Red is a vibrant accent color in Southwest decor.
The landscapes in the Southwestern region of the United States include dry, sandy deserts, looming mountains and old forests. Amid the natural diversity are densely populated cities and suburban areas filled with a mix of Spanish, Native American and contemporary American architecture. The juxtaposition of vast and dramatic landscapes and diverse architecture inspires a varied and vivacious Southwestern color palette for interior room decor. Does this Spark an idea?
Foundation of Neutrals
Brown and green are used as neutral colors in Southwestern room decor. Shades of brown range from sandy pinks to more earthy colors such as those found in tree bark. Brown is used for wood flooring and trim, furniture and window frames, as well as in fabrics. Green is seen in fabrics as well, and is used for wall color, usually in a midrange tone. Although these two colors may play a dominant role in the Southwestern color palette, it's the accent colors that capture the attention.
Vibrant Accent Colors
The reds and oranges found in sunsets, cactus flowers and berries are used throughout Southwestern rooms. Used in printed fabrics, woven rugs and wall hangings, pottery and artwork, the more vibrant shades of red play against the neutral backdrop of brown and green. Lemon yellow, sunny yellow and gold are set alongside the bright red shades; the two colors offer high contrast to each other and against the neutral tones enveloping the space.
Muted Colors
The quiet, subtle shades of brown and green act as a backdrop, allowing the visually exciting reds and yellows to pop out and attract attention. Muted colors bridge the two elements in the color palette. Blue, gray and green in darker tones complement the shades of brown and green while acting as a buffer for the brighter tones; the reds and yellows are tied to the neutral background rather than just floating within it.
Adding Black and White
Black is found in wrought iron and stonework, and in pottery, fabrics and cabinetry hardware. Shades of gray are also used in the room, usually in stone flooring and fabrics, and may play a small role as a buffer for more vibrant colors. White is used sparingly and may be seen in fabrics and in ceramic pottery, and is sometimes used for painted furniture or cabinetry. The shades of white used in the Southwestern color palette are not pure white or true white. They are alabaster or creamy white, eggshell, candlelight or the bluish white found in summer skies in the desert.
Tags: color palette, Southwestern color, Southwestern color palette, against neutral, brown green, more vibrant