Traditional Prints in Modern Rooms

With family roots in New Mexico, it is no wonder why I love Native American and Southwestern prints so much. Today's trends take traditional patterns to the next level contrasting them with modern, bright, and sometimes surprising style.

My love of Native American patterns came to me from my grandmother. Her obsession with Navajo rugs is natural; she was raised in a tiny adobe home in New Mexico where real Navajo rugs were the only carpets they knew. After World War II she moved to the Northwest, and picked up a passion for Pendleton. I must say I have more than a fair share of Pendleton blankets and I always love to incorporate them into my home.

A fresh take on traditional Native graphics is gaining momentum in the design world. This is not the kitschy southwestern look of the past but rather it’s fashion forward sister. Many designers in this day and age mix Navajo, Pendleton and various other Native prints from around the world in unique ways. I pulled together some of my favorite inspiration images which showcase this idea. When paired in the right way and simplified to the perfect point, Traditional prints will add character and a timeless quality to any room. Enjoy!

• This bedroom image from Full House showcases a Pendleton blanket in a simplistic setting.

• Amazing Navajo inspired print pillows from Candystore Collective are made from eco-friendly ink.

• Amber Interiors added a tribal inspired rug to juxtapose the modern furniture in the space.

• Anthropologie's Berr armchairs are not Native American but share a similar feel. They are actually upholstered in kilim fabric from Turkey and no two are alike.

• This modern yet rustic entryway (via Design Sponge) adds just the right touch of color with the native rug choice.

• Design Sponge delivers a wonderful image of Navajo blankets atop a modern chair.

Images as linked above

Comments (22)

I love everything but the beast.

I have that exact Pendleton blanket on our bed. With bone-colored walls and curtains, linens, and nightstands in various shades of white, it looks really amazing. I even have a deer head, except mine is ceramic because an actual animal head would give me a nightmares. However, if I could have that headboard, I would be very happy.

The first picture looks like a Hudson's Bay Company point blanket.

Pic #1 isn't a Pendleton Blanket - It's a Hudson's Bay Blanket...
...which is hardly a "tribal" print.

tribal if your a Canuck like me :D

bepsf - it actually does look pretty close to a Pendleton Blanket.....and I think that the writer chose the pic because of the colors, not because it is or isn't "tribal". What's with the negativity on AT these days?

Other than that, I LOVE this post! This is what my whole apartment looks like!

http://www.pendleton-usa.com/product/Home-Blankets/Blankets/NATIONAL-PARKS-BLANKETS/GLACIER-NATIONAL-PARK-BLANKET/166372/sc/1839/c/1821/pc/1816.uts

I want that Tackle Block chandelier!!!

Hudson's Bay FTW. It dates from the mid-1700's. Pendleton seems to have stolen (sorry) the design and claimed it as a reference to Glacier National Park (Montana), which, interestingly, would have been close to HB's fur trading posts in Western Canada. http://www2.hbc.com/en/index.shtml

In any case, it's far from native or tribal. Definitely historical though.

The one in the photo is a Pendleton, and it is based on Hudson Bay's point blanket, which has small black markings (or points) that historically denoted the trade item's size and value.

i was just about to post exactly what bepsf did. that's a Bay blanket. i'm canadian, i should know.

Pendleton makes a national park series, and their Glacier Park version copies the Hudson Bay blanket. In Glacier Park they used to have Hudson Bay blankets on the beds in the lodges. I don't think it has the black "points" that the Hudson Bay blanket has. I know Hudson Bay and Pendleton, and they're both top quality, but the Pendleton costs less because it's made in the US instead of UK. The Pendleton blanket costs about 40% less and is wonderful quality wool.

that's funny, the first pic of the blanket looks EXACTLY like a Hudson's Bay Blanket.

Canadian ;p

The first blanket is also called a 'beaver blanket" becuse the points...black lines along the side...tell the weight of the blanket and therefore the number of beaver skins that were traded for that particular blanket. I bought an old one in an antique shop for $50...great price. My son always slept under it, and took it with him when he went in the army. Pendelton has always credited the original Hudson Bay Company for this design. Great story.

that is great full design. i like this type of design.

http://vistaprintcouponsblog.com

Can anyone point me in the direction of finding a rug similar to the one in the third picture. It looks eerily like my kitchen and now I NEED that rug! Please help!

Love these! Even the beast.

My first thought was "Oh, that's a Hudson Bay Blanket" too! I certainly wouldn't consider it "southwestern" - quite the opposite pole. I'm not sure how I feel about the use of "tribal" to apply to Native American/British/Turkish/Indian, slash, everything handmade or patterned? Actually, I do. I don't like it.

i got a similar blanket at marshall's. it was probably $12

http://ragamuffindesign.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/my-sons-room-as-of-today/

i'm surprised that i like the chair.

You are all very right. THE FIRST IMAGE IS NOT SOUTHWESTERN AT ALL. Through the magic of editing the word “Southwestern” was added to my article and I did not intend for it to be there. Thanks for catching it and I am glad so many people share my passion for Pendleton. ☺ Katy Nida

wow these designs are really very nice and the look is really fantastic.
http://couponjet.org/vistaprint-coupons-vista-print-coupon-code.htm

Nobody likes the bed frame?