After adding these great southwestern blankets and using them as lap blankets, shawls and bedspreads, I found myself becoming interested in finding out more about the history of southwestern blankets, etc.  I began studying their origin, and the more I found out about them, the more intrigued I became.  I found that these rustic feeling throws and blankets actually started in their popularity in the early 1900′s- way back when trade blankets began being sold on the market.  I thought that they had just become popular in the past 50 years or so!  It was a great education!

The most common idea today is that the western blankets that we now have originated from the Native American Indians.  That was my belief before I started looking into their history.  My research indicates that while southwestern blankets and bedding were mainly inspired by Native American designs, they were most often not made by these natives.

The intriguing part of the research of these ‘Indian’ blankets as we know them, is that they were in actuality made by machines.  Weaving companies made these popular blankets in large supply with the sole purpose of providing and supplying the Indians themselves with these much needed blankets.  These companies shipped the many blankets to frontier trading posts where not only frontiersmen but Native Americans would purchase and trade them.  Contrary to the clothing  trends we are familiar with, the Native Indians did not wear coats or jackets to keep warm, but wrapped themselves in these blankets to keep out the cold.

In my research I found another interesting tidbit.  In the early 1900′s, as women became more interested in making their homes a place of beauty, they discovered the variety of colors and styles added much to their cabins and homesteads.  This popularity made southwestern blankets and fabrics very sought after, which helped with the availabity of these items as manufacturers met the demand for these products.  They were soon dubbed ‘Indian Blankets’ and people across the country began using them as southwestern bedding and as decorative chair and couch covers to add to their Native American home decorations.  These trade blankets were perfect to cover cold legs and laps while riding in wagons, sleighs, and buggies, and even horseless carriages as the trends changed.  Later they rose in popularity  in activities such as canoeing, camping and motoring.
  

I find that today it is easy to locate and purchase Southwestern Bedding and Blankets online and in establishments that sell rustic decor and Native American accessories for your home.  No matter if you decide to use southwestern bedding as bedspreads, bed blankets, or bed throw, these will add flavor and character to your home in a very warm way.  If you are searching for great ways to enhance or begin your southwestern decorating, you will enjoy the authenticity of traditional western and Native American bedding and fabrics.  Good luck enjoying owning and decorating with these great southwestern bedding throws and blankets!

Choosing Southwestern Rugs For Rustic Syle Design And Decor

[...]gives you the satisfaction of owning a southwestern rug that is made by Indians but also helps to support the Native American heritage of rug making,[...]

Choose Southwest Bedding For Rustic Interior Design

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Use Southwest Bedding To Create Unique Western Home Decor

Inexpensive southwest bedding is the way to go when it comes to decorating a rustic style home, cabin or lodge.

Full Colors And Old World Patterns… Southwestern Bedding

The informality of Southwestern bedding makes it an excellent alternative for guest rooms and children’s rooms. Several students take their bed linen with them.  

Indian Bedding Designs

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Decorating your basement can add a whole other area for your family to enjoy and there’s no better style than rustic decorating for a warm homey look.

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Elegant but Rustic Decorating 

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Fall Home Decorating Ideas to Use Today Professional Articles 

Another home decorating idea is to use potted mums to add brilliant color to your home.

Technorati Tags: southwest blankets, southwestern bedding southwest decorating, southwestern comfortors, southwestern fabric, southwestern home decor, southwestern style bedding

Today a very popular look in homes is that of country decorating.  The homey feel and look of country furniture and accessories have made this style of decor very popular.  If your home is not that of a country style-do not worry.  You can still decorate your home in this style to create a comfortable relaxed country feel and ambiance, no matter what you begin with.

Color is the first thing to consider.  Using basic green, blue and red tones, then adding natural earth tones such as beige and ecru is a good place to start.  Once you have decided your color scheme, go to the local paint store and get colored paint cards of your chosen colors.  Keep them with you as you shop for furniture and other additional items to make sure that they will go with your chosen color set.

To add to the decor in your home, you will want to look for knick knacks and paintings that accentuate your furnishings.  The country look is known for its comfortable and unfussy styles, so choose items that are softer in style and shape.  Pine furniture that is painted, stained, or even unfinished are great selections. 

You will need to pull in the walls, floors, and windows into your theme to add to the country feel.  Simple and plain window coverings are the best, and add a lot purely by their simplicity.  To balance the purity of these windows, some great art for the walls and table tops will be a great addition.  Primitive prints and folk art are great, and look well in plain metal or wooden frames.  Baskets, grasses and wheat stalks, and old time memorabilia are great finishing touches.

Remember to pay attention to the lighting in your room.  This is a crucial element in any scheme of decorating.  Choose lighting that has a country theme, or something that looks more natural than modern chrome or frilly items.  Some fun ideas are country accessorized lights that include ducks animal antlers, etc.  Avoid a lot of fringe or special crystals, etc.

Flooring plays a vital role in creating a design and ambiance for your home.  This is one thing that is easy to forget about.  Adding area rugs in country styles is a great way to achieve that country feel.  Pine wood flooring that is simple and ‘knotty’ looks great for country decorating.  Be sure to add throw rugs and runners to help soften the stark wood look and make it feel more homey.  Braided rugs in earth colored tones would be a great additon.

Finally, adding those last decorative touches to your room will make it unique and add to the appeal.  Hanging baskets from the ceiling or adding them to tables is artistic, and even filling them with simple things from nature looks great too.   Rustic wooden bowls and crates placed around the room look nice and help you make the most of your stye of design.  Adding a soft touch with pillows in simple designs or solid colors always make a room feel and look more comfortable.

Making a detailed plan is key in country decorating and will prevent mistakes and keep it from getting complicated.  These great tips are applicable for a variety of homes-from the simple moblie home in your southern vacation home to the retreat in the mountains to the cottage by the water.  Adding your favorite colors and accessories will make your home a place others will enjoy and admire in your country style decorating.

