Southwest Decorating Ideas

Time off in France inspires new design ideas

Since opening Nell Hill's 30 years ago, I've had so much fun growing the stores and working with so many amazing customers that I've hardly taken a day off, let alone gone on vacation. So in May, I did something completely radical for me: I packed my bags and ran off to France! During my magical time in the Aquitaine region of southwestern France, I learned some invaluable things that will influence the way I decorate, and the way I live.

Most of you probably already have this one mastered. But for me, it's been a hard lesson to learn. I love my job and draw energy from being with people at the store all day. But even though I find work exhilarating, sometimes going 100 miles an hour, seven days a week, can wear you down. (I know what you're probably saying right now: Duh, Mary Carol!)

My husband, Dan, gets it. He works hard running the business side of Nell Hill's. But he is also great about setting aside time each year to travel, exploring new places, learning about the people and their heritage.

Usually when Dan asks me to go with him on his journeys, I say no. There's always too much to do at the stores to take time off. But this year, I decided to give myself an anniversary gift: I took a week of vacation for each decade Nell Hill's has been in business and went with him. Our trip was an amazing one, not just because of the drop-dead-gorgeous scenery, the fantastic food and wine, and the opportunity to experience such a rich culture. It was amazing simply because it gave me a chance to stop and replenish and spend quality time with someone I love.

Make it a goal to take time off this year, whether it's going abroad or a stay-cation in your own town. Escape your daily grind, restore your soul and revel in those you love most. Life is fleeting, so stop and smell the roses.

After a quick stopover in Paris, we settled into a darling farmhouse in Fumel, taking day trips to picturesque towns such as Biarritz and Montinac. Each place we stopped, I enjoyed seeing how the French use color in their daily decorating, whether it was a muted palette of neutrals or an adventurous mix of bold hues.

The home-decor shops were showing a very modern, sleek, sophisticated style that revolved around the hip color "grange," which is a cross between gray and taupe. Similarly, the farmhouse we rented was decorated in pure white. The owners of the cottage, reflecting a hot trend among France's younger decorators, painted nearly everything in the home white, from the walls to the antique furnishings. At first, I found this pure palette refreshing. But after a few weeks, I was craving color.

Theme Decorating Ideas

Themed rooms let your imagination run wild when choosing the accessories to complete the room. Start with floor coverings, choose a few choice furniture pieces, some artistic wall décor, and top off with the lighting! You’ll soon have a room that complements your taste and decorating style.

Ready to makeover your ordinary, white-wall painted rooms? Then these five online stores have the themes to shake it up a little.

Layla Grayce provides the accessories that bring a touch of French history and romance to home decor. From ornate bedroom furniture to the colorful stories of characters such as Marie Antoinette, French decor has long held it’s place as being one of the most popular decorating themes. Layla Grayce has everything to give your home French country charm with farmhouse tables and cottage chairs to shabby chic décor! For theme decorating ideas, Layla Grayce brings a provincial French countryside to living areas.

Kruenpeeper Creek keeps alive the spirit of Americana home décor. The selection of clocks, wall plaques, quilts, and primitive rag dolls celebrate the days of simplicity and charm. What better way to welcome friends and family into your home when surrounded by all the comforts of American country appeal. Kruenpeeper Creek will satisfy your desire for nostalgia and a warm homey feel.

If you are looking to decorate in a Southwestern theme, then Sunland Home is the one-stop store you need. From coyotes howling at the moon to gecko light plate switches, you can enjoy the Southwestern lifestyle all year round. Not only do they offer home décor, but Sunland Home has the furnishings and floor coverings to back it up. Where else would you find a wooden drum table or Kokopelli cabinet to offset the cowhide rug?

If you are looking for theme decorating ideas, don’t forget the bedding. Plumeria Bay has the ultimate in European bedding accessories. Silk sheets, duvet covers, and pure silk comforters from Germany’s St. Geneve will provide the luxurious night’s sleep you long for. And if you want to travel a little south of Europe, Plumeria Bay also offers organic Egyptian cotton sheets in thread counts up to 1020. Now that’s luxury!

Artistica brings the rolling hills of Tuscany to your kitchen and living areas. You’ll fine hand painted biscotti jars to grace your kitchen counter tops and pasta bowls to serve up a sausage penne delicacy. Known for its bright, bold colors, you won’t find any bland, neutral colors in the kitchen with Artistica’s Tuscany decor. When not cooking up something special in the kitchen, Artistica has just the right vase to hold fresh flowers to give your entryway or living room a sweet summertime aroma. Hand painted lamps, candleholders, and pottery bring a colorful accent to living room furniture.

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