Southwestern-Inspired Finds That Capture Desert Style
You don't need piles of sand or sweltering heat to bring desert style into your space. With earthy tones, cacti-inspired decor, and tribal patterns you can transform your home into a comfortable Southwestern masterpiece.
by Alyssa Priebe
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Luxe Leather Sofa
For a contemporary living room, opt for pieces that balance luxurious fabrics with clean lines. This sofa from West Elm fits the bill with its minimalist construction and aniline leather materials. You can choose from eight other colors; however we suggest saddle as it will pop with your printed throw pillows, metal accent furniture, and earth-toned color palette. Bonus: Thanks to its removable brass legs, moving this couch into your space will be a breeze. Simply detach, pivot as needed, and reattach when you've found the perfect home for it.
One way to bring the desert into your space is through art. Pick pieces that resemble the shrubs of the South, and you'll capture the look without needing to care for actual plants. Created by Jane Wilder, this cacti print is exactly what we're talking about. The simple piece features layers of green cacti contrasting against a desert sunset to capture the beauty of the wasteland. Available in five sizes, you can get this art with or without a frame; but cedar definitely has our vote as it plays off your other wooden elements.
Obviously a key player in desert style is cacti, but that doesn't mean you have to include the real plant in your home. For starters they can be difficult to care for (and not to mention dangerous) but we've got your solution. With these faux cacti from Pottery Barn you get the look without the hassle of maintenance—or prickly spikes. Choose from two sizes—medium and extra large—or get them both to create a layered landscape indoors. Tip: A black pot is included, but you can always swap it out with a sturdier planter if desired.
The key to keeping desert style looking contemporary is balancing prints and color with geometric lines. Choose furniture pieces like this metal chair that features a sleek construction, and you'll have a sophisticated space that exudes Southwestern charm. In addition to its artistic frame, this World Market exclusive gets a vintage-meets-modern vibe with its genuine goat hide upholstery which is foam padded for extra comfort. We suggest adding this statement piece to your sunroom, or use it in your living room to provide additional seating for family.
Although cacti are common, they aren't the only plants found in the desert. Don't forget to add other greenery to your space, too! This glass bowl from Terrain provides an excellent base for creating your own Southern-style terrarium. Start with a bit of dirt, add some rocks, and then place your succulents, air plants, and other leafy pieces inside its curved edges. Proudly display your creation on your coffee table, or use it to create a centerpiece in your dining room.
Unlike other design aesthetics, desert style doesn't start with choosing your rug. You can, but we suggest picking your decor and furniture first as it'll be easier to match instead of the other way around. When you are ready to look for a rug, select a piece that features a natural base with a simple pattern that won't clash with your other elements. Our pick: this bleached area rug from World Market. Its organic construction of recycled fabric and jute fits right in with your space's style while its colorful chindi pattern won't overpower your other bold prints. Not to mention its fringed edging adds a fun touch. Pro tip: If you're concerned about slippage, also pick up a rug pad which will keep your piece in place.
Don't let the name fool you, although it calls itself a coffee table, this wooden bench can be used in several different ways. Its solid acacia wood panels are hinged together with exposed butterfly joints, giving this Crate & Barrel exclusive an organic feel. With its combination of metal legs and wooden base, this piece fits in with your other desert style pieces flawlessly. Use it as intended in your living room to keep remotes onhand, or try it as a bench to organize your mudroom.
Just because the desert is known for its hot climate doesn't mean you need to crank up your thermostat. Instead, keep your space room temperature and heat it up with colorful decor. This throw blanket features a warm shade of tan paired against bright hues of pinks and purples. Not to mention its trendy tassels and fun fringe will help bring Southwestern style into your space. Reminiscent of a California sunset, this blanket will look fabulous on your leather sofa and make an excellent napping buddy for those lazy Sundays.
What's better than a faux fur pillow? A faux fur piece that's reversible: Insert this throw pillow from Urban Outfitters. On one side it features a simple fluffy texture while the other sports an eye-catching nomad pattern. Its cotton mudcloth feels soft to the touch while its polyester fill provides plenty of squish for comfortable seating. Place it on your living room couch to add extra plush, or bring it into your bedroom for a cozy master suite. Bonus: If you ever want to change your space's style, just flip the pillow over and you'll have a versatile accent piece that suits various aesthetics.
Our editors never stop appreciating one-of-a-kind pieces, and this storage basket definitely caught our eye. With its intricate woven structure and playful pop of pink it will be a fabulous addition to your modern desert style home. Plus, it's handmade by Fair Trade artisans so you can feel good about your purchase. Place it next to your sofa to keep small throw blankets organized or use it in your bathroom to store towels and washcloths. Wherever you place it one thing is certain: it'll add a unique touch to your space.
You can never have too many throw pillows, and this kilim pillow from CB2 pairs perfectly with the Urban Outfitters option above. Its soft pinks and yellows add just the right amount of color while its tribal pattern complements your Southwestern decor. Available with a feather-down or down-alternative insert, this wool pillow will add comfort to any sofa. Place it next to neutral pillows for a pop of pattern or put it on an accent chair to spread the desert vibes throughout your space.
As mentioned above, art is one of the easiest ways to bring the desert into your space. While this cacti print makes an excellent substitution for the real thing, this landscape piece transports the entire wasteland to your wall. Part of a collaboration between Minted and West Elm, this photograph by Kate Baird will be an excellent addition to your Southwestern space. Its desert hues complement your brown furniture while its blue sky adds a peaceful color to your room. Hang it in your entryway to kick off your home's aesthetic, or pair it with cacti prints and a wood-framed mirror to create a gallery wall in your living room.
by Alyssa Priebe
