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Western Chic Interiors: A Cowgirl’s Guide to Decorating a Southwestern Home

Showcasing the beauty of desert landscapes and embodying the heart and soul of the great American west, southwestern style is warm, energetic, and vibrant. The Brumbaugh family is proud to have been a part of the southwestern way of life for generations, and our passion for this lifestyle is showcased in literally everything we do – including the way we decorate our homes!

With that said, there are many different ways to achieve the southwestern décor style. The way you choose to outfit your home in this rustic style will largely depend on how contemporary or traditional you prefer your interiors to be.

For example, if you lean toward contemporary, you can create a minimalist space by utilizing elements like whitewashed walls with subtle, dark-wood accents and furniture with simple, clean lines. On the other hand, you can create a more dramatic space by utilizing textured stucco walls, bold layered textiles, and detailed decorative accessories. Simple or bold, vibrant or subdued, dramatic or understated, there are countless ways you can take this décor style and adapt it to your needs to make it your own.

Create the Space

Choosing your particular style of southwestern decor is the best place to start. White, light, and airy. Rich, dark jewel tones. A mix of both. The choice is yours. Once you decide which specific direction you’d like to take your southwestern interior, here’s what to consider next.

Desert Tones

Warm, bold tones are the backbone of southwestern décor. Browns, tans, pinks, mauve, and purple provide the perfect backdrop for any southwestern room. These hues also help create a palette that will really make your home colors pop. In the end, the goal is to create a space that feels as though it was inspired by the desert.

Decorating a Southwestern Home - KitchenVia HGTV.com  

 

Warm Lighting

Reminiscent of a desert sunset, you can use warm lighting to really create some drama in your space. Golden toned lights make browns richer, pinks warmer, and purples deeper.

When creating warm lighting, the key is layering. Most of us know we can layer textures and color, but did you know you can actually layer light? This is accomplished by using several sources of light in one space.

For example, in your living room, you could have track lighting running on the ceiling (with warm light bulbs, of course). A lantern can sit in the center of the coffee table while two candles flicker on the mantle and table lamps sit behind the sofa on a console table. Having several sources of warm light throughout each room will create a wonderfully cozy ambiance you’ll adore coming home to each day.

Decorating a Southwestern Home - LightingVia Roaring Fork Builders

 

Leather

Call us biased, but we believe leather is one of the most essential components to any southwestern home. Whether it be an accent chair with a dominant, bold textile or a simple sofa with leather trim for a subtle pop with some visual contrast, it can go a long way in creating an authentic southwestern vibe for your home.

Southwestern Home SofaCaramel Chauncy Sofa

 

A sofa like the Caramel Chauncey pictured above is well-suited for any southwestern home. With a rich, earthy colored leather and classic button tufting, this piece is a western wonderland. Note the other rustic textures apparent throughout the room as well as the many desert-inspired colors and materials.

Modern Southwestern HomeVia The Brickhouse on Tumblr

 

On the other hand, if you prefer a more modern western chic look, leather can still be easily incorporated into your decor by placing cowhide rugs in your living area, bedroom, or dining room.

Cowhide Rug - Modern WesternRug: Brumbaugh’s Fine Home FurnishingsInterior: Vandalay Designs

 

An unexpected plus to cowhide rugs is that they actually meld beautifully with almost any type of decor, as seen above in this beautiful room created by Vandalay Designs.

Don’t Forget to Accessorize

Now that you’ve got the basics covered, it’s time to get started on the detail work. You can go as big and bold as you want or you can keep things more subtle. The choice is yours. Pick a theme or mix and match to create your perfect southwestern aesthetic.

Fringe Accents

When in doubt, fringe it out. Fringe is a fun and whimsical way to add some texture to your space. We like our fringe in small doses, as seen on our High and Mighty Ottoman. But you can also add fringe in several ways, like with throw pillows or lampshade accents.

Southwestern Home - OttomanHigh and Mighty Ottoman

 

Woven Textile

Woven textiles go a long way in adding some depth and texture to a room. Whether it be wall hangings, throw pillows, or even blankets, woven textiles add a soft and genuine look to any space. Stick to natural fibers in rich earth tones or vibrant jewel tones to really enhance the space.

Western Chic Interiors: A Cowgirl's Guide to Decorating a Southwestern HomeBazaar Sumptuous Chair

 

Cacti

No southwestern theme is complete without some desert foliage. Keep it simple with some tabletop succulents or go all-out with a full-sized cactus.

Western Chic Interiors: A Cowgirl's Guide to Decorating a Southwestern Home

Pops of Bold Colors

Just because earth tones dominate in southwestern décor doesn’t mean it all needs to be toned down. Those toned down browns and tans act as the perfect backdrop for some pops of bold color. We love to add turquoise for a touch of truly southwestern flair.

Santa Fe HaciendaVia Houzz

 

Aztec patterns

Rich Aztec patterns and prints are another great way to add some drama to a room. Available in a huge variety of color schemes, Aztec prints are a fun way to switch things up. Use contrasting prints for some visual excitement or keep things matching for a strong underlying theme.

Southwest Print ChairKing Chair

 

Metallic Accents

Metallic details and accents are the perfect way to add a little sparkle and shine to your home. Reminiscent of a golden desert sunset, copper and gold match perfectly with the southwestern aesthetic. You can choose to add these shimmery elements as much or as little as you like.

Jan Barboglio CrossRose Cross

 

On the hunt for southwestern-inspired decor?

Brumbaugh’s provides the look and feel of the Old West to astute homeowners throughout the world. From vintage-western to Tuscan-chic, Brumbaugh’s offers over 50,000 square feet of elegant, ranch, fine-home furnishings you just won’t find anywhere else.

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