Celebrate the End of the World with Mayan Décor

CELEBRATE THE END OF THE WORLD WITH MAYAN DÉCOR If you haven't gotten around to building a doomsday bunker in your backyard, decorate your home in Mayan style to celebrate the end of the world-December 21, 2012, as predicted by the Mayan calendar, when all of the planets in our solar system align. Here we share some iconic styles of Mayan art and design. You don't need to build a pyramid temple for the gods to introduce this stylish look into your home's interior and exterior décor. Take a balanced approach and use only the elements that appeal to your personal style. ... MAYA AIR 0000 MOSAICS Mayan temples and palaces were adorned with exquisite mosaics that formed patterns or depicted mythological scenes. For your own home, look for mosaic tabletops or choose mosaic tiles for backsplashes in the kitchen and bathrooms. Outside, think patios, walkways, beautiful tiles or even a mosaic pool or hot tub. MAKE YOUR OWN CRAFT MOSAIC Make your own craft mosaic with the kids using paint, eggshells, glue and cardboard. glue FOUNTAINS In the middle of the jungle, ancient Mayan artisans mastered the skill of producing running water for both household and decorative use. Add a splash of Mayan luxury by building a fountain on your patio or in your yard. STONES Stones were the foundation of ancient Mayan architecture, and were chosen for both durability and decoration. Use stones and stoneware in landscaping, or by choosing stone fences, benches, walls, fire pits, walkways or archways. Inside, a stone fireplace adds a welcoming, warm touch to any family room. STAIR-STEP DESIGN The stair-step design was an integral feature of Mayan architecture. Most often used for temples such as those at Tikal, Tulum and Chichen Itza, it allowed the Maya to build shrines to their gods high above mortal life. Incorporate steps in your landscaping or hang shelves and paintings in a stair-step design to elevate your living experience. GEOMETRIC PATTERNS Geometric and abstract patterns, symbolizing both the physical and spiritual worlds, were used to bring meaning to household items. Look for patterns on curtains, upholstery, throw pillows, carpeting, throw blankets, dishes, tiles, towels and kitchen accessories such as aprons, oven mitts and tablecloths. CTILES The ancient Maya had two different types of cotton, light brown and white, but they learned how to dye the cotton bright colors such as blue, red, green and yellow. Choose brightly colored textiles to create bursts of color in and around your home. CELESTIAL SYMBOLS Astronomy played a very important role in Mayan culture; life was planned according to the sophisticated Mayan calendar. Use celestial symbols such as the sun, moon, Venus and stars on textiles, decorations and home goods. RIEZES Carved friezes, often depicting symbols like the diamond, which represents the universe, were used to decorate the most important Mayan buildings. Use friezes with symbolic designs to make your home the center of your universe. Colorful murals portrayed mythological, ritual or historical scenes in Mayan temples, palaces and other important buildings. Choose a themed mural to create an inspiring room of your own. MEANING UMBERS The Maya had an intricate numerical system with certain numbers symbolizing astronomical movement. For your home, think of a number that's important to you-like the year you got married-and find a way to incorporate it into design. For example, a display of terracotta planters in sets of four. CERAMÍCS Ceramics with decorated scenes add an ornamental touch to functional items. Brighten up your life by choosing decorated plates, pots, dishes and other ceramics for your home. CEIBA TREE The Maya believed the Ceiba tree connected the energies of the cosmos, the earth and the underworld. Add a natural touch to your home's interior and exterior with stately plants and trees that connect the earth and the sky. THE MAYAN REVIVAL MOVEMENT FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT Frank Lloyd Wright and his son Lloyd Wright, as well as other Modernist architects, brought Mayan design to the masses in the 1920s and 30s with the Mayan Revival movement. MAYAN REVIVAL BUILDINGS DĚTROIT Detroit, Michigan and Merida, Mexico have the largest numbers of Mayan Revival buildings. But you can also see this style on a smaller scale in New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Acapulco, Mexico City, Cancun and Tokyo. THE REAL SEE THING! To see the real thing, you'll have to visit Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador or Honduras for ancient cities like Chichen Itza, Tikal, Uxmal and Tulum. ... MAYANA Sources: www.personal.psu.edu, www.crysalinks.com, wikipedia.org and www.flmnh.ufl.edu/ m. my move