Native
American Theme
There really is no style of home decorating that can be
identified as decidedly Native American. There are however
touches that can be added to almost any style of décor. The
trick is always a matter of incorporating these things without
making them seem out of place. Of all the design styles that
exist, and of course depending on the tribe in question, the
southwestern style of home decorating and design would actually
make a good match for many Native American artifacts, touches,
and artwork.
Pottery is central to a Native American
theme. Different tribes had different styles of creating
pottery. If you have a favorite tribe or a favorite style of
pottery you may want to build the remainder of the room or
design area around the pottery you love as it is quite personal
to many people and not all styles of pottery will match all
other styles of weaving, carving, basket making, or artwork.
Pottery is very useful in a kitchen if you plan to use some of
it in this room. Not only can most pottery be baked when
cooking but it also works wonders for storing things like
utensils that you would like to have in reach, strays, napkins,
and any other things you can think to store within the pottery
you have available. If you are going to pay for it you may as
well put it to good use.
Speaking of artwork. There are some beautiful Native American
prints as well as some 'sand art' that is a must have for a
room that is trying to capture the spirit of the Native
American or at least a specific tribe and incorporate that
spirit into their homes. I think this is a beautiful idea for
those who wish to pay their respects to those who are ancestors
to many of us. Not that the pottery mentioned above isn't art
work in and of itself but the addition of art that can be
placed on the wall is a welcome addition in many homes.
Keep in mind also that many Native Americans played the flute.
Some people display a collection of Native American flutes next
to their prized pieces of art. There really is no wrong way to
go about home decorating when it is your own home that is being
decorated. Select the things you like, omit the things you do
not like. You do not even have to be loyal to one tripe,
design, style, or region when decorating your home. Some people
have happy little collections that are filled with all kinds of
odds and ends pieces from a wide variety of artistic styles
along the way.
For those who are hoping to stick with a somewhat Native
American theme baskets are once again a good selection to add
to the collection. Baskets are not only lovely but also
incredibly useful for holding blankets, throws, rugs, pillows,
knitting supplies, magazines, and anything else you do not wish
to have cluttering the living spaces of your home. They are
even quite good about hiding remote controls for the electronic
equipment when you place them cleverly throughout the room.
The best suggestion for those who wish to honor their Native
American neighbors and ancestors by incorporating the artwork
and designs into their home decorating plans is not to spend
too much time planning. The Native Americans appreciated nature
and allowing many things to happen naturally. Use this
opportunity to learn this very important lesson while
incorporating other great things you appreciate about them into
your home.
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