The interiors and furnishings of Southwestern style kitchens are simple and rustic yet alive with the soft, warm colors of turquoise, tan, rust, yellow and red. The use of earthenware pottery, ceramic tile, and the distinctive artistry of the native Southwest are no longer confined to homes made of adobe bricks and timber. Today they're used with almost any decor. If you're thinking about incorporating a little or a lot of Southwestern style in your kitchen, we have some ideas for you.
The cooking and entertainment island is surfaced with copper and spans 15 feet in length. The use of tile, wood and copper creates a kitchen that is rich in texture and color.
Niches, an architectural component found in adobes, were built in every room of this home, including the kitchen. They serve many purposes: bookshelves, seating, blanket storage and displays for artwork.
Terra-cotta tile is commonly used in Southwestern homes. It is not only beautiful to look at but also functional as the tile absorbs heat in the winter and stays cool in the summer. This Mexican tile has tiny animal footprints to create a truly natural feel.
Turquoise paint washed on the wood cabinets is easy on the eyes, and ancient Native Americans believed the color would protect the home from evil spirits.
Tiles of rust, turquoise and cream were chosen to imitate the colors of a sunset in Santa Fe.
Chunky rustic stools made of aspen and suede are used for counter-height seating.
The cooking island is inlaid with a tile design inspired by a traditional Navaho blanket.
Open cabinetry constructed of heavy timbers is in keeping with the adobe style.
Native American artifacts and pottery add to the Southwestern ambiance of the room.
This tranquil kitchen remains true to the indigenous adobe style of the Southwest.
To incorporate the feel and spirit of the Southwest in your home, here are some basic tips to get started:
Introduce rustic furniture by adding chairs and tables made of weathered, rough wood or bent branches.
Collect Navaho rugs of gray, red and blue with geometric patterns and drape them over chairs and sofas.
Have a large niche built for seating or a smaller one for displaying Native American artwork.
Paint walls and cabinets in warm Southwestern colors such as light brown, salmon, turquoise, or rust red.
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