Mexican Pottery and Decor
Mexican décor and pottery utilize lively earth tones that can be used as the main decorating theme of a room or in accessories. The style of Mexican décor is very flexible and can be used in a variety of applications. When you use Mexican pottery for accent pieces in a room, you also bring in a bit of history, as most Mexican pottery is still made by traditional methods. Does this Spark an idea?
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Talavera Pottery
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Talavera pottery was developed around the area of Puebla. Talavera pottery is made from an earthenware called majolica. Talavera is the oldest glazed pottery found in Mexico. However, talavera pottery originated in Spain and was brought to the country during the Spanish Conquest. Talavera pottery is most commonly found in a glazed white although some pieces are blue and yellow as well. Talavera pottery is still made today with the same methods that were used in the 16th century.
Mexican Decor
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Typical Mexican decor consists of blankets, pottery, handmade baskets and kiva ladders, which are handmade wooden ladders with rungs tied with rawhide strips. It is also common to see pyramid themes incorporated into the decor as well due to the historical influences of the Aztec indians. Buildings that follow traditional Mexican decor leave the wooden support beams for the roof exposed with a stucco exterior. Brightly painted ceramic tiles that are hand carved are also a traditional part of Mexican decor. Wrought-iron objects are also utilized, from the Spanish influence.
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Point of Origination
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The colors and themes that are used in Mexican pottery and decor will vary depending on the part of the country that the piece originates from. When selecting pieces from the coastal regions of Mexico, shades of dark blues, bright greens and white colors will be seen, similar to the colors observed in the ocean. Pieces from the more inland areas of Mexico will use the colors of red, burnt orange, yellow and white more often.
Color Palette
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The traditional colors used in Mexican décor and pottery are tones that can be seen in nature across Mexico. Colors that create bold contrast are often used in the same room, such as a burnt orange wall color and indigo blue drapes. Colors range from pale yellow, to deep red, burnt orange and terracotta, to indigo blue and bright green.
Mexican Styling
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The feel of Mexican décor can be accomplished by following the traditional use of color and objects. Using brightly colored paint can help to give a room of the house the feel of Spanish influence. The addition of a throw rug in a rich earth tone can also add a splash of Mexican flavor. Wrought-iron accessories such as candlesticks contribute to Mexican style. Adding a few Mexican pottery pieces will give the room focal points and help to guide the design of the room.
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References
- Photo Credit mexican bowl image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com