Southwestern-style-home-decor-by-Sharene-M

There’s so much to love about Southwest interior design. It’s no wonder, as the inviting decorating style is big on natural materials, bold patterns, and rich textures. It draws inspiration from the jagged landscapes and warm colors of the American Southwest. Ultimately, anyone can pull off a Southwestern-style room. That is, by following some expert advice and guidelines. So, we’ve put together just that – read on for further details!

What is Southwest interior design?

Southwestern style living room - Modern southwest interior design

Southwest style décor draws inspiration from different cultures and forms a welcoming atmosphere. Native Americans and Spanish settlers in the Southwestern United States influenced this style. In fact, even modern Southwest interior design emphasizes natural light and artwork. Both of which showcase desert landscapes. 

Unsure if a Southwest interior design is for you? Then try our Free Interior Design Style Quiz to discover the style right for your home!

Modern southwest interior design - Drew F
Modern southwest interior design by Decorilla designer, Drew F.

When looking at design in similar areas, we come across covetable spaces by Phoenix interior designers. Here, there are warm earthy tones, rustic textures, organic elements, and bold patterns. Furniture dons clean lines and often feature wrought iron or wood. In addition, geometric patterns or stripes often feature on these pieces. In essence, Southwest interior design style breathes character into any space. 

11 Best Southwest Interior Design Ideas

Southwest desert style decor in a modern Southwestern interior design by Darya N
Modern Southwestern style living room by Decorilla designer, Darya N.

Southwestern home interiors lean toward casual comfort through well-worn natural materials. The focus is on rustic interior design, with elements like stone, wood, and leather taking center stage. Brighten your space with white plastered walls to showcase these pieces, and you’ll have a Southwest interior design! If you want to form this style in your home, here are some tips to recreate the look. 

1. Don Warm, Earthy Tones

Southwest interior design by Wanda P
Modern Southwest interior design by Decorilla designer, Wanda P.

Southwest paint colors for interiors are often earthy, warm tones. In fact, these hues are inspired by the desert landscape as interior design ideas. As a result, colors such as terracotta, sand, clay, and sage green create a welcoming atmosphere. However, it’s important to balance with accent colors and bold patterns. This prevents your space from becoming too monochromatic. 

2. Embrace Rustic Textures of Southwestern Home Interiors

Southwest desert interior design by Drew F
Southwest style décor by Decorilla designer, Drew F.

Modern Southwest interior design features rustic textures with a natural, organic feel. Overall, these textures reflect the rugged beauty of a desert landscape. Examples include wood, stone, leather, woven fabrics, and natural fibers. Combine these touches with those warm earthy tones to create a cohesive look that reveals the beauty of the Southwest region. 

3. Include Southwest Motifs

Southwest desert interior design style room by Alexa H
Southwest desert interior design style room by Decorilla designer, Alexa H.

Include Native American motifs to create Southwest-style décor. But paying homage to the rich culture of Native American tribes needs to be done respectfully. For instance, use authentic crafts that support Native-American-owned businesses to ensure cultural sensitivity. Examples of motifs include pottery, dream catchers, textiles, and tribal patterns. 

4. Select Natural Foundations

Modern Southwest interior design by Casey H
Southwest interior design by Decorilla designer, Casey H.

Natural elements are the foundation of Southwestern home interiors. This is to showcase a connection with nature and the surrounding landscape. Examples of elements you can include in your space are wood, stone, greenery, and water features. You can also maximize natural light. In essence, you can create harmony with the natural world by including items like plants and stone-based accent walls. 

5. Accentuate Daring Hues & Patterns

Modern southwest interior design and decor by Liana S
Southwestern style living room by Decorilla designer, Liana S.

The key to creating modern Southwest interior design is by using bold patterns. Geometric patterns and stripes are a great example. You can show off daring motifs through rugs, textiles, and other Southwest-style décor items. Try to include wall hangings with Aztec shapes for a striking feature in your Southwestern-style living room. As a result, it’ll add visual interest and energy to your space. 

6. Showcase Handcrafted Accessories

Southwest style decor and interior design - Southwestern style room

Southwestern-style home décor consists of unique touches from handcrafted items. Adding traditional pottery to your space can evoke this tactile style. Plus, these pieces can be as functional as they are decorative. In addition, woven baskets and rugs are great for storage space and adding warmth.

7. Opt for Simplistic Lines

Modern Southwest desert interior design by Drew F
Southwestern style dining room by Decorilla designer, Drew F.

Furniture and Southwest style décor typically feature clean-line aesthetics. Here, we find simple, unadorned shapes without much detail. Consequently, there is a sense of serenity and natural beauty. In addition, the simplicity highlights raw materials and textures of Southwest interior design. However, ensure you balance between comfort and elegance by adding soft textures, such as a plush rug and woolen throw pillows. 

8. Maximize Natural Light

Modern Southwest interior design with desert style home decor by Wanda P
Southwestern style home decor and design by Decorilla designer, Wanda P.

The Southwest is known for warm, sunny days with bright skies. So, incorporate natural light into your space to create a sense of spaciousness. A way to do this is by using large windows and skylights. For instance, a floor-to-ceiling window provides expansive views and floods your home with natural light. 

9. Use Fireplaces as Focal Points

Southwestern style living room ideas by Casey H
Modern southwest interior design by Decorilla designer, Casey H.

A fireplace is an elegant yet functional element of modern Southwest interior design. Not only does it add coziness, but it also serves as a focal point. Moreover, fireplaces can be modern with sleek lines or large and decorated with tiles or carvings. That said, whether it’s a traditional fireplace or one with a contemporary aesthetic, it can be stunning as a centerpiece either way. 

10. Add Woven Textiles

Southwest style decor in a desert modern bedroom interior design by Courtney B
Southwestern style home interiors by Decorilla designer, Courtney B.

When looking at Southwest desert interior design, it’s important to consider texture and color in a space. Woven textiles embody these elements through bold hues and traditional weaving techniques. Plus, thick, chunky wool blankets and throws can add so much oomph to an interior. Made from soft and warm materials, these are also useful for incorporating a pop of color. 

11. Include Desert-Inspired Southwest Style Decor & Artwork

Southwest style home decor and interior design by Stefany R
Southwest interior design by Decorilla designer, Stefany R.

To add calmness and tranquillity to your Southwestern home, add artwork inspired by the desert. These can be photographs or paintings of desertscapes, cacti, or alternative natural elements. As a result, you’ll have artwork that complements the other fundamentals of the room – like earthy tones and rustic textures. 

Want your own Southwest interior design?

Whether you’re looking for a Southwest interior style or any other look, our team of leading expert designers can help! Simply schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation to get started today.

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