Southwestern Decor Is Trending — Here’s How To Channel The Look In Your Own Home

A confluence of history, culture and craftsmanship, there’s no place on earth quite like the American Southwest. The aesthetic is the byproduct of its past and present residents and the vast landscape that makes places like New Mexico and Arizona so distinctive. “The Southwestern look is defined by the intersections of history, culture and design,” says Anasazi Managing Director Lutz at Rosewood Inn Arnhold says to TZR. “Beyond the aesthetics, the design elements are the result of a centuries-old rich history of our region, shaped by the fusion of Native American and Spanish cultures.” The dramatic terrain — from the Sonoran Desert to Bryce Canyon — certainly plays out a role. “The region’s natural environment has a major impact, including the canyons, deserts and rock formations that make up such a distinctive part of the landscape,” adds Arnhold.

It’s not too surprising that a region like the South West, steeped in history, culture and natural splendor, has a palpable spirituality; This can be seen at Rosewood Outpost in Santa Fe. “For example, Chaco Canyon served as the main inspiration for our property’s rock fountain and skylight mural – design elements that evoke the natural elements of the canyon and were also specifically designed to draw positive spirits into the property,” says Arnhold.

Reflecting this Southwest spirit in your own home encourages creativity and an experimental attitude. “I didn’t have a design concept for Casa Gallina per se. I’m from the East Coast where every wall is white. I was inspired by the organic spaces in Taos and wanted one filled with artwork and locally made products,” Richard Spera, owner of Casa Gallina, tells TZR. “I found pieces from estate, court and antique shops and listened to my intuition. I wanted to feel good walking into my space.” Following Spera’s lead will introduce an element of storytelling into your Southwest-inspired home that is a building block of the design aesthetic itself. “Fill your space with items that tell stories and make you feel good,” he adds. Upfront, get expert tips on how to channel the Southwest in your personal space, with ideas on where to source and buy your furniture, artwork, and more.

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Integrate organic materials

If you have the opportunity to remodel your home, incorporating organic materials is among the more impactful ways to evoke the Southwest. “Something looks southwest because of its organic feel,” says Spera. “You often find adobe ceilings and curved adobe walls decorated with a mishmash of Mexican primary colors.” If that’s not an option, consider pieces like a fireplace or even rounded terracotta pottery.

Don’t be afraid of colour

Minimalists beware, decorating your home in a Southwestern style usually calls for a colorful palette. “Don’t be afraid of color. I recommend taking a risk and painting walls with bold, warm, saturated colors,” Spera notes, but with one caveat. “Only do this on walls opposite windows.”

… but also rely on earth tones

If a burst of saturated color is different from your personal aesthetic, earth tones work, too. “Start with a neutral palette — creams, grays, tans — and build from there,” says Arnhold.

Maintain artisanal relationships

Part of what makes the Southwest so distinctive is its mosaic of handcrafted goods. “When I need rugs to add texture and warmth to a space, I can call a local rug dealer here in New Mexico who will come by in a van to sell from,” says Spera. “I regularly work with the artisan and aboriginal community here in Taos. Artists will ask me to put pieces on my wall to sell. When they go, they will be replaced by more pieces that will find their way to me. This process of finding and gathering, flowing and coming back evokes the soul of the Southwest, which is the nickname of Taos.”

mix textures

A southwestern home has depth thanks to its masterful blending of textures. Arnhold points to elements like hand-carved doors and wooden ceiling beams, which are contrasted by softer materials like woven carpets and blankets. “Through the soft elements and the art, we add some prints and colors,” he says of the hotel’s design direction.

Shop regional Southwestern art

To add finishing touches to your space, such as artwork and decorative accents, consider sourced from Southwest artists and craftspeople. At the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, the team sourced locally created and artisan elements for the design direction, like hand-woven rugs with antique patterns. They also have art by Joel Greene, Emmi Whitehorse, Ted Larsen, Pedro Surroca and Helen Altman. “Classic Native American textiles and artifacts are all on display, with great care being taken to explain the meaning and history behind each piece and what the symbols and motifs represented mean to the community,” he says. There is also weaving throughout the property, coming from a family of fifth generation weavers, using 100% wool and all-natural dyes. These kinds of thoughtful pieces are the perfect way to ensure your home is steeped in authenticity (and respect for the communities you draw inspiration from).