For those who want to incorporate international flair into their homes, throw pillows are an ideal way to do so. It is important to be respectful of the cultures whose designs you are using, which is why conscientious designers need to carefully consider mixing and matching different textiles and tapestries. Read on to learn about some of the ways savvy designers are using culturally inspired designs from multiple backgrounds on throw pillows to honor different world cultures.

"Ethnic" Textiles Inspiration

The word "ethnic" refers to designs that come from a wide array of world traditions. Sometimes these textiles are created by the culture itself, and sometimes they are simply inspired by these cultures. From Aztec to Navajo, from Balkan to Kashmiri, and even exotic animal print, there are thousands of different fabrics to choose from. It all depends on how you want to arrange them.

Respecting World Cultures

When using multicultural items around your home, it's important to respect where they came from. For example, if you have acquired a Middle Eastern prayer rug, it's simply discourteous to use such an item as a bath mat. Simply put, do a bit of research and know the histories of these items. On that note, it's always respectful to contextualize your decor. Don't simply refer to an object as "exotic" when you know its specific place of origin is Guatemala.

Arranging International Interiors

Multicultural elements can be juxtaposed together as the focus of your interior, or they can simply be used to emphasize chic, modern furniture and accessories. Internationally made dolls and small sculptures are perfect accents for bookshelves, while throw pillows are a great way to incorporate both comfort and multicultural flair. Try the traditional kilim design in this throw pillow against a muted background to make the pattern pop. Or, if you want a more local piece of culture, consider a tastefulsouthwest Native American inspired pillow.