About Southwestern Interior Design

Southwestern interior design elements are commonly thought of as a design that is associated with Arizona or New Mexico; however, you can use this interior design theme no matter where you live. The right color choices along with a few unique design elements will have your home feeling like an authentic southwestern home in no time.

Paint Choices

Your paint choices are very important when choosing a southwestern design theme. Southwestern design is all about nature and the natural elements. Avoid using colors that are in the pastel family. You want to use deep, rich earthy colors such as terra cotta or adobe red. These color choices will make your home feel authentic. Consider using accent colors that are bold and bright that will contrast with your paint choice for you walls. Visual interest and contrast are a great way to make your home stand out from the rest. 

Decorative Elements

Avoid using elements that are southwestern in theme such as pictures of cactuses or a statue of a coyote. These items will make your space feel as if you are trying too hard to achieve the look you want. Instead use items that are true to the location in which you would like to replicate such as live cactuses and pottery. These elements will help your room to feel authentic instead of commercially reproduced.

Furniture Options

No matter what design theme you are trying to achieve it is important to make sure that the scale of your furniture pieces matches the scale of the room. Using pieces that are too large for the room will make it feel cramped and small. Using pieces that are too small will make the space feel large and overpowering in contrast to your small furniture pieces. For an authentic southwestern feel you should choose furniture pieces that are made of all natural materials such as leather or suede. Use contrasting throw pillows on your couch and chairs will bring visual interest and texture to you furniture pieces.