Decorating & Design
August 2, 2016
Ring In The 2016 Rio Summer Olympics In Style!
Senior design editor Sally Armstrong shares decor inspired by the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.
With the summer Olympics kicking off in Rio this week, all things South American have been on my mind. Lucky for me, there’s a variety of homewares in stores now that are crafted in the continent or nod to its rich design traditions. Here are ten of my favorite finds to inject some South American style into your home this summer — and set the stage for watching the Games unfold!
I love the rustic look of this alpaca wool frazada from L’Aviva Home. Women from the Andean region of Bolivia weave these traditional textiles entirely by hand, and their thick texture makes them ideal for laying over a bed on cooler nights or using as a hardwearing rug.
Batea trays are traditional South American vessels used for washing debris from gold and precious minerals in riverbeds. This particular piece was hand-carved in Colombia from the wood of a lemon tree. I’d use it to display fruit, or just leave it out on its own to highlight its simple beauty.
This ornate mirror, available through West Elm, was inspired by similar pieces found in old Colonial homes in Peru. Peruvian artisans hand-carve these pieces using an ancient technique, so each one is unique.
This ceramic mug by Molly Hatch features a charming drawing of a llama — South America’s ubiquitous camel relative — and will bring a touch of whimsy to your kitchen table.
How dreamy is this Bolivian hammock? Also known as hamacas atadas, these woven pieces are perfect for adding comfort and style to a backyard.
Since an adventure to the Amazonian rainforest isn’t in the cards for most of us, bring lush greenery into your home with a hanging planter and some trailing vines. This knotted jute design is an affordable pick.
Woven in Peru using traditional methods, this rug will add color and texture to any room in your home. I think it would also look beautiful as a throw, hung on a wall or draped over the back of a chair.
These embroidered pillows from Anthropologie were no doubt inspired by the bold color and tactile qualities of traditional Southern American textiles.
This Columbian-made porcelain mug is the perfect jolt of color for early mornings — and ideal for enjoying a strong South American roast.
The carved mango wood Sakandi cabinet from Pier 1 is made in India, but to me, it really evokes the charming decorating style of old South American haciendas.