11 Southwest Interior Design Ideas (With Pictures)

If you’re looking for a design emphasizing rustic elements and unique decor choices, then check out these 19 Southwest interior design ideas. We’ve included everything from vibrant, Spanish-inspired colors to muted browns with that rustic country feel.

The 11 Southwest Interior Design Ideas

1. Vivid Patterns- some rolling stone

If you’ve ever been to Mexico or seen pictures of the locals, you’ve probably seen the incredibly vibrant ponchos that they wear. Those incredible colors and vivid patterns make it through into this rustic southwest living room.

Not only does it have that incredible area rug, but the unique pillows all pull it together. And the light colors on the walls and the couch give it that modern feel for a nice contrast.

2. Spanish-Inspired in the Southwest- hgtv

Many Southwest designs incorporate a lot of Spanish–inspired colors and patterns. This space is an example of how Southwest doesn’t mean it has to be rustic with muted colors. There is still a rustic feel here, but it’s complemented by the incredible, vibrant colors and art.

Another nice thing about this room is the exposed beams on the ceiling and curved doorway. Both add to that cozy Southwest feel.

3. Minimalist and Rustic-tigmi trading

Sometimes we expect a rustic design to require tons of decor and lots of wooden furniture. This entryway proves that simple decor can achieve the desired result. Simply hanging a hat and rosary over a wooden stool gives you all the info you need to know this is a classic Southwest space. The crisp white walls and floor also contrast nicely with the bit of color from the vibrant area rug.

4. Southwest Living Room- the boo and the boy

Here’s another living room that does a great job of striking that balance between clean and modern with lots of light creams and whites and the contrast of rustic tables and patterns. Then the cactus in the corner gives it that true-blue Southwest flavor. The thing that really stands out with this design is that none of it is too overpowering.

5. Southwest Bedroom- remodel aholic

This bedroom features a similar blue color to the previous design idea. However, this bedroom incorporates a lot more traditional Southwestern decor like pillows, an area rug, and a throw blanket on the bed. The addition of a lot of white and that unique hanging light gives it a more modern feel—an almost steampunk design—which is a nice contrast with the room’s rustic appeal.

6. Wall Chalkboard With a Southwest Flair- tigmi trading

They didn’t have chalkboard walls in the Wild West, but the chalkboard wall in this space gives it a fun, modern feel to an otherwise Southwest design. The old wooden table and the area rug are country through and through. Then you have a big steer skull hanging from the chalkboard so that no one forgets what inspired this room.

7. Lots of Color- remodel a holic

This design isn’t for someone who needs everything to match and complement itself; there is a lot going on. At a glance, it almost doesn’t look like it makes sense. But even the many different colors and patterns work for what this room is. An old parcel as a table and the drum are two unique decor additions that really make this room stand out as something special.

8. Southwest Decor- quadro style

Not quite as in-your-face as the last one, but there is still a lot going on in this space. The main difference is there’s a much bigger emphasis on the muted colors. There are lots of browns and blacks incorporated into this decor. The hanging rug, the hanging lights, and the cacti all bring together this room’s Southwest feel.

9. Spanish-inspired Entry- quadro style

Not quite as much going on in this Spanish-inspired Southwest design as in the previous one. However, there is still a lot; it’s just different. The emphasis is on the magnificent area rug with all its colors and patterns. Then there are the pillows and drapes as well. The exposed ceiling beams and curved doorway both add a nice country flair to the whole thing as well.

10. Lots of Brown in the Southwest- jhill interiors

For how much color there is in this room, it’s actually pretty easy to miss because it features very muted browns, yellows, and reds—all of which are very Southwest design color choices. One nice thing about this space that we haven’t seen in any of the others is the rustic brown tiles. It’s a nod to a more modern design, but it retains that country feel through the color and texture.

11. Curved Architecture- oriental lamp shade

Curved, stucco architecture is common in some of the older, more rustic Southwest designs. The indented spot for the pictures in this hallway adds an interesting depth. Walking down this hallway would surely feel like you’re walking into an old cowboy movie as you take in the beautiful hardwood floor covered by the Spanish-inspired area rug. Then you have the super unique decor hanging at the end of the hallway.

Characteristics of Southwest Design

Several characteristics are common to find in a Southwest interior design. A lot of them come down to color and decor.

Closing Thoughts

There you have it. Now that we’ve got those gears turning with this list of southwest interior design ideas, how will you style that next reno project? Suppose you’re interested in mixing various styles. In that case, there are many modern elements and boho elements that will fit into a Southwest design to create something functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Other interior design ideas:

• 10 Luxury Interior Design Ideas
• 15 Bauhaus Interior Design Ideas (with Pictures)
• 9 Cottage and Cabin Interior Design Ideas (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Max Vakhtbovych, Pexels