Invite Your Roots into Home Decor

Invite Your Roots into Home Decor
All of us take an understandable and joyful pride in our ethnic heritage. Americans love to celebrate their "roots" ; in myriad ways - from marching in (or watching) our spirited parades like the St. Patrick's or Puerto Rican Day parades or by tracking down our ancestral family trees on the Internet or, the ultimate - a family vacation in England, Sweden, Italy or Africa to trace the steps of our ancestors.

As an unabashed design enthusiast, I found myself drawn to the paintings and prints, the textures and fabrics of that land of my forebears, the lush Irish countryside - especially the rich traditions of the Irish "hunt" country.

I became an aficionado of articles, books and exhibits on Irish design and searched out pieces in antique shops and flea markets. My Irish collections add an emotional layering to my home decor, and I became so enamored of the Irish influence that I've used the colors, textures and fabrics of the Irish Hunt as inspiration for a line of furniture, upholstery and accessories that I created.

I'm sure you might already have incorporated some of your ethnic "roots" ; into your home's decor. Nevertheless, here are some of the wonderful inspirations that might come from some of the countries or continents of our ancestors.