It is true that many homes and business in these areas use a southwestern style theme, but you can live anywhere and enjoy the same rich themes that welcome friends to your home. You really can do it!

There are many interpretations of southwest style decorating and the definition varies from person to person. Likes and dislikes as well as experiencing the southwest personally, help mold these opinions. While the southwest to some may be visions of cowboys and Indians roaming the wild western plains, others visualize the bright colors and bold patterns of a Mexican open door market and cantina. Many may imagine rounded arched doorways so commonly seen in old southwest missions, while others see a Spanish touch which includes wrought iron furnishings and colorful ornate cathedrals. These conclusions are all correct and can be considered important influences for southwest decorating.

No matter which parts or how much of each aspect of southwest decorating you adopt, there are usually certain elements that are incorporated into a southwest style room. Color is always the primary and most important element. Color is the main ingredient in setting the stage for finalizing the artist's pallet. Think of your room as a blank canvas and allow your creativity to flow into the room. The color you choose should be warm and inviting such as a member from the red, orange, yellow or green family. Accent colors are used as well. Associate the colors you choose with what you see in your mind when you think of the southwest.

The next major element to consider when decorating with a southwest style is the furnishings. Chunky wooden pieces, wrought iron and leather go well with southwest decorating. Furniture that is mismatched or imperfect add unique charm and tend to lend a relaxed feeling. Thrift shops and open markets are good places to get great deals and unique items for any space. When using existing furniture, brightly colored cotton throws are a good investment to give your old furniture a new look. Patterns and textures add interesting aspects to your room, and can be seen in throw pillows, area rugs, and accessories. Woven rugs and floor runners are vital for adding warmth and character. Geometric designs work wonderfully and tend to pull colors together from within the room.

To accessorize your southwest project, choose things that appeal to your personality. Surround yourself with things you love. That feeling will then be transferred to family and friends. Think about how you can include pieces like colorful hand made Mexican pottery vases or Native American Indian baskets in various sizes, and leather items with a hand tooled look. Items crafted from rawhide and cow skins also work wonderfully.

In any environment, the southwest being no different, greenery is important in creating a refreshing and desired place for the gathering of family and friends. Green plants have a special ability to both calm us and also refresh us. When arranged in strategic spots in your space, these live beings not only serve as welcoming hosts to your room, but also add a feeling of calm. Your plants need not consist simply of cactus for which the southwest is well known, place any type of plant in a brightly colored pot and it will be at home.

Another element that is equally important before you may call your southwest room complete is art work for the walls. Items such as a cow skull and paintings that include wolves, cows, bears, coyotes, buffalo and the eagle are certainly a welcome addition. Adaptations taken from Native American Indian or cowboy art bring a sense of realism and are a good fit with southwestern surroundings.

The main thing to keep in mind when choosing to decorate your home, cabin, ranch, lodge or office, using a southwestern theme is just to follow your heart. Enjoy experimenting. Be creative with color. And opt for the unusual. Anything is acceptable and remember you don't need to settle for a cookie cutter environment where everything is magazine perfect. Imperfection is acceptable and desirable. Spending time in your new southwest environment will be an enjoyable and delightful experience to share with those whom you love.