Southwestern Decor Ideas for Authentic Style
Create a welcoming space with these southwestern decor ideas.
You don't have to live in the great American Southwest to celebrate its style. From its brilliant desert sunsets to its funky cactuses, the region offers so much design inspiration. Redo your entire space with a traditional southwestern theme, or add just one or two decor elements for an equally satisfying impact.
Check out our southwestern decor ideas for any (or every) room in your home.
Colorful, Patterned Area Rugs
Any room will take on an authentic southwestern feel with the addition of a colorful area rug. Choose one in a colorful design that pays tribute to the region's brilliant landscapes. Include the rug as part of your room's overall southwestern theme, or add it to an otherwise neutral space (as shown in this photo) for subtle, beautiful results.
Pottery and ceramics are a staple of southwestern design. Dot your decor with vases and urns in colors inspired by the region: neutral desert sands, rustic earth tones, and bright turquoise. Place a large urn in the entryway to hold umbrellas. Display cooking utensils in a bright countertop vase. Enhance a bookshelf with an array of miniature vases. Each little item adds loads of style.
When you're overwhelmed by southwestern decor ideas, start with something simple. Accent pillows are one of the easiest ways to introduce a design into a space. Add throw pillows or bolsters to a sofa or chair. Place a floor pillow in front of the fireplace. Mix solid color pillows with patterned ones for a cohesive, but not overwhelming, presentation.
Wall art lets you show off your personal brand of southwestern style: rustic, modern, or a little bit of boho chic! Look for art that features cacti, bison, or a desert sunset. Or hang an eye-catching abstract print that invokes the brilliant orange and red colors of the region.
Spice up your space with thoughtful accent pieces like stools, ottomans, and tables. Look for earthy pieces made of stone or wood for a rustic vibe. Or introduce an exciting piece of metal decor for modern southwestern flair.
The right lamp can complete a room. To enhance your southwestern decor, look for desert lodge-style lamps made of ceramic, wood, or metal. They'll play off the other features in the space for that perfect finishing touch.
No southwestern decor ideas are complete without a cactus. Place them on end tables, mantels, or the coffee table to round out your southwestern space.
Incorporate one or all of these southwestern decor ideas into your design for a truly inspired space!
Written by Mary Fetzer
