Tip Sheets

When deciding on the decor of an area the best results are often found by first outlining one's ideal style. In the hopes of helping people create their personal design, here is a quick overview of southwestern style.

1. Texture

Possibly the most identifiable feature of southwestern style is its rough-hewn appearance. More often than not the best parts of any rugged interior design come from the textures in a room. A little rock work, worn wood, and a wool rug can make an area southwestern to the bone.

2. Rugged Natural Materials

Some of the best southwestern textures can be found by using the right materials. Local (as in from the southwest) natural materials are perfect. Think wood, certain types of stone (like flagstone or granite), wool, and a flavoring of wrought iron.

1. Vacuum About Once a Week

Vacuuming this often will help prevent dirt from grinding into the pile of the carpet.

It is normal for new rugs to shed a bit in their first few weeks of use. Frequent vacuuming will also keep this under control.

2. Vacuum Without The Beater Bar

Many vacuums have a brush that they spin to “fluff” carpet and pull dirt from inside it. On machine made carpets this helps get them cleaner. However, with hand knotted rugs the beating can cause some of the knots in the pile to come undone. Usually just setting your vacuum to “bare floor” turns off the beater bar.