Native American Decorative Arts & Craftsmanship

Home decoration is a personal taste, but have you noticed that so many current designs are all looking like a high end hotel suite in Miami Beach?  While stylish and comforting, there are other options for bedrooms (along with home offices, family rooms outdoor spaces) that can add a bit of uniqueness using a different palette of design, one based on an authentic esthetic with deep roots in America. 

Native American interior decorating can incorporate ideas and artifacts that fit into various styles like Mission/Arts & Crafts, Mid Century Modern and of course, Southwest.  All these design disciplines can use wood, textiles, pottery, baskets and other items from the Pueblo, Hopi and Navajo traditions of arts and crafts. 

Often using bold geometric designs on pottery and textiles, adding an item or two can create a focal point in a room without becoming overpowering.  Many of the famous potters and basket weavers worked in the Art Deco through Mid Century eras and the style of those times is often reflected in the item. 

Artwork can be traditional paintings and prints, but a well framed piece of sterling and turquoise jewelry (or a grouping of these items) can make a stunning statement on a wall, in a bookcase or on a table.  Do something simple such as pinning as a Navajo silver and turquoise brooch on a piece of suede and mounting in a small picture frame.  This can add a classic look that will easily mix with other decorative items in the room.  

The people living in America’s southwest have used many colors to adorn their homes against the basic earth-tones of the region.  Brightly woven textiles with colors of turquoise, coral, yellow, orange, purple and red softened by sand and gray mix well against neutral backgrounds.  Beyond textiles, good Native American pottery is hand made and found in a range of colors from basic black, the perfect touch for any decorating style, to beige, brown and rust hues which blends with practically any setting or style. Knowing the piece was hand made in the United States provides the room with provenance and authenticity.  

If you would like to see a variety of genuine, hand made, vintage items made by craftsman from Navajo, Hopi and Pueblo artists dating back to the late 1800’s up to award winning artists working today, please stop by DB Gallery (Dancing Bear Gallery, formerly in Evanston, IL since 1993) now at 1804 Glenview Road, Glenview to touch a piece of history and take home a unique item to adorn your home or to wear.