How to Easily Decorate a Small Space with a Southwest Flair

A great way to decorate in a limited area, such as an alcove or small size room is by using Southwestern style accessories. This is supposing the room or space you are decorating offers a neutral color scheme meaning off-white, beige, or white walls. Do not try this strategy where the walls are cobalt blue or any other highly vibrant shade or adjoining walls are adorned with floral wall paper. The idea here is to add a little color to a basically neutral environment without becoming overwhelmed. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint, preferably semi-gloss, off-white
• Brushes
• Pan
• Mexican tile
• Grout
• Glue and tools associated with installing the tile (determined when you purchase the tile)
• Rustic table

How to Decorate An Alcove or Small Room where Adjoining Rooms are Neutural

1. You may wish to investigate where you will be able to purchase the above items first. The Southwest-style blanket, which is a very inexpensive and colorful selection can be found at most area truck stops should you live in the Southwestern portion of the United States. The blankets are very colorful and warm and normally run around $7.00 to $8.00 if not less. Otherwise, it may be necessary to search for this item on-line. You'll need to purchase paint, preferably a neutral shade such as off-white and a semi-gloss should your space need refurbishment or new paint along with brushes, roller and pan and articles to cover the floor and you. Brown unglazed Mexican pottery can be found in many shops throughout the Southwest or may be searched on-line. Mexican tile, will provide a dash of color to your wall and may also be shopped for in the former manner. Lastly, minimal Southwest style furnishings or just find a basic ladder back chair and drape the Southwest-style blanket over the top. You may also wish to purchase paint for the chair.

2. Devise in your mind the decorating scheme. The Mexican tile will border your alcove or wall about eye-level. The ladder back chair will sit in one corner with the Southwest-style blanket draped over the top of it. The rustic table (unfinished) will be placed in the other corner with three various sized unglazed pieces of Mexican brown pottery of the same design or of complimentary design and varying sizes.

3. If your area needs fresh paint, then this is the first course of action. Place newspapers on the floor or some type of covering prior to painting and make sure if you use paper that it is secure. Using masking tape or something where the adhesive won't ruin your floor is suggested. If the area has carpeting, such as a short pile use some type of paint tarp or if not available several thick layers of paper. On carpeting, a tarp is recommended as long it isn't so big it proves mobile when you are working at painting the wall. (And, again, this scheme is for a neutral area, therefore it is advisable your flooring is neutral as well. Deep piles or carpeting reminiscent of another era will not work well. It is preferable that your floors be a very neutral linoleum or tile, or polished wood. This accent idea should compliment a neutral area (meaning floors as well) not gentrify it.

4. After the area is painted, if you have not done so already, now is the time to price and shop for tile. If you are already in the Southwest area of the United States, Mexican tile can be easily purchased at most tile stores. If not, you may find Mexican tile at a number of on-line sources. The average price quoted in the Southwest portion of the United States is eighty-nine (89) to ninety-nine (99) cents per tile. How many tiles needed will depend on the dimensions of the relatively small space you are decorating. The way to measure is as such: Multiply length times width. This will give you square feet and then multiply this number by nine (nine equaling the number of tiles in a square foot). Let's presume you arrive at a figure of 100 square feet. 100 square feet by 9 tiles per square foot equals 900 tiles at $0.89 each per tile, for a total of $720.00. This, of course, is a hypothetical example. You will have to measure your own wall to come up with the correct figure. Also, remember to leave some funds aside for the grout and paste, especially if you are pre-planning this for a future date.

5. Install the tile. This is something you can go over with with your sales representative when you purchase the tile. Remember to take good notes and the process should be effortless. Lay newspaper or protective covering on your flooring during this process and if you've recently painted the walls, make certain your walls are totally dry.

6. Depending on the color of your furnishings, a recommended color choice is cobolt blue and orange with floral motif or you may choose any other number of choices. The vibrant colors of Mexican tile really bring the feel of the Southwest into any home. Remember, again this should be a compliment, not a clash. As long as you have neutral colored furnishings like tans, browns and creams with modern-styling in adjoining rooms, this scheme should work well.

7. You may purchase a ladder back chair with possibly a cane seat, although this idea is truly not Southwest. However, if you are using the Southwest-style blanket as a throw over the top it can work. Make sure your chair is painted in some vibrant color like deep turquoise. You may also purchase a basic rustic high back chair you can paint yourself. Such a chair may be picked up at a thrift store at a very reasonable price or possibly as an overstock at a furniture store. So remember, take your time and shop around for awhile to assure you find all the right accessories before beginning the project.

8. The next step is purchasing the Mexican pottery. The best selection with the Southwest decorating scheme is earth colored, dark brown, unglazed items. This type of pottery is found all over the Southwest (although I noticed on some of my shopping expeditions some of it came from Vietnam). However, as long as the pottery provides a Southwest "feel" that is what truly counts unless, of course, you are particular and prefer to purchase authentic pottery from Mexico then by all means shop for pottery specifically made in that region. Three various sizes, same style or complimentary styles of pottery that could be set on a plain unfinished rustic wood table, approximately and ideally three feet high will do nicely.

9. Purchase a rustic wood table (unfinished). This is a rather specific task; however, it can be accomplished. If you are unable to find one in stock ask a proprietor who either carries or manufactures these types of tables if one can be made.

10. Again, consider your other surroundings when doing any kind of decorating including this project. And, lastly should you happen to be planted in the snowy North, it may be particularly nice to take a visit to your Sunny Southwest cubbyhole on a cold Winter's day.

Tips & Warnings

• When shopping for the tile it is very important to be clear on what you need. Remember, as long as the tile is in good supply, it would be better to under buy (if unsure) then to over buy. However, if your preference is popular and hard to stock, then be certain as possible about your measurements and need. If you are bordering one wall at eye level, you may want to continue this border on the adjoining side walls and around up to the area where the opening to the area occurs. The entry area, where it will not be possible to place tile, should be taken into account. If you have a small entry way, measure its width and any framing adjoining it, after determining square footage for the room. Record width of the entry door as well and let your representative at the tile store know of the situation. This may prevent you from over purchasing.
• This scheme is best suited to an area where the colors are all neutral such as beige, or off-white or white. The surrounding furnishings should possess clean lines and be highly neutral in appearance as well. More modern up-to-date furnishings should be found in the adjoining area where you wish to add this splash of color.
• Neutral shading is highly popular now-a-days however, a small burst of color here and there is acceptable as long as the color is provided in a very small space such as an adjoining alcove where the space is not being used or a small room that could almost substitute for a exceptionally small den or one person sitting area. Here you could even place a rustic desk in place of the rustic table with your pottery sitting conspicuously off to one side.
• Do not install the tile, in regards to this decorating scheme, in an area bigger than mentioned as it is a permanent installation and may de-value your property should you go to sell it. It is however acceptable in exceptionally small areas where a splash of color or "cheering up" compliments an otherwise neutral and minimalist setting.