How To Get A Country Style Kitchen Decor 

Well, there are a few steps that you are going to have to take if you want to get that great country style kitchen decor look in your home, [...]

Rustic Wood Flooring for a Country Décor

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Country Style home decorating

Country Style home decorating. [...] You will probably observe a lot of kitchens with the smooth and fashionable feel of the Country Style home decorating. 

French Country Style Decorating Ideas

What constitutes the French country style of décor? Rustic, of course, is country in any language. 

Flowers to match terracotta floor – Country kitchen decorating

Given below are some modern country kitchen ideas that will grant you to transform your kitchen into an trusty country kitchen. More on country style decorating ideas. 

Country Decorating with Gray, White and Pink-Red Colors

There are many different ideas that can be used for country decorating style.

Classic Luxury Home Interior Decoration

Alternatively to achieve a more relaxed theme, a random grouping of different prints and frames, can look lovely in a country-style home. 

Tips for Equestrian Home Decoration 

Other types of horse decoration are piece of furniture accents like a country-style themed dresser or armoire in deep color with horse design.

Country Home Decorating Tips and Tricks

Just because you decided on a country theme doesn’t mean you have to go all the way and miss out on the fancy decor items that you could use.

Equestrian Home Decoration Guidelines 

When you decide to modify the look of your house or room, equestrian house decoration can help to bring your passion into the forefront. 

Kid’s Room with French Country Style Bedding

This country French kid’s room has: vaulted cielings orange and beige patterned rug beige bedding orange canopy orange and beige patterned.   

Rooster Kitchen Decor: Update your Kitchen with a Farmyard Look 

You may not consider that a rooster style would mix well with wine kitchen decor, but an appropriate country style cupboard can be utiliized to keep glasses[...] 

Country Style Bathroom Decor

One of the best ways to renovate a bathroom is to provide a rustic look to its décor, say through a country style like.

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Technorati Tags: country decor, country home decor, cowboy decor, equestrian room decor, rustic country style decor, rustic decor, southwestern decor, southwestern fabric

Outdated and worn furniture can still be made beautiful by utilizing a great selection of furniture slipcovers.  Comfortable but tired looking furniture can still be a part of your home but by giving them a new life with a custom sewn or ready made slipcover.  Many designs are found by shopping online.  A large variety of fabrics, styles, and designs are available today.

Popular materials today such as faux suede, denim, and chenille are readily available.  An alternative to replacing your sofa sets could be a tailored jacquard slipcover.

Different textures and colors of slipcovers come in plaid, geometric, and floral designs.  To add a touch of class, velvet is the chosen fabric.  Flannel, cotton and linen are very durable options and can be used in heavier traffic areas.

Shapes and sizes of slipcovers are now easily available for different couches, chairs, loveseats, recliners, sectional sofas and basic sized sofas.  Customized sizing is also an option for furniture pieces that have unusual measurements and shapes.

Futons, ottomans, chaise lounges, and footstools are other types of furniture that can be covered with a trendy slipcover.  Buy a tapestry pattern for your cushions  on your wicker loveseat or sofa.  ‘Recover’ one of your favorite armchairs with a popular new color or fabric.  Parsons chairs and wingback chairs are also good choices when you want to change the shabby look of old upholstery.

Holidays are great events that can be made even more special with seasonal slipcovers.  Christmas and Thanksgiving, among other holidays, are perfect times to add an extra touch with dining chair slipcovers.  Special celebrations such as Bar Mitzvah, family reunions, and weddings can be made more special with slipcovers for folding chairs.  Some of these can be rented for the single occasion and do not need to be purchased, therefore saving costs and storage.

Some slipcovers are sewn into a one-piece design.  Others come in the form of a stretch cover that is fitted and will cling to the contours of the furniture pice for a more snug look.  Decorative ties are added to some slipcovers to prevent them from slipping out of place.  Elasticized skirts on some loosely fitted or semi-fitted slipcovers are another option.

It is easy to fully coordinate a room today with matching pillows, throws and curtains and drapes.  Ready made curtain panels and pillows can be purchased, and in some cases can be hand sewn by purchasing a few more yards of matching fabric.

The key to having a good fit on your hand sewn or custom slispcovers is to purchase prewashed and preshrunk material that is machinewashable and stain resistant.  Today technology has created stain repellent fabrics and slipcovers that will continue to look great even after multiple washings.

There are other options available for giving older couches a new look.  Some of these include a furniture throw or a simple afghan.  While these are not form fitting and need to be readjusted from time to time, they can still serve the purpose of giving a lift to your furniture and brightening your room.

Furniture throws can be used to cover entire couches and love seats or can merely be  used as an accent.  When using them as accents, the soft warmth of a sheepskin is a good choice.  Sports lovers can find their favorite football, hockey, or other sports teams logos on throws and pillows.  Soouthwestern patterns are widely uses, as well as golf, fishing, and hunting motifs.

Today you can change your room to creat a modern updated enjoyable place to be with very little hassle and little expense.  Customer service departments of physical or online stores are a great source of assistance and ideas.  Look for added perks such as free delivery and fast arrival.  Product warranties and satisfaction guarantees are also available, especially with the top brand sellers of slipcovers.

Finding the best value for your money is important today, as well as researching about the best companies and guarantees available.  Take advantage of todays online options and get started today!

Inexpensive Slip Covers Information

Cheap slipcovers today are not only cheap, as the name suggests, but are also very attractive looking and advantageous.

Sofa slipcovers

Besides, I like the idea of washable slipcovers and choosing my own fabric/style.

Making Old Furniture Look New Again with Slipcovers

Making Old Furniture Look New Again with Slipcovers.

Buy Couch Cushion Slip Cover

[...]how to measure couch for slip cover studio couch covers[...]

Modern Slipcovers for Living Room Furniture

If you have some sofas that are starting to wear out, and you don’t want to spend a lot of money buying a new one a good option would be to buy some slipcovers. 

