Style Spotlight: Southwest Decor

Southwest Design Style is derived from a mix of cultures in American and Spanish traditions: the Spanish origins of Mexico, and Indigenous cultures of North and Central America. All of this, along with the landscape of the southwestern US itself, comes together to inspire what is known as Southwestern Decor. 

Despite its geographic designation, Southwestern design style is frequently seen in homes all over America and elsewhere. Growing in popularity most noticeably after WWII, homeowners began to use souvenirs from trips to the American Southwest as inspiration for decor. 

Southwest decor has evolved over the years, taking on defining characteristics such as the terrace-and-step design characteristic among Indigenous weavings as well as Navajo-style basketry and area rugs.   

Southwest Decor style has become more versatile and even developed a spin off, more modern style. This more minimalist take that is emerging makes Southwest style more adaptable for those who love the style but prefer a more streamlined look. Here, we’ll explore the difference between the Traditional American Southwest Design Style and the Modern Southwest Design Style. 

Southwest versus Modern Southwest Design Style 

The American Southwest was settled by the Spanish. To this day, Spanish influences remain in the architecture and interior design. However, before the Spanish invaded the area, it was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, the largest of which was the Navajo tribe. Known for their talents in textiles, they are especially celebrated for their wall hangings, blankets, and rugs in their unique style. Not to mention other handcrafted items, including woven baskets and pottery. This is what the traditional Southwest Design Style evolved from. 

Modern southwest style is a pared down version of the traditional version. More minimalist and less eclectic, it feels cleaner and less fussy. Modern spaces are carefully laid out, often consisting of smaller areas within large rooms, defined by area rugs and shelving. It has also grown to include a more modern take on furniture and decor. 

The Colors of the Southwest

Traditional Southwestern design style is rich in red, orange, yellow, and gold, with accents of turquoise. It could be described as evocative of the desert sky at sunset.  

Modern Southwest style is reminiscent of the earth tones in the desert. With the occasional pop of color… like a cactus or lizard skittering across the sand.     

Southwest in the Kitchen

The food of the Southwest is at the heart of its culture. It is renowned for its incredibly flavorful meals, presented in colorful, beautiful ways. Embracing the theme, a traditional Southwest kitchen is bright and bold with mosaics and terracotta, creating a welcoming gathering place. 

Appliances 

Whatever kind of cooking appliance you choose, remember that the kitchen is the heart of the home and will attract family and friends — much like a fire attracts desert wanderers. Classic appliances are generally black or even pewter. Pick matching refrigeration and dishwashing appliances to complete the look. 

Add a Modern Twist 

For an updated look, choose appliances that complement your Southwest decor while accommodating your modern lifestyle. Consider uncommon colors such as bronze, ivory, or a pop of color for an eclectic look.  

Don't Forget the Sinks and Faucets 

The classic Southwest sink is porcelain, cast iron, fireclay, or even an interesting mosaic design. You will usually find it accompanied by a faucet of stainless steel or brass. The living finish of brass adds to the unique aesthetic as it ages, naturally reflecting the colors of the style. 

Add a Modern Twist

A farmhouse-style sink is often the update for this decor style, but large, roomy, drop-in sinks work as well. Explore any material options in bronze, copper, ivory, or add a pop of color here. Choose an ornate faucet in a shade that works well with your sink or one that is reminiscent of a desert water pump. 

Southwestern Lighting

Your lighting can shine in the warm amber fixtures of the classic Southwest style. Lighting is ornamental, eclectic, and expressive of the southwest landscape. Look for Tiffany-style pendants and chandeliers in colorful designs to add to the decor. 

Add a Modern Twist

Modern Southwest lighting is bigger, lighter, brighter, and cooler in tone. Consider fans with Southwest patterns, antique silver chandeliers, and pendants in brilliant, updated colors. 

Southwestern Style Flooring

Flooring in the classic style is generally warm and rich in color. Hardwood in various shades or terracotta tile mimics the look of the clay or desert earth commonly found in the southwest.   

Add a Modern Twist

The modern Southwest design cools it down with tones of grey, wood plank, or even near-black, reminiscent of sun-bleached or weathered decking in the region. 

The Perfect Southwestern Style Decor

Decor is where the difference between the classic Southwest style and its modern counterpart really shows. Individual personality and love of the southwest region can really shine through in your individual decor choices. Choose unfinished pottery and tapestries for the classic Southwest style. Consider religious iconography and murals of indigenous scenes to bring life to a space. 

Add a Modern Twist 

Glazed pottery in bold colors, cow steer skull art with live plants, and cacti are just some of the ways to update the Southwest look. 

Classic Southwest Design Furniture

Warm leather and oak furniture, often with metal accents of copper and bronze, are popular in the classic style. Add throw pillows with Southwestern prints in gold, oranges, and turquoise. Accent wood furniture is usually earth tones, rough or polished, sometimes with ornate carvings. 

Add a Modern Twist 

Leather, always a classic, is still a safe bet in the updated Southwest decor. Meanwhile, accent furniture has taken a decidedly colorful turn. Incorporate distressed furniture in shades of bright blues, yellows, lime greens, and pale violet. Stick with grey or ivory-colored woods to maintain a more neutral palette. 

Area Rugs and Wall Coverings

In the classic Southwest design style, area rugs are given a spotlight. Similarly, wallcovering designs in intricate patterns are a great way to drive home the Southwestern style. Consider animal-skin style rugs as well, as these are traditional to Indigenous cultures. 

Add a Modern Twist  

To update the look, look for non-traditional geometric patterns in bold hues like purple and navy. 

Always in Style 

Whether you’re a new fan of the style or are looking for some updates, Southwest Decor comes from a region that is rich with life and history, and that never goes out of fashion.