestern rustic style furniture is famous for a wrought iron look at this is perfect for smaller furniture items such as end tables or coffee tables. Remember that mixing and matching is recommended and you can have a variety of different southwestern styles within your finished home.
Your main rustic style furniture items should be selected from wooden or leather options, for your sofa, chairs and tables. Remember that you have a wealth of choices when it comes to accessories, lighting and wall effects and with some forethought you can create the drama this look is renowned for in your home.
The look that you are trying to achieve is functional, yet very warm and inviting. Your primary rustic style furniture items must be stable, hard wearing and with a much lived in appearance. Oversized is good and creative accenting with appropriate throws, pillows and blankets round off the look.
Author Resource:
For additional information on rustic style furniture , pick up the acclaimed free Rustic Southwest Decorating Guide by writer Craig Chambers, founder of Mission Del Rey Southwest, for unusual ideas and rustic decorating tips. www.missiondelrey.com .
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