Natural Style Graces Southwest Kitchens

Southwest design combines elements of Native American, Spanish and Anglo styles.

Natural materials figure prominently. They include woods, often highly distressed; iron for hardware and decorative elements like candlesticks and lighting; Saltillo tiles for floors; and natural stone like granite for counters. Hand-woven baskets, hand-painted and hand-crafted pottery, and tin decorative elements, often highly ornamented, serve as accent pieces.

Corners are often curved, whether on walls and ceilings, counters or range hoods.

Banquettes are frequently used along with Mexican or Native American textiles for table runners and pillows.