Who Needs Couch Slip Covers Anyway?

A sofa slipcover is perfect for a comfortable but not-so-attractive sofa.

Wing chair stretch slipcovers

You can easily use slipcovers to parallelsimilar mismatched furniture, [...]

5 Great Reasons to Use Furniture Slipcovers 

Furniture slipcovers have come a long ways in design, fabric, colors, comfort, and fit.

Place to get furniture slipcovers cleaned? 

Contractors:: place to get furniture slipcovers cleaned? I need to get my couch slipcover clean and want to take it to a drycleaner that knows what they’re doing.

Furniture Slipcovers Can Transform Your Home In An Instant!

These days furniture slipcovers can be found for seats of all shapes and sizes, from wing backed chairs to sectional sofas, from loveseats to ottomans. 

New Couch Covers Can Transform A Room In Minutes!

In addition to being perfect for instantly covering up signs of wear and tear, furniture slipcovers are ideal for protecting good quality upholstery from damage.

Furniture Slipcovers Transform a Room

[...] can be low-cost places to purchase furniture, it’s important to note that they also offer a nice selection of slipcovers at reasonable prices.

How To Select Loveseat Slipcovers That Fit

Loveseat slipcovers can be bought that can fit the furniture like a glove. You can even find them for just about any variety of colour scheme or decorating type you desire. 

Stretch Pique Raven Black Furniture Slipcover Loveseat

One piece construction covers entire furniture, seat and back. Works on most furniture with square or rectangular seat cushions. 

Technorati Tags: southwest decorating, southwestern art, southwestern color schemes, southwestern design upholstery fabric, southwestern fabric, southwestern furniture, southwestern rugs, southwestern tabale lamps

When I look at sheets the first thing that catches my eye is the color or the pattern and the next thing I check for is how soft they are. Softness is determined by two things. The thread count and the fabric they are made from.

Thread count means the number of threads, both horizontal and vertical woven into a single square inch of fabric. Usually the higher the thread count the denser and smoother the sheet will feel.

But thread count is not the only factor that will make sheets feel soft and assure it is a good quality sheet. Other important factors include the kind of cotton and type of weave.

Cotton is known for its softness, durability and natural comfort and is most frequently used for sheeting fabric. Now we know cotton is a great fabric we then learn that not all cottons are created equal.

Egyptian cotton is one of the highest quality cottons on the market. It is usually grown in Northern Africa. (So why did they call it Egyptian cotton is what I want to know). Anyway it is known for its luxurious softness and luster.

Pima cotton is grown primarily in the southwestern United States. It is a very strong cotton and is known for its softness and natural sheen. It has medium to extra-long staple fibers.

Supima is a trademarked name for products woven from 100% American Pima cotton.

Besides the thread count and the type of cotton how a sheet is woven has a large impact on its finish and feel.

Flannel is a medium weight, plain or twill-weave fabric made of cotton with a napped finish on one or both sides. It is super soft and cozy. I love winter to come so I can climb beneath flannel sheets, they are my favorite.

Percale is plain-weave fabric made from both carded and combed cotton yarns. They have a smooth finish and crisp feel.

Sateen goes through a weaving technique that results in an exceptionally soft feel and a smooth lustrous finish that resembles satin.

Now we need to look at the ply. Plying is a process of twisting strands of yarn together in the opposite direction than that in which they were spun. "Ply" refers to the number of yarns wrapped together in a single thread. The process of plying creates thicker threads which affects the feel and durability. Finer threads allow for higher thread counts and thus a softer sheet. Thicker yarns create a heavier yet stronger sheet.

A single-ply sheet results in a lighter weight fabric. Two-ply sheets are stronger, durable and have a heavier feel to them.

There are four different sizes of sheets; twin, twin XL (extra long), full (double), queen, and California king. Mattresses now come in many heights. The maximum mattress height a fitted sheet will fit is determined by its pocket depth. Before buying sheets measure the mattress height. Read the product description and if "pocket depth" is given add two inches to the number given to determine the mattress height the sheet will fit.

Now you know how to select sheets according to feel and size here are organizing tips on how to organize them in the linen closet. Three sets of sheets per bed will help minimize wear which will extend the life of your sheets. The exception for this is the guest bed where one is probably sufficient.

Label the shelves indicating the different sizes of sheets. Place the sheets inside the matching pillowcase to keep them together and take up less space. If you use seasonal sheets rotate the ones not being used to the back of the shelves.

Good night-sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.

By: Marilyn Bohn    Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Marilyn is a professional organizer who works with women and seniors in clearing clutter and providing organizing tips. Visit her website www.marilynbohn.com for free organizing tips on her blogs, articles and videos.

Useful Tips When Selecting Your Queen Size Beds Mattresses 

[...] in the bedroom.  There are a lot of choices out on the market when it comes to beds and bedding. 

[...] Great New Trendy Collectables!

When you are selecting your designer bedding, it is important to think about the style and theme of your home.

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Technorati Tags: southwest blankets, southwest decorating, Southwestern Bedding, southwestern comfortors, southwestern fabric, southwestern home decor, southwestern patterns, southwestern style bedding

Antler Lamps have no equal. Animal lovers and outdoorsmen alike love natural antlers.

Antler lamps and chandeliers are prized possessions for southwest lighting and western dcor. Antler sheds as they are know are the antlers that the animal ‘sheds’ naturally each spring. Each year in places like Jackson Hole, WY antler sheds are gathered to be used for what has come to be called antler art, lamps, furniture etc.

Some of the most common antler lamps are made with white tail deer sheds. Another very popular and beautiful antler lamp is made with mule deer sheds which are slightly larger and darker in tone. The forks and tines or points of the antlers are used to give each lamp its own unique look. As each antler is slightly different, so the lamp made from the antlers is a one-of-a-kind treasure. The best quality antler lamps are made using techniques of drilling and patching that show no visible hardware or wiring.

