Home is a vibe

The American Southwest is an endless source of decor inspiration, from its colorful heritage to its sweeping desert landscapes. But how do you blend in organic modern without losing the magic? The key is in the combination of the rugged textures of the Southwest with the clean lines of contemporary decor. This juxtaposition is at the heart of the organic modern Southwestern aesthetic.

This aesthetic fuses reclaimed wood furniture, handcrafted ceramics and geometric patterned rugs with sleek concrete floors, airy windows and midcentury silhouettes. The result is a personalized oasis that works as effortlessly for an urban loft as a ranch retreat. Read on to explore how to nail this aesthetic in your own space.

Blending the aesthetics

This vibe is all about mixing: blending reclaimed materials and sleek lines. Don’t be afraid to pair a polished concrete fireplace mantel with a cozy Navajo rug or scatter hand-thrown pottery amongst your minimalist decor.

When layering, choose one or two standout Southwestern pieces, like a leather club chair or macrame wall hanging, to anchor the space. Then build upon this foundation by adding in contemporary elements with clean lines. Wrought iron light fixtures, abstract art prints and touches of geometric decor join the mix.

The beauty of organic modern Southwestern is its freedom – blend pieces as you desire. But keep these tips in mind:

• Anchor with reclaimed wood and woven rugs
• Layer in handcrafted pots, baskets and weavings
• Keep silhouettes clean and windows bare
• Incorporate lush desert plants
• Use fresh white walls to allow layers of texture
• Mix metal finishes throughout for depth
• Style shelves and vignettes to display accents

Gradually curate until you find your perfect fusion of organic modern and Southwestern styles. This space should resonate as a unique reflection of you.

Color palette

Earthy neutrals like cream, tan and light gray serve as the core of this soothing color scheme. Warm them up with shades of sherbet orange, dusty rose or mossy green. Pops of turquoise and terra cotta add Southwestern flair. Crisp whites and blacks keep the look grounded.

Aim for sophistication with nuanced hues – think greige rather than beige. And don’t be afraid to play with texture and pattern to bring visual interest to your neutral palette.

Furniture and decor finds

Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links, meaning that if you click through and purchase something, I may earn a small commission. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Aesthetic style guide

An aesthetic style guide is my secret weapon when it comes to creating a mood board and a cohesive space, especially when I blend aesthetics to create something unique. Use the guidelines below as you select each item, or swap them out for your preferences—but the key is consistency through the furniture, woods, metals, textiles, decor, lighting and art themes. Focus on creating cohesion within the entire space, or within each room.

Furniture

• Modern lines with a warm, approachable Scandinavian vibe
• Reclaimed wood or live edge dining tables and benches
• Leather or woven seat chairs
• Metal accents in black iron or brass
• High-quality, handmade pieces from local artisans

Woods

• Rustic/reclaimed
• Natural, live edge
• Warm undertones
• Curved or natural edges

Metals

• Matte black, wrought or black iron
• Brushed chrome (mainly appliances)
• Modern, matte shapes
• Organic, imperfect textures

Textiles

• Woven wall hangings
• Patterned pillows
• Leather, cowhide rugs or sheepskin throws
• Southwestern patterns in an earthy, neutral palette
• Lots of texture, mostly neutrals

Decor

• Carved wood bowls
• Clay vases
• Leather poufs
• Sculptural adobe planters
• Woven baskets

Lighting

• Wrought iron chandeliers
• Hammered metal sconces
• Woven lampshades
• Hand-blown glass

Art themes

• The organic, natural world
• Western influences
• Abstract art within the color palette

Let me know in the comments below your favorite elements of this home vibe! I hope this provided inspiration—and if this doesn’t resonate with you, feel free to check out my other blended aesthetics.