What is Adobe Design?

Warm, rustic and natural, adobe design has its roots in the southwest and continues to be an integral part of the region.

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Defining Adobe Design

We’ll start at the beginning, shall we? The word “adobe” is the heavy clay used in making bricks of sun-dried earth and straw. Used for thousands of years and found throughout the world, the building material is ideal for dry, desert-like climates like the southwestern United States.

Bring in the Warmth With Wood

Since adobe style pulls inspiration from the earth and natural surroundings, wood plays an integral part to the overall design. Large timbers frame the covered porches of this private backyard, bringing a rustic aesthetic, as well as flowing effortlessly with the adobe exterior.

From: Santa Fe Properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

Pulling From the Past

Traditionally, adobe designs were built from sun-dried mud bricks, but today’s homes mix in cement, stucco and mortar for stronger structures. This stunning home in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with its welcoming outdoor space is a modern interpretation of the ancient style. Smooth pebbles outline the patio for a chic geometric design, and a simple water feature adds ambience to the space.

From: P.V. Realty, S.A. de C.V.

Opt for Functionality + Style

With a complete nod to the past, this home may be outfitted for a modern family but its exterior is full of history. The architecture features easy-to-source, local materials: clay, straw or grass, and water. Not only were the thick walls durable, but they also absorbed heat during the day that would release at night to keep families warm during cool desert night.

Get Inspired by Your Surroundings

You can truly see how the adobe materials of this design style are a product of their surroundings. Located near Utah’s Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, this home seamlessly blends into its surroundings. Ancient meets of-the-moment with a combo of a streamlined boxy exterior and modern metal accents and large glass windows.

From: Windermere Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Take a Venture Outside

Another essential of adobe design is an inviting outdoor space. Whether found as an intimate patio or rooftop garden, a place to gather outside is part of enjoying the gorgeous desert landscape. Spanish-inspired gates lead to a cozy patio with a fireplace and soothing copper-and-stacked stone water feature.

Use Landscaping to Highlight the Exterior

Built along the Turquoise Trail in New Mexico, HGTV Dream Home 2010 pairs a stucco exterior with metal detailing. Beds of yucca and native pine are planted within a golden groundcover, created from crushed stone — highlighting the warm, desert tones of the home.

Embrace a Minimalist Setting

The desert’s hot and dry climate may make it hard for a lot of vegetation to flourish, but the on the flip side, it makes for easy-to-maintain, minimalist landscaping. Sweeping grasses, low-water trees and cacti add softness to the rustic stonework of the pool and outdoor kitchen.

Flatten Those Roofs

Flat roofs are a hallmark of adobe design. Rounded edges bordered the roofs to serve as a barrier to collect rainwater — a necessity in hot, dry climates. Though rainwater collection may not always be a top priority for modern families, flat roofs remain an integral part of the style.

From: Willis Allen Real Estate

…Or Step Up to Terracotta

If you’re stepping away from a flat roof, a low-pitched roof made up of terracotta tiles is the way to go. Natural woods, stucco walls and minimalist landscaping surround the patio, where a comfortable seating area sits in front of the adobe-style fireplace.

From: Tate Studio Architects

All About the Shape

Ancient adobe homes started off round before they began building rectangular designs. This gorgeous home in Mexico harkens back to the past with its curved silhouette and rope-tied wood railing. Of course, it’s firmly in the present with its upscale swimming pool and ultimate outdoor hangout.

From: P.V. Realty, S.A. de C.V.

Draw From Nature

Natural, earthy hues mimic the shades of the surrounding desert. A dramatic entrance not only impresses guests when they arrive, but also provides shade to the front door. Opt for different shades of stone to create a textured and eye-catching design.

From: Mark Silva

Add in Vibrant Colors

Though sandy hues play a big role in southwestern design, it doesn’t mean you should shy away from bold colors. Bright red, oranges and yellows, as well as turquoises and cool greens bring brightness to the brown, tawny and bleached shades of the region.

From: Kathryn Prideaux

Cultivate a Cacti Garden

Embrace the beauty of where you live by landscaping with native plants. Bring in a wide variety of cacti to deliver instant texture and interest to your home; plus, you get the added benefit of a low maintenance garden.

From: Pascale Land Design

Work With Your Surroundings

In the hot climates of the southwest, dry soil leads to erosion. In order to keep erosion at bay, smart landscaping structures are a must have. Here, a gabion wall — made of wirework containers full of rocks — was installed in the backyard. Not only does it help with erosion, but it also makes use of natural resources.

From: Sage Design Studios

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