The Southwest is known for chilis (which I, being a natural-born 
chilihead, love!), sunshine, and the beauty of canyons and 
mountains and it's architecture. The influence of its's Spanish 
and Indian ancestors has resulted in two main styles of 
architecture - Pueblo and Territorial. 

Pueblo-style features flat roofs and stepped level homes made 
of adobe in earthy colors. The walls have rounded edges and 
simple windows let light into the elegant rooms. Niches (known 
as nichos) are set into the walls for art or religious icons. 
Benches (or bancos) are built into the walls for seating. 
Floors are usually covered with flagstone, wood or tiles.  
Heavy timbers which serve as the main roof support are known 
as vigas. They usually show along the outside of the roofline.  

Territorial-style houses usually feature stucco exterior with 
sharp-edged walls. In contrast to the simple windows of the 
Pueblo style, Territorial houses have elaborate Victorian-style 
details made from dark wood.

How can you make your home a Pueblo- or Territorial-syle 
showcase - especially when your bank account is drier than a 
desert wind? Easy! Here's how!

1. If you can't afford original adobe walls, add some clean 
   sand to your paint. Choose earthy colors of terracotta and  
   apply the paint in a thick and textured coat. Then stand  
   back and look at your "adobe" handiwork!

2. If your roof is not supported with vigas, then create the  
   look on your ceiling with two by fours stained a dark walnut.
   Distress with a hammer and whatever else you can think of,  
   then attach the boards to your ceiling. Voila! Instant  
   (well, almost) vigas!

3. Upholster dining room chairs or side chairs with cheap  
   serapes (Mexican blankets). The colorful stripes will  
   instantly bring life to your room!

4. Replace that worn carpet with handmade terracotta tiles! If  
   you can't afford that, then paint the cement or plywood  
   floor in colorful stripes or faux tile. Seal with a quality  
   polyurethane. Use your imagination!

5. Use large terracotta pots for the base of side tables or  
   a coffee table. Just explore your local garden center for  
   ideas! Or if you need a dining table, an old picnic table  
   will do fine! Just distress and stain a dark walnut and  
   add benches covered with serapes or bright colors!

Just a touch of color, terracotta, and handmade tiles can bring 
the heat of the sunny Southwest into your home. Oh! Before I 
say adios, I almost forgot the most important part - the chili 
ristas! Those long braids of red chilis hanging from the ceiling 
are taste of heaven! Who could ask for more - a home décor 
accessory you can eat!