 
Antler lighting is absolutely fabulous for rustic lighting and a must for log homes, cabins and ranches. And if you enjoy southwestern lamps or western furniture, antler chandeliers will create the perfect focal point for your dcor. And the crowning affects for any antler lamp, sconce or chandelier is genuine rawhide lamp shades. With their hand lacing and warm glow they perfectly match the antlers and can transform the ambiance of your room to a southwestern/western hide away wherever you are located. 

 
Some of the most striking antler chandeliers and lamps are made with moose and elk sheds. Their larger size allows their use in some incredible designs, large floor lamps and huge chandeliers and antler furniture.

If you enjoy the out doors and rustic lighting, antler chandeliers, sconces and lamps with rustic lamp shades made of leather and rawhide will quickly become your most appreciated and enjoyed lighting fixtures. With virtually no maintenance necessary, antlers are a win, win choice. info@missiondelrey.com

By: Craig Chambers -   Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Craig Chambers, of Mission Del Rey, an Arizona non profit organization producing antler lamps with rawhide lamp shades and other handcrafts.

Cowhide Toilet Seat 

Made with an oak seat, cowhide, smooth leather, 3" star concho, and almost 75 tacks.

Longhorn Towel Bar 

Special size- we would be happy to make a custom fit just for your western bathroom.

Western Decor and Ideas For Your Home

You want to search for things that will boost the overall western appearance. 

That Warm Western Decor Appeal

Most believe that western decor equates to wildlife or farm living and worry that they must include animals in the decor.

Decorating Ideas For A Western, Countryside Theme 

If you are thinking of a theme to decorate your home with, the western, country theme is an option worth looking at.

New Cowboy/Western Decor

Along with our large selection of "Trail of the Painted Ponies", we have added more cowboy/western decor in the store.

Southwest Pottery Lamps Used For Rustic Lighting

Southwest pottery lamps are perfect for your country ranch, log home, or rustic lodge.

Technorati Tags: building antler chand, how to build antler chandeliers, how to make antler lamps, make your own antler chandelier, making a deer antler chandelier, making antler lamps

Cowgirls may be considered by many to be a rough and tough sort. After all, since the beginning of the century Cowgirls have been competing in dangerous rodeo events and doctoring cattle on the range right alongside men. We’ve seen the beauties of the west roping, riding and sometimes hitting the dirt! Always taking pride in their appearance, throughout history these women have made the range a more beautiful place to live.

Just like cowgirls of yesteryear, today’s cowgirls are poised and professional. Their spirit is strong and their beauty shines as bright as a west Texas sunset. But was that really beauty shining or a cowgirl bling belt?

   In the rodeo arena, western ladies fashion has always been a big part of the cowgirl image. Since the early 1900′s women involved in rodeo and wild west shows were truly showwomen. Commonly donning large hats, brightly colored cowgirl clothing featuring intricate embroidery and fringe laced gloves, these women were sure to attract attention – if not for their riding, roping and shooting skills, surely for their choice of attire.

Over the years cowgirl fashion has evolved and changed as fads come and go. Here to stay however is every cowgirl’s desire to portray an image of who she is by what she wears. Popular choices for modern cowgirl clothing is funky unique clothing with a rock star flair. Turquoise cowgirl jewelry has been a staple in the cowgirl’s wardrobe of cowgirl accessories and will continue to be for years to come. The turquoise cowgirl jewelry worn by western women often times is handmade on the Indian Reservations of the southwest. Today’s cowgirls are proud of their western heritage and stand by their pledge to live by the cowboy creed of honesty and integrity. Many women of the west display their way of life by choosing ornate chunky cowgirl jewelry, cowgirl sandals and other fun western cowgirl accessories.

  Some of the most trendy accessories are cowgirl bling belts which have gained popularity in the past few years. Call it cowgirl bling, cowgirl sparkle, or cowgirl glitter, the bottom line is – the brighter, the better! It’s not uncommon to see bling-adorned cowgirl purses, and turquoise bracelets beaded with crystal. The sparkles don’t stop there, however. Now more than ever it is common to see shirts featuring cowgirl bling cross or fleur de lis symbols. Western ladies fashion of today has a little bit of a dark side with skull and pistol decorated cowgirl hats and shirts being popular, especially with teenage cowgirl fashionistas.

So where does the cowgirl of today find the hottest trends in western fashion? Western clothing stores and cowgirl boutiques are top choices to find great deals on cowgirl clothing and more. To find the best selection of turquoise cowgirl jewelry, cowgirl accessories and even cowgirl dcor items, one might mosey on over to ACowgirlsFetish.com, an online cowgirl boutique for some shopping fun.

Western women not only enjoy taking pride in looking their best, but it’s not unusual for them to put the same concentrated effort into adorning their western homes with rustic cowgirl home dcor. The internet can also prove to be a great way to find not only cowgirl clothing but also rare and unique cowgirl home dcor items. Popular choices for cowgirl dcor include western themed tables, mirrors, decorative rope accents, western coat racks, lamps, and photo frames just to name a few.

It is said that the women who won the west shaped the world. There is more to being a cowgirl than winning belt buckles or wearing the latest fashions. Cowgirls are just as likely to get noticed because they are strong yet feminine, hardworking yet poised. They don’t mind getting dirt under her nails, although chances are they are perfectly polished (a good way to conceal the dirt!). Today’s cowgirls grab the traditions of yesterday and ride them in the future, they just happen to enjoy looking extra good doing it!

By: Wyoming Cowgirl

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

For the latest cowgirl fashions, check out www.acowgirlsfetish.com

Western and Rustic Bathroom …

For archetype, western character decor clout catalogue items coupled to western scenery or settings, cowboys and cowgirls, or horses, [...]

Cowboy Baby Room Décor

So, do not think that you have to stop with the western look of your house when it comes to a cowgirl baby room for your baby’s nursery. 

Plum Bush Cottage: Decorating With Pink

Are you a cowgirl at heart? Dixie at French Lique, Texas has offered up this cute award to anyone who feels deserving of it.

