by Blake Herzog
Fall is a wonderful time to be in the Southwest. Temperatures are cooling off, the smell of barbecues and campfires is in the air, and oaks, aspens and maples are morphing into their mosaic of golds, reds and browns.
Fall in love with fall and accentuate the bold aesthetic of our region with your seasonal décor. Even if your taste skews toward minimalist placing, just a couple of these ornaments will truly give you that seasonal glow!
Warm, vibrant patterns — Autumn leaves come in many of the same colors you’ll find in the Southwestern palette: terra cotta browns and reds, dusky purples, rich ambers, coppery oranges. They also evoke every shade of our sunsets and are found in many Native American-
inspired rugs, pillows, blankets, baskets, pottery and even doormats.
Adorn your floors, walls, furniture and shelves with these to infuse a bracing burst of fall ambiance. Highlights of turquoise and silver bring hints of air and water to the mix.
Locally sourced wreaths — Crafting or ordering a wreath made in Arizona with pine or juniper branches, dried leaves and flowers, pine cones, succulents and oak accents will stun visitors whether it’s on the front door, patio wall or inside. You can also go further down the Southwest trail by using a cowboy’s lariat as the base and incorporating pine cones with vibrant leaves, plants and even a few chili peppers!
Gorgeous gourds — From pumpkins on down to jewelry-sized gems, these fall perennials give a room that fallsy essence whether they’re au naturel or painted. You can grow or buy your own and style however you wish, or buy ones with lovely Southwestern designs painted onto them. These can last for years and often are more affordable than authentic baskets or pottery.
Your haunting haunt — It’s easy to find inspiration for your Halloween style from Western legend and lore, from ghost riders and towns to tombstones and black-and-white portraits of scowling ancestors and historical figures.
Día de los Muertos and its infinite range of sugar skulls and skeletons, altars with candles and bright orange paper marigolds is another fountain of ideas.
