What Is Southwestern Style?

Southwestern style has become extremely popular in home decor. Learn about the history of Southwestern style and how to achieve the look in your home.

Known for its earthy color palettes and rustic accents, Southwestern style has become incredibly popular in the home decor and design world. Pulling influence from Indigenous history, culture, and textile craft; Spanish settlers’ building methods; and the rustic charm of the “wild” American West, Southwestern style has a much longer and far more varied history than you might think.

The History of Southwestern Style

In historical terms, Southwestern style has three major influences:

1. 1. Indigenous Peoples: Long before any settlers arrived in the American Southwest, the region was inhabited by Indigenous tribes—particularly, the Navajo. The Navajo have an incredibly long history of producing beautiful, vibrant, woven blankets and textiles; handmade pottery and woven baskets; and personal goods, like turquoise jewelry and leather items. Today, you can still see much of the Navajo influence in Southwestern style. If you choose to decorate with Navajo-inspired home accents, opt to purchase your goods directly from Navajo craftsmen and women, or those residing in the Navajo Nation. Not only will it directly support a local artisan, but also it’ll boost the local economy.
   2. Spanish settlers: Spanish settlers were some of the first to arrive in the Southwestern United States. Because the Southwest has a climate similar to Spain, many settlers used traditional building techniques to build their new homesteads. Using the materials available in the region, like adobe (for the walls) and red clay (for roof tiles), these settlers propagated their building style across the region. Some key elements of Spanish Colonial style include thick, white stucco walls, red clay roof tiles, wooden beams and accents, and earthy color palettes.

1. The American West: The iconic “wild west” is also a major influence in today’s Southwestern home decor. Because many American settlers arrived in the hot, harsh terrain with very little, they had to make do with what was available to them. Items that were once considered utilitarian—like cowhide rugs, rustic, wooden furniture, and hammered metal accents—are now key elements in Southwestern style…

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