Tracy Porter’s Inspiration Fascination …

I have the best vintage cowgirl boot shop to show you along with the biggest junk fest around. 

Woodland Lodge Harvest Bronze Four Light Chandelier

Wild West Cowgirl Lodge quilt decor: Woodland Star and Geese Lodge patchwork quilt.

Decor to Adore

This vintage cowgirl just speaks to me. I would look for an old frame at a flea market and hang it over the image. 

Technorati Tags: country decor, country home decor, cowboy decor, equestrian room decor, rustic country style decor, rustic decor, southwestern decor, southwestern fabric, Southwestern Gifts, southwestern outerwear

In the winter time, creature comforts are especially important. Small treasures like a hot cup of cocoa or curling up with a novel and a warm electric blanket are priceless. Blankets are more than just a necessity, they’re a lifestyle choice.

The type of fabric, the weight and the style can make the difference between tossing and turning or sleeping like a baby the whole night through. Moreover, the colors and patterns will accent a room to create a certain mood. There are dozens of choices, but basically you’ll need to consider things like material, type, color and durability.

There are many types of coverlets and bedspreads to choose from. Luxurious bedding, like the type at the Hilton Hotel, is often referred to as "heavenly" or "fit for a king." The truth is, you don’t have to be royalty to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Luxury sets include items like satin sheets, down comforters, pillow-top mattresses, memory foam, high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, damask pattern sheets and hand-embroidery.

This type of bedding is recommended if you require maximum comfort and durability or if your decorating scheme is upscale modern. Frette, Bellino Fine Linens, Anichini, Peacock Alley, Pratesi and Yves Delorme are just a few of the manufacturers that offer luxury bedding.

Fashion bedding offers blankets from designer name brands. If you’re living the high life, in a whirlwind of style, culture and good fortune, then you’ll want to impress guests with your sense of taste. The trick with designer bedding is that it doesn’t always have to cost a fortune to look sleek and stylish.

You can browse name brands like Roberto Cavalli, Oscar de la Renta, Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer, Missoni, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Signoria de Firenze for the most cutting edge and remarkable products. Colors, prints and fabrics from these designers will be exclusive, so you’ll be a cut above the rest.

Once you decide upon a style for your blankets, you’ll need to choose a fabric. Egyptian cotton with a high thread count is considered to be one of the best materials you can buy. It’s made from the soft fibers of Gossypium barbadense plants grown along the Nile and can be purchased through "Sferra Linens" for $215.

Similarly, Pima cotton sheets by Thomas Lee come from the same plant material but are homegrown in the Southwest, retailing at $265 at "Thomas Leeltd". Flannel cotton is another type of fabric to consider, which has super soft fibers and can be purchased through "Llbean" for $32. Silk sheets by Kumi Kookoon offer high class luxury bedding for $338 at "Kumikoon". Another reliable blanket to consider is the "Under the Nile Cotton Blanket," which is made by the makers of soft baby clothes and sells for $190 at "Under The Nile".

By: Michael Selvon   Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Mike Selvon has some informative articles for the creative mind. Find out more about blankets at his resourceful site. We appreciate your feedback at our blanket patterns blog.

Wool Blankets Selection Tips

Although there are many different types of blankets, the old-fashioned wool blanket is as popular as ever.

The Best Blankets for Your Picnic

Picnic blankets are very useful for all types of picnics, as long as the weather holds out and the ground is dry enough.

Comforter Down

It is good to know that these sets rarely have quilts in them, or other types of blankets other than a comforter.

Types of Tapestry Designs 

The best part about this design is that they don’t only make good wall decor but this can also be used as blankets, rugs and throws.

Technorati Tags: southwest blankets, southwest decorating, Southwestern Bedding, southwestern comfortors, southwestern fabric, southwestern home decor, southwestern patterns, southwestern style bedding

Selecting the right accessories for your Southwestern style decorating theme will give it a professional decorative style. You want to round out the fun and colorful charm of the west by using natural accessories. Adding pieces like artwork, pillows and knick-knacks can help tie together your Southwestern style home.

Wall art is vital in any home decorating approach, but if you don’t situate it properly it might spoil the entire effect. A lot of homeowners situate artwork so that the top or bottom edges line up, but it’s important to situate them so that the middle of the pieces line up. When working with a group of photos, paintings or prints, try figuring out the configuration on the floor to get it just right before you start making holes in the wall. The Southwestern decorating theme can be enhanced by colorful rugs or native American art which you should plan to display anywhere.

Knick Knacks can really bring a charming impression to any design, no matter what the decorating theme. To add zip to your Southwest decorating, make sure you select knick knacks that have a fun and colorful feel. Deploying wrought iron knick knacks on wood shelves can give you a nice look and so can Native American pottery in colorful groupings. Take the time to pick individual items which really display your personality. If you are on a budget, look at shopping at yard sales and flea markets for excellent unique accessories.

Some other decorative pieces that can help improve the ambiance of the west include horse figures, colorful tiles, and potted plants. Pick out accessories which have a common theme that adds to your design approach. You can’t be too unique or the design style you are working so hard to achieve might become diluted.

Another decorative accessory you could use to add flair to your decorating scheme is decorative pillows. You can have a use for pillows in any type of room even the kitchen and bathroom. Adding decorative pillows stacked at the headboard of your bed serves to lend an interesting professional ambiance. You can display pillows in the kitchen and bathroom by putting them on chairs, shelving and any corner or any interesting spot. Pillows on the chairs or couches in your family room, living room or den can help instill a bit of the Southwest decorating style. Add a comfortable appeal to your room style with pillows that have southwestern colors – red, black, aqua, peach.

Enhancing your Southwestern decorating theme with leather and Native American prints can help give it a great look. Be positive you have a plan for what types of accessories to purchase and stay with that plan. Size matters, so go around the room and figure out the size of wall art and you should have and select them accordingly. Being congnizant of proportions insures that you will get a fabulous look in any design style!

