There is a way of getting out of the cookie-cutter mold of interior design—adopting the Southwestern interior design motif. This discovery will introduce you, like most Americans, to kitschy, ethnic-inspired stuff and howling bright colors. The Southwestern interior design style can be revisited with a sophisticated, fresh look to provide the intended, more refined alternative for old-style lovers.
The Southwestern decor is usually warm, vibrant, and energetic. It showcases the beauty of desert landscapes of the American West.
Follow the tips below to achieve a true Southwestern interior design.
Staples of Southwestern Design
Warm Lighting
You can use warm lighting reminiscent of a desert sunset to create drama in your space. Make browns richer, pinks warmer, and purples deeper through golden-toned lights. Layering is critical in creating warm, layered lighting. Use several sources of light in one space. In your living room, for example, you could use warm light bulbs. You can use a lantern in a coffee table center with candles, and table lamps on the side for a cozy ambiance.
Furniture
Use antiques, primitive furniture, and distressed pieces to blend perfectly with leather.
Leather and Area Rugs
Leather is an essential component of any Southwestern home. Examples include an accent chair or a simple sofa covered with leather. You can also use cowhide rugs or Southwestern rugs as floor coverings in your living area, dining room or bedroom. Southwestern rugs match perfectly with almost any type of décor. For Southwestern area rugs we recommend SouthwesternRugsDepot.com.
Adobe Walls
Create an illusion use a pre-mixed texture compound available at any home improvement center. Also, use adobe, stucco, or smooth stone with natural wood and brick.
Elements
Red-tile or flat roofs with low-slung, one-story design work well. Asymmetrical exteriors tend to have small, irregularly placed windows with a flat low-pitched roof. There is also usually a little overhang stay, with arches in and out of the house.
It is advisable to have a courtyard, patio or other living areas with extensive colorful gardens showcasing tropical plants and succulents.
Accessorize
Fringe Accents
Fringe it out when in doubt. Fringe is a whimsical and a fun way to add some texture to your space. You could add fringe accents in small doses, or diversify in several ways, such as with a throw pillow or a lampshade accent.
- Woven Textile
It adds some depth and texture into a room. It comes in the form of wall hangings, throw pillows, Southwestern rugs, or even blankets. They add to a soft and genuine look into any space. Natural fibers in rich earth tones or vibrant jewel tones add enhancement to space.
- Paintings
A Southwestern style goes with large murals.
- Cacti
Go for succulents or a full-sized cactus.
- Pops of Bold Colors
The earth tones are a perfect backdrop for bold color (e.g., turquoise). Bold, vibrant, and warm colors (e.g., orange, red, gold, yellow, blue and desert-toned neutral hues) dominate the interiors and exteriors.
- Aztec Patterns
To add some drama to your room, you can add rich Native American and Aztec patterns and prints. Both contrasting and matching themes add some strong, visual excitement. Intricate carvings, woven blankets, Talavera pottery, Kachina dolls, bleached skulls and bones, hand-painted tiles on the walls, floors, and countertops, and punched tin Spanish folk art, are some examples of accessories that accentuate the Southwestern-style home.
- Metallic Accents
Add sparkle and shine to your home with metallic details and accents. Fill in as much or as little as you like.
The Southwestern style is great because it is both bright and toned down. Calm, comfortable, and bold come into this style as well. You can add as much or as little of the bright colors, patterns, and designs that you want.
The Southwestern style can be amply enjoyed by those either very confident or very unsure as to what design and arrangement of ideas you want to materialize. In the end, you get a versatile room personalized by your style and ideas.