November marks Native American Heritage Month. In celebrating the people and tribes that helped build this country, we are highlighting design elements that incorporate the Native American heritage and culture.
Native Americans leveraged natural elements to craft a culture and a lifestyle. Using hides from buffalo to create homes and clothing and clay to create serving pieces and art. Using feathers to create ceremonious head dresses. Using wood to create tools, utensils and sculptures. Later embracing the gems and stones found in our lands for jewelry.
Using natural elements like stone, exposed wood beams and leather can help incorporate a feel to your home that might pay tribute to the Native American culture. Adding paintings or weaved art by tribal members to highlight a piece for a personal touch of tribute is another way to incorporate a Native American design style. Leveraging colors that are natural can highlight the plains of Oklahoma or the red colored terrain of New Mexico. Using tribal designs to furniture patterns or paintings on your walls can create a unique look to a room while still showcasing your appreciation for the culture.
Native Americans ate from the land and used the hides, furs, feathers and more to respect the animals that fed them by building useful tools, clothing and home furnishings. Using similar items to create a home design respectful of the culture can add value by incorporating nature to your home.