 By Lee Dobbins      Published: 5/20/2007

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Ranch owners as well as those building modern log homes have recognized antler lamps for years as the must have lighting to complete their rustic home look. Because of the smooth curves of antler lamps and chandeliers there is a natural beauty inherent in the antlers themselves that compliments perfectly any type of southwestern or western furniture. There is a dynamic with antler lamps that seems to pull every element together and firmly ground the room as a sophisticated rustic space. Antler lamps have a magic about them that seems to add balance and focus.

Antler lamps also compliment many other rustic elements for rustic dcor. In the Northwest or ‘north woods’ style antlers may be added to snow shoes and complimented with rawhide lamp shades to fashion fabulous wall sconces. The light wood and rawhide lacing of the shoe along with the leather binding and hand stitched shade with its warm glow make a perfect harmony. Weather you prefer to compliment your antler lamp with southwestern light rawhide shades or western style dark rawhide lampshades, the choice is yours and the result will be stunning.

Small antler chandeliers may be made from white tail deer antlers while large chandeliers may have several tiers of huge elk antlers. Weather your space is large or small an antler chandelier will bring the old west home. In Jackson Hole, WY the town square is adorned with antler arches made from Elk antlers that are shed each spring. It is truly unique and you can capture the same spirit in your special area.

By: Craig Chambers -   Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Craig Chambers, is the President of Mission Del Rey, an Arizona non profit organization preserving the Tarahumara Indians through traditional skills, antler lamps with rawhide lamp shades and other hand crafts. For further information or questions please write to info@missiondelrey.com

Western Art, Western Decor 

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In the 1980s, a Southwestern decor craze swept the United States, bringing the look of this unique slice of the American frontier into homes from Oregon to Maine and beyond. While the howling pink coyote that characterized that trend has since been relegated to the dustbin of design history, an updated, sophisticated look that combines unique ethnic and cultural elements with a more contemporary decor approach has emerged as a more refined alternative for lovers of Southwest style.

Across the board, the kitschy interpretation of regional trends that characterized home design in past years has been discarded in favor of a more subtle evocation of the unique attributes that make places like the Southwest so irresistible.

Gone are the chili lights and cow skulls that represented clumsy attempts at Southwestern decor in the past. Today’s sophisticated alternative combines contemporary and transitional furniture and design elements with a subtle Southwestern palette and unique, understated ethnic touches.

Shimmering shades of light teals and turquoises, coral, terra cotta and adobe-inspired tans provide the backdrop for eclectic furniture with distressed finishes and primitive details. Bold accent colors drawn from the dramatic natural palette of the desert Southwest are also important.

  
Art, accessories, and accents bring a lively sense of place to Southwestern interiors. Paintings, pottery, and sculptures featuring Hispanic or Native American themes and subjects are common, as are indigenous pottery and artifacts.

Roughly textured fabrics and textiles also provide a level of heightened authenticity in this decor style. Architectural details that mirror those found in many traditional Southwestern dwellings, such as arches, kiva fireplaces, and plastered walls, can also help complete this look.

Window treatments should be minimal, drawing on natural materials or regional textiles whenever possible. Whether you want to honor your Southwestern heritage or you just crave a little extra spice in your life, Southwestern decor presents an easy-to-achieve alternative to ho-hum interiors.

By: Matt Trostle -  Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Matt creates articles for GreatPricedFurniture.com North Carolina’s largest online furniture store. Offering premium furniture including a large selection of bedroom furniture

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Since I used these blankets and throws everyday as bedspreads, shawls, or as lap blankets, I became interested in the history of southwestern blankets and started researching their origin. The more I studied, the more intriguing the story became. I never realized that although very popular today among home decorators and in modern style homes, southwest bedding for use in rustic home decor actually grew in the early 1900′s, when trade blankets were put on the market.

Most people I talk to, believe that the blankets and throws they commonly use for southwest bedding were originally made by Native Indians. I also believed that, until I started digging deeper into the beginnings of these southwest blankets and found that, although American Indians were the prime inspiration behind the designs and production of trade blankets, they were not made by them.

In fact, as you research the intriguing history of western blankets, you will learn that they were actually made by machines, and produced by large weaving companies for the sole purpose of supplying the Indians with needed blankets. These southwestern blankets were then sold to the frontier trading posts where the Native Indians would buy and trade them and use them to wrap themselves in instead of a modern coat or jacket.

Another thing you will find interesting as you study the history of trade blankets to use as southwest, is that as women became more interested in interior design in the early 1900′s, rustic decorating and western designs rose in popularity. These "Indian blankets" as they came to be called, were sought after by people across the nation who wanted them for southwest bedding and as decorative couch or chair covers to accent Native American home decor. The Indian trade blankets were great for covering exposed legs when in a wagon, sleigh or buggy, and in the new horseless carriages. Later on, they became popular as blankets and throws for camping, sporting events and a new pass time called motoring.

Now days, you can easily buy southwest bedding online and in stores that sell western and American Indian home decor. Whether used as a rustic bedspread, blanket or bed throw, southwest bedding will add great charm to your home and environment. If you are looking for authenticity and traditional American Indian values and are searching for a wonderful way to create southwestern style in your rustic home decor, then you will no doubt enjoy owning and decorating with southwest bedding.

By:   Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to use southwest bedding to create beautiful rustic home decor. For more information visit www.missiondelrey.com

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Bed spreads with American Indian designs compliment any rustic decor and can be used in every bedroom with distinct colors and patterns to bring out the personality of each. If you are fortunate enough to have a cabin or even if you want to bring in the popular lodge style to your rooms southwestern bedspreads will deliver that special feeling you want.

When you purchase Native American style spreads, you will find a wide variety of patterns from the southwest. Arizona and New Mexico are rich in Native cultures like Navajo and Pueblo. You can choose from some of the most popular patterns throughout history and find them in modern textiles. Home decor is rapidly becoming the new frontier for many families. Many people are choosing to improve their home rather than think of moving. With the economy fluctuating as it does, inexpensive southwest bedspreads not only bring a rich culture into your home, but you can also order them online at a discount.

