If you want to relax in a warm retreat that embraces nature’s beauty and bold pops of cultural art, then Southwestern style is perfect for you. The aesthetic is highly customizable — so keep your interiors simple or go as big and bold as your heart desires. This earth-toned style will also keep your spaces one with the outdoors while tapping into fun accents, like geometric patterns and unique decor.

Understanding Southwestern Style

While elements of Southwestern style are ancient, it started to take shape as a distinct style in the early 1900s. As the style evolved, it was shaped by the landscape of the U.S. Southwest. The style was also heavily impacted by the Native Americans, Spanish settlers, and Mexican artisans who lived on that land, making it an aesthetic rich in culture.

Distinct rugs, for example, are inspired by Navajo influences and are a staple to Southwestern style. Common designs also include Navajo textiles, woven baskets, and pottery.

And when Spanish colonialism spread through the Southwest, so did distinct Spanish building features, including wooden beams, wrought iron pieces, large wooden doors, and stucco walls. Later, Mexican settlers brought bright patterns, pottery, and handcrafted tiles to the region.

Mary Colter

As one of the few female architects of the early 20th century, Mary Colter rejected European design standards and embraced Native American and Spanish heritage, incorporating them into her influential designs. Using her deep understanding of Pueblo building techniques, she created structures that blended seamlessly with the look of the land.

Georgia O’Keeffe

By the mid-1920s, Georgia O’Keefe was one of America’s most important artists. After summer trips to New Mexico, she was taken by the landscape and Native American and Mexican cultures of the Southwest. Georgia spent two decades creating paintings inspired by the desert landscapes that became a facet of Southwestern style. Her unique use of pinks, yellows, reds, and purples in her paintings brought fresh inspiration to the Southwestern palette.

Key features of Southwestern interior design

Southwestern style is very flexible, and there are many ways to blend influences and approach the aesthetic. Some take a more Bohemian approach, using more terracotta or green features for a truly earthy style. Others choose exposed stone for its Rustic charm.

But before you make this style your own, it’s essential to understand the foundational elements of Southwestern style.

Desert color palette

Southwestern style is primarily known for its natural approach to design. Homes feel like extensions of the beautiful desert landscapes they are inspired by. So, colors typically include sandy beiges, natural browns, and burnt oranges or reds. These color palettes will bring a warm earthiness to any space.

Reclaimed wood and handcrafted furniture

Southwest-inspired furniture typically uses reclaimed resources, like repurposed wood for fireplace mantles or benches. Furniture sourced from local artisans — think handbuilt tile headboards and carved plant stands — also gives spaces a splash of authentic Southwestern culture.

Bold patterns in tiles, rugs, and textiles

Bold, geometric patterns add visual interest to Southwestern spaces. Brightly colored throw pillows, Navajo rugs, and Mexican Talavera tiles draw the eye around the room while breaking up neutral spaces.

Unique ceramics and native greenery

The use of ceramics from different cultures is a distinct feature of Southwestern style. Beautiful ceramic styles reflect the depth and culture of the region’s tribes, such as Acoma Pueblo, Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni. Native foliage, like succulents and cacti, is also featured frequently around Southwestern homes to showcase the beauty of nature.

Ways to incorporate Southwestern interior design into your home

No matter where you live, Southwestern style can be a fun and rich addition to your home. Here are some ways to bring that desert chic style to your space.

Opt for desert neutrals

At the heart of every Southwestern design is the desert-neutral color palette. When you start your design journey, stick to colors that mimic the natural tones of desert landscapes. Try light beiges or muted yellows on your walls, or consider terracotta pots as accent pieces. If you want brighter pops of color, go for a light turquoise or a burnt orange to complete the look. Cacti and succulents also add color to your space without straying from the neutral palette.

Embrace Southwestern heritage

Southwestern style is a rich amalgamation of the cultures of the American Southwest. When designing your space, explore the different design elements of the Navajo Natives, Mexican settlers, and Spanish settlers. By researching the cultural roots of this style, you’ll create an impactful space that embodies nature, culture, and soul.

Keep plenty of natural light

A great rule of thumb is to keep rooms warm and bright. Imagine walking through a sunny Arizona landscape full of sandy deserts and mountains. Your space should embody the same feelings of that desert stroll. To achieve this, choose curtains that won’t block warm, natural light — like sheer drapes in light colors. If possible, keep all doorways and windows bare to maximize the brightness and energy of the space. If your space doesn’t have many windows, look for warm bulbs to illuminate the area.

Shop from local artisans

One of the most exciting parts of Southwestern style is the chance to shop from local artisans. Look for artists who live in the region — or those who draw inspiration from its melting pot of cultures. When searching for pieces, try to find options from handcrafted designers, Navajo rug and textile weavers, hand-throwing potters, and local tile painters. Buying pieces in close proximity to the landscape you’re imitating will connect your design to the heart of Southwestern living.

Amplify your Southwestern design experience with Onton

Need a little help with your Southwestern design overhaul? Pass the baton to Onton to cross the finish line with the desert oasis of your dreams.

Onton Discover

Check out Onton Discover to explore spaces that inspire you. With dozens of styles generated by other users, you can easily find the elements that speak to you.

Onton Imagine

Get a detailed view of Southwestern style in your own home with Onton Imagine. Upload a photo of any space (or use one of Onton’s preset rooms) and write a detailed prompt to achieve the perfect warm retreat.

Onton Search

Next, use Onton Search to source beautiful Navajo rugs or a bold tile backsplash. As you consider all your amazing pieces, save products to your Collections for a portfolio of options to reference when you need inspiration.

Try Onton for free today and unlock the full potential of Southwestern design!