Decorating the exterior of a home can mean more than just painted trim and a pretty paint color. In the southwest region of the United States, the exteriors of homes are decorated with sculptures made from copper, iron and resin. Half pots of clay, strings of chiles and murals are used in exterior design for both residential and commercial buildings. Does this Spark an idea?
Features
Copper is one of the more common materials used for outdoor wall sculptures. It stands up to the extreme heat of southwestern summers and ages well, forming a subtle green patina over time.
Cast iron and wrought iron are used for their durability as well. These materials are often used for wall sconces and outdoor clocks.
Resin is a synthetic compound that is resistant to water staining and holds up to the weather conditions in the southwest. Unlike natural materials, though, it will not form a patina.
Types
One of the more common figures seen in southwest outdoor wall decor is that of Kokopelli, a Native American fertility god. He is often made from copper and is depicted playing a flute.
The howling coyote, his neck and head stretched upward to the moon, is also a common figure. The Saguaro cactus, sun faces and lizards or geckos are frequently seen in sculptural form.
Half pots made of clay are strung together with strong twine and hung on the walls of porches and patios. Strings of chiles, called ristras, bring a punch of bright red to outdoor decor.
Size
Southwest wall decor ranges in size from small and subtle to large focal points in the outdoor design.
One characteristic of southwest exterior design is the outdoor mural. Scenes of Mexican villages, cowboy life, desert landscapes and gardens are painted on garage doors, exterior walls in courtyards and frequently on commercial buildings and entrances to neighborhoods. These murals are intricate, and in commercial applications, professionally painted.
Significance
While backyards are an extension of interior living spaces in the southwest, outfitted with kitchens and family rooms, the front porches and entryway courtyards are decorated to make distinctive statements. These are decorated with as much care and attention to detail as interiors.
Considerations
In gated suburban developments, such decor is routinely banished by homeowners' associations. Copper Kokopellis, wrought iron cacti, clay pots and ristras are nowhere to be seen in these rows and rows of east coast style split-levels.
Travelers through the southwest, coming upon a neighborhood in which figures and artifacts decorate the fronts of houses and murals are splashed across garage doors and the sides of commercial buildings, will know they're in an older neighborhood where wall decorations are not only permitted, but expected.
Tags: commercial buildings, decorated with, exterior design, from copper, garage doors, Half pots