Some of the most popular southwestern bedspreads that we see today are those that include both beautiful colors and distinct patterns. While the traditional southwest bed spreads colors are bright, using turquoise and bright red the western style bedspreads use more muted colors with black and white or grey as a base and dark reds for life and a rich balance.

Southwest bedspreads are admired for their great color and fabric but also for their geometric patterns. These Native American designs have been used for centuries in all types of fabrics. The Navajo were particularly fond of the geometric designs using them in their ritual sand paintings as well as rugs and blankets. What was once done with hand spun cotton thread or carded wool has now been modernized and we see beautiful soft modern materials with rich vibrant colors that the early weavers could only imagine. 

Now days, many of the modern southwest bedspreads are a joint effort between the past and present mixing together the best of the past and present. Being joined together to create new one-of-a-kind designs, southwestern bedspreads now display the popular earth tones and designs that make them perfect for rustic home decorating. If you are searching for a great way to bring life and a touch of the Native culture into your home, buy a southwest bedspread. You will love the way it make your bedroom look. And don’t stop there. Use the same spreads as chair or couch covers. They even make great fabric for curtains. You can also fold them across the bottom of the bed or lay them across the bed at an angle or across the back of a sofa. Acrylic bedspreads are so versatile that you will find yourself using it all over your home, even in art projects, wall hangings or for throw pillows.

The bed spread you choose will probably depend on what your tastes are and what kind of decorating you are involved in. Whatever you have in mind, you will find that southwest bedspreads make the perfect southwestern accent when combined with rustic or western home decor and really look great with just about any type furniture. You can start with one room and then move into others. You are going to find so many designs that you love and will want to use that you will want to bring them into every room. Both home owners and professional home decorators love the feel that these bed covers bring to a room. Whatever your decorating style and whatever your decorating needs, you will definitely enjoy the richness of color and warmth brought to life in your home by decorating with southwest bedspreads.

Author: Craig Chambers

Craig Chambers has an online store specializing in southwest bedspreads and other rustic, southwestern, western and Native American home decor. Go to Mission Del Rey for more articles, discounts and special offers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Chambers

Southwest Designs Ii

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Southwestern rugs are an easy way to bring out that one-of-a-kind western, rustic or Native American feel in your home decor. Because of their versatility and affordability, many designers are choosing to buy southwestern accent rugs online. Used as western rugs and also southwest area rugs on the floors throughout your home or when decorating a log cabin with a rustic or western theme, southwestern rugs give your home character and a true authentic southwestern country look.

When looking for American Indian style rugs, you will find a wide variety of southwestern rugs to choose from and will no doubt want to add a few of the most popular and sought-after rugs in your home decor. These rugs have a long history that has evolved over time and can truly be considered as pieces of art.

 
Among the most popular southwestern and western rugs are handmade area rugs, spirit rugs, Mexican Guadalupe rugs, Oaxaca Mexico rugs including Zapotec Indian rugs, Mohair and Navajo rugs. Each of these types of rugs combines beautiful colors and characters, symbolizing spirituality or depictions of historical events. A good example of this is seen in the Southwestern Spirit rug which combines a variation of colors and designs. The spiritual characters weaved into these rugs are created in a variety of patterns and forms that express the spirituality of the people.

Not only are southwestern rugs known for their great beauty, but the skill and hard work needed in making Native rugs and runners is also greatly appreciated. The makers of hand woven wool rugs must be very skilled and star the rug making process by kneeling in front of a vertical wooden-framed loom. The designs are then placed by using a shuttle to weave a variety of colored yarn together, making large-scale geometric characters and designs. In the beginning, Navajo rugs as well as those of some other Southwest Indian tribes were made of hand-spun cotton thread. However, after the wool of domestic sheep was introduced to the area by the Spanish settlers, the people mainly used wool to weave their colorful rugs and other traditional weaving.

Today, many of the modern southwestern rugs come from areas where Spanish and Native American histories have melded together to create colorful designs. Southwest rugs, with their natural earth tone colors and unique southwestern designs make them perfect for rustic home decorating. If you are searching for a great southwest rug, you will likely purchase from American companies or directly from Native American weavers. Buying rugs from Navajo or other American Indian tribes not only allows you the satisfaction of owning a southwestern rug that is woven by Native Americans but also helps to support the Native American heritage of rug weaving, and the people who themselves sell their rugs, blankets, and Native American art.

The rug you purchase will greatly depend on what your tastes are and what kind of decorating you decide on. You will find that southwest rugs are an excellent southwestern accent when combined with rustic or western home furnishings. Whether you are changing your home decor or decorating an entire house using a rustic theme, you will come across many designs and colors available to choose from. Among these options you will find everything from Zapotec rugs with no two alike, to southwest table runners and southwestern tapestries. Home decorators love hand woven rugs because of the rich colors and textures. Whatever your decorating style and whatever your home decor needs, you will definitely enjoy the richness of color and warmth brought to life in your home by decorating with southwestern rugs.

By:  Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to use a Southwestern rugs to create beautiful Southwest home decorating. For more information visit www.missiondelrey.com

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Authentic Native American works of art, desert or mountain landscapes, and brightly colored rugs, throw pillows, or painted walls are all ideal for decorating in the Southwest style. You can use your personal creativity when it comes to wall art with metal wall dcor or laser cut metal in combination with modern style themes. This will transform a drab and basic room into an invigorating room you will enjoy spending time in.

Typically, people assume that a Southwestern style of decorating only belongs in the Southwest homes of New Mexico, Arizona, and maybe California, with the typical home having a terra-cotta rooftop and adobe walls. However, this popular style of home furnishings can be adapted to any home! This theme of interior design works anywhere because it brings the outside beauty and charm of nature indoors through the use of natural decorating elements.

