Upscale Santa Fe Living Room?
Lauremo
I'm hoping someone can help me with this... My boyfriend and I recently bought a house here in Tucson, Arizona. I usually prefer really clean lines and more tailored styles, but that just doesn't work with the slouchy, casual style of the house... it's just not very Tucson! So we're going to do sort of an upscale Santa Fe / modified Southwest look-- and by that, I mean NO weird howling coyotes, nothing kitchy, just an informal, "charming" classy feel. Darker woods, solid-feeling furniture, warm leather, accents of bronze and turquoise, etc. (Does that make sense at all?? I don't know.) I'm 22 years old and this is my first home. I don't want something that will look like my old dorm... but I also don't want it to look like my mother's house! I'm hoping you can offer ideas. So far, we have only bought couches. They are a warm, almost terra cotta brown leather (very soft!) with small brass stud detail on the arms. Any ideas for other accessories to go throughout the room, paint color, etc? The last problem is that I love love love color, especially warm, rich, cozy colors, and my boyfriend... well, he is more of a color-phobe. He likes cooler colors like blues and greens. So we'll see how it works out... Thank you all in advance for your help, and for helping us make our first house feel like a real HOME!
catwoman708
Hmmm... Firsts, you'll have to reach a compromise with the BF on colors. If you can get the colors he likes in your accessories (pillows, rugs, throws...) and the rich colors you like on the walls (or vice versa) then you might start there. I agree, the howling coyotes are too trite and not real Santa Fe. Have you ever been to Santa Fe, or could you manage a short "scouting" trip? The atmosphere is truly inspiring and you will undoubtedly find many looks, galleries, hotel lobbies, market finds etc... for some inspiration, or maybe an inspiration piece to bring home from which to pull your colors and ideas. If you can't do a trip, then find a one-of-a-kind store that sells Santa Fe type decor (even if you can't afford it, you can still get ideas), or home decorating magazines. A beautiful rug, a great piece of artisan craftwork, a tapestry, a colorful Mexican or Native blanket, or a beautiful painting that just touches your soul. Personally, I'd suggest a warm, rich color on the walls, like burnt orange. Some dark wood antique or (antique-looking) furniture pieces (TV armoire, end and coffee tables, a wine cabinet/bar) and maybe a hand crafted wood chair with animal hide seat. An old antique trunk can make a great coffee table, or stood on end and left slightly open with a native blanket draped over it. Some artisan crafted lamps or pieces of wall art, native sculpture pieces, and or simple wooden hand-carved bowls with fruit. Sturdy, rough baskets are great too and can be used to hold magazines, throw blankets, extra pillows, etc... You can get some brighter or lighter colors in the mix with throw pillows, window treatments, or paintings. Right now shades of light blue or turquoise are popular when mixed with browns.
KatK
I found this great rug that may work for you. It's even called "Arizona." It has nice deep colors and a contemporary feel.
forest26
You sound like you are on the right track. I would stick with the warm neutrals and for with the turquoise, blue greens as accents, that will make them stand out and really pop. Perhaps include some blue greens in hanging art work, too. Those colors will stand out making the BF happy while the over effect is warm and cozy making you happy. How about a warm mocha brown on the walls. You should be able to find some cushions/ pillows in a rough weave that hase the colors you are looking for. Check out the fabrics at this address as well as some of the furniture styles http://www.furniture-santafe.com/productlist.asp?cat=52 . BTW, I have no affiliation to the site I am on the east coast.
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