Timeless Approach Modern Southwestern Style

Earth tones, bold patterns and natural accents are always in Southwestern style. Take a contemporary look at these time-honored designs.

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March 07, 2023

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Where Elegance Meets Southwest

The timeless approach to modern southwestern style is achieved by pulling together earth hues, rustic woods and patterns that find the line between modern and bold — all without falling into kitsch. Starting with white walls gives you the perfect jumping off point to incorporate a mix of textures — from the whitewashed brick wall and wide-plank floors to the tufted navy sectional and nailhead-trimmed chairs.

From: Tracy Lynn Studio

Layers are Key

Take a note from this warm dining room on the right way to layer pattern and texture. Stick with a neutral, close-knit color palette — taupes, browns, grays and deep greens — and then pull from different motifs. An abstract southwestern rug grounds the combo of plaid and leather chairs, and the entire room is wrapped tactile wallpaper. Striking, oversized art makes a statement without being too busy.

From: Duet Design Group

Bright + Cozy

Centered around a clay fireplace, this cozy seating area seamlessly combines the indoors and out. A pair of geometric-printed armchairs are a bold punch of color in the all-white space, and a bubble chandelier delivers a chicly modern touch.

From: Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Refresh the Past

At its heart southwest style is natural and warm with a heavy dose of indigenous-inspired patterns and a touch of Spanish influence. From the artwork choices to the rug selection, these living spaces are the epitome of southwestern style in the now. Designer Cortney Bishop pulls from the past, while also staying firmly in the present.

From: Cortney Bishop Design

Ground in Terracotta

A hallmark of southwestern design is terracotta, whether found on rooftops, for planters or underfoot in tiles. This soaring pitched roof made of exposed timbers balances the terracotta tile floors in this expansive living space. Door and windows trimmed in soft blue establish a moment of color in the white-walled interior.

From: Bill Bocken

Max Out the Southwest

The great room of HGTV Dream Home 2019 is a picturesque retreat with all the characteristics of southwest design. Starting from the ground up, a blue, orange and rust patterned rug is layered over a dark brown sisal. Cowhide stools, vintage armchairs and a deeply comfortable sectional center around a concrete-and-reclaimed wood coffee table. Topping off the space is a tiered chandelier and a locally made moose head.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Or Opt for Minimal Touches

You don’t have to go full-on maximalist with southwestern design. Grab a few pillows or an area rug in the unmistakable patterns and incorporate them into your mid-century modern or contemporary living room.

From: Faith Blakeney

Say Yes to Wood and Leather

Two essential materials for any southwestern design, whether historical or modern, are rustic woods and time-worn leathers. Neutral stucco walls team up with an exposed wood beam ceiling, stone floors and warmly patterned textiles. A mix of gauzy taupe and checkered curtains filter in natural light and provide privacy when needed.

From: Santa Fe Properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

Utilize What You Have

Few design styles maximize the use of antlers like the southwest. Surrounded by a plethora of animals that shed their antlers every year, it was only natural to start incorporating these sculpture-like elements into their interiors and exteriors. Jackson Hole, Wyo., has entire arches made of antlers in their town square — a nod to the beautiful elk that inhabit the area.

Highlight Your Surroundings

Images of the desert may be your first vision of the region, but incredible mountains are an integral part of the landscape, as well. Here, a gray-scale mountain mural is the backdrop for a comfy bedroom. The wall-mounted leather headboard sits against blackened paneling, and a mixture of contemporary abstracts and printed stripes dress the bed.

From: Joe Human

Make a Change

Trade out heavy woods for glass. Swap out deep oranges for salmon and grab brass instead of iron. What do you have? A modern, brighter take on southwestern design. Rugged woods still make an appearance, as well as leather and cowhide, but the overall aesthetic is airy and lively.

From: Kerrie Kelly

Show Off Your Art

Whatever your design style preference, there is always art. Make use of a transition space by turning it into an art gallery. No longer a pass-through in your home, it’ll stop you in your tracks. Edward Lentsch art panels sit across from an impressive tree ring table, displaying horse sculptures and a cow skull.

From: Angelica Henry Design

Lean Into the Trendy

Black-and-white wallpaper has the power to transform any space from ho-hum to dynamic. The arrow-inspired wallpaper is a trendy take on the region’s prints and provides a backdrop that equal parts boho and southwest.

Try Something Different

For the living space of HGTV Dream Home 2014, the love of wooden accents is taken to a new level. In addition to structural wooden beams, a geometric pattern of cedar squares is installed in a grid pattern around the room. Rich grays and red-orange hues create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Make It Moody

Dark and moody, this living room is bursting with reclaimed wood – on the floor, the ceiling and framing the doorways. Charred wood creates an incredible display above the fireplace.