The following list can serve as a guide to the various elements of Southwestern styling and will help you gather ideas about what Southwest style elements you want to bring to your own home.

Color:

Use the colors of the desert as an inspiration. The various shades of green and earth tones of cacti, tumbleweeds, and multi-colored sand dunes as well as the pinks, purples, and reds of cactus flowers are excellent muses. Or imagine a sunrise and sunset happening in a southwestern town; the blues, purples, and oranges could be beautiful accent colors for fabric, accessories, wall paint, or on laser cut metal for wall art.

Textiles:

Typically, Southwestern textiles feature designs inspired by Native American customs and traditions indigenous to the particular region. The beautiful rugs and blankets can serve as floor rugs, throws for couches or chairs, or even used as wall hangings. They are usually striped with several different colors of wool, so they are versatile and can be used in a room with many colors. These rugs tend to be rather prominent, so it may be necessary to scale down other accessories in the room to keep it from looking too busy.

Materials:

Furnishings constructed in the Southwest style are almost always made from wood that is either atypical looking or polished to a rugged finish. Detailing is kept simple, without a lot of ornamental fuss, and the pieces are made on a rather large scale. It is recommended to keep this furniture natural looking. If you choose to paint it, keep the colors basic and use a color such as beige, ivory, tan, or mahogany.

Consider running sandpaper over the finish of the surfaces to give them a worn, rustic appeal. Other materials commonly used in Southwest decorative themes include leather, suede, multi-colored wool and cotton, and laser cut metal for cold rolled steel wall art. These various materials can be used for rugs, upholstery, wall hangings, and other home accessories. Southwest styling can even be incorporated into the front or backyard, with slate and terra cotta stepping stones and walkways.

Accessories:

The appropriate accessories are the bread and butter of any interior design scheme. Southwest style accessories can truly enhance a room and bring out aspects that would otherwise remain hidden or unnoticed. As mentioned previously, brilliantly colored Navajo rugs used as wall hangings make incredible accent pieces as do hand-painted tiled accessories and clay pottery.

Original art can be very expensive, but there are plenty of knock-off and do-it-yourself options available. Purchasing plain pottery and painting it yourself can be a fun and soothing activity as is metal wall art. You can display your artwork proudly in various rooms of the home or even give pieces of it away as pottery or laser cut gifts for friends and family to use as wall art or accessories around the home.

Tips and Suggestions:

-Succulents, cacti, and other water retaining plants used as decorative pieces will not only bring nature indoors but can aid in the color scheme, particularly if flowering plants are used. They also require very little water and upkeep 

-Consider using nature’s natural resources as ways to add to a room; such as polished rocks placed in a glass bowl, vase, or ashtray or a bundle of sticks tied with leather strings to simulate a tumbleweed

-Do not hesitate to incorporate your own creativity into a Southwest styled room. Originality is what will make the room truly pleasing to spend time in

Author: Allison Ryan    Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in interior design, home accessories, and loves to make cold rolled steel wall art as gifts and home dcor. For a great selection of laser cut gifts and metal wall dcor, please visit http://www.laserwallart.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allison_Ryan

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Technorati Tags: southwester, southwester bedding, southwestern decorating, southwestern furniture, southwestern gourd art, southwestern home decor, southwestern pottery, southwestern rugs, southwestern throw pillows

By Earl Hunsinger

If your idea of home decorating is a fresh coat of white paint and new monochrome vinyl flooring, then this is not the article for you. On the other hand, if you like vibrant colors and intricate patterns, read on.

As the website Inside Mexico explains, the Mexican Talavera style of pottery is a form of majolica earthenware that originated in 16th century Spain. Although the name comes from Talavera de la Reina, Spain, the term is more common in Mexico than it is in Spain. This site also explains the Arabic, Italian, Chinese, and Spanish influences on this pottery, as well as how Mexico has made it distinctly its own.

Although authentic Talavera pottery comes only from Puebla, Mexico, artists from other regions of Mexico have copied this style, often producing pieces of comparable quality. Since Talavera is hand painted, each piece is truly unique, even if the artist follows a standard pattern. Its old world legacy can be seen in classic blue and white designs. However, many more colorful patterns highlight the rich vibrancy of Mexican culture. These patterns include fish and native animal and floral motifs.

Talavera pottery includes both decorative and functional pieces. For example Direct from Mexico sells everything from wall art to lamps. They also sell other goods imported from Mexico, including Equipale chairs. These are rustic handmade chairs crafted from pig skin and strips of cedar. They lend a definite southwestern flair to any room.

One of the most interesting ways to add a distinctive Mexican style to your home is the installation of a Talavera sink. Like other Talavera pieces, these come in a variety of beautiful colors and patterns. They are made in both basin and drop in styles. Mexican Connexion has some nice examples and claims to have the best prices on the Internet. They carry Talavera from Uriarte Talavera, the oldest and best known "fabrica," or workshop, in Puebla. It was founded by Sr. Don Dimas Uriarte in 1824. If the Talavera sinks are too colorful for you, Mexican Connexion also carries a variety of handcrafted Mexican copper sinks.

As with many things these days, even better prices can be found on Ebay. Here you can find a hundred different Talavera sinks for less than $100, including shipping. This is amazing when you consider that this is only a little more than the boring mass produced sink to be found in your local hardware store. Even if you aren’t ready to remodel your bathroom, you might still enjoy looking at these colorful options.

Decorative hand painted tiles, door pulls, and other practical yet distinctive Talavera products are also available on Ebay, some for less than a dollar per piece, not including shipping. Plates, platters, and other pieces of dinnerware can also be found.

So then, if you’ve read this far you probably have at least dreamed of breaking away from white walls and monochrome furnishings. Why not take the plunge? Add some color to your life by purchasing a sample of Talavera earthenware, a piece of old Mexico.

 By Buzzle Staff and Agencies    Published: 8/2/2007

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