Southwestern Style Interior Design

Color

The colors of Southwestern design are the colors found in the American desert. Rich, rust terra cotta, soothing sand colors, and deep mahogany brown combine to form a relaxed, natural palette. Sometimes, the bright colors common to the Native American and Mexican cultures, such as bright red and deep azure blue are used as accent colors.

Textures of Southwestern Style Interior Design

The textures of Southwestern style interior design also mirror those elements found in nature in the American Southwest. Natural clay tile, pine wooden structural beams and furniture, and woven grasses are all key elements in this design style.

Fabrics for upholstery, rugs, and bed coverings are generally loosely woven wool, cotton, or a linen blend. Rattan and basket weave are also used for chair seats and rugs.

Furniture

Furniture in Southwestern design can range from plain, unadorned, plank tables to intricately carved chairbacks and headboards. Pine is the wood of choice in this design style, with iron tables, lamps, and cabinet hardware used for accents. Upholstery tends to be either leather or loosely woven fabrics, frequently in a Native American motif.

Large cabinets and chests are popular in Southwestern design, as the traditional 19th century adobe homes did not have built-in clothes or linen closets.

Architectural Details

Remodelers and new home builders wanting to add a little Southwestern style to a room should look to traditional Southwestern architectural elements, such as large pine or dark wooden exposed beams, rough stucco-style plaster, curved archways, and natural terra cotta tile floors. Large, heavy pine doors with iron hardware are another easy-to-add Southwestern design element.

If you can, add an outdoor patio, courtyard, or garden to your Southwestern style home. These open-air spaces, no matter how small, are traditional spots for an outdoor clay fireplace, a cactus garden, or cascading tropical plants, such as bouganvillas. The traditional patio floor is made of terra cotta tile. Often the patio is enclosed with four-foot stucco walls for privacy.

Accessories

Southwestern accessories run the gamut from the practical to the fanciful. Practical accessories include woven rugs to cover tile floors, wrought-iron lamps, and woven blankets and pillows.

More decorative accessories include clay jars and pots, wrought-iron statuary, and woven wall hangings. It is also common to bring a little of nature indoors with a potted cactus plant or a terrarium. American cowboy accessories, such as wagon wheels, leather saddles, and cowboy art also make interesting additions.

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Southwestern style interior design is a natural and uniquely American design style. It works well in a kitchen, a sun room, or even throughout an entire house. If you aren't lucky enough to live in the American Southwest, it's a wonderful way to warm up a cold northeast winter's day.