21 Budget-Friendly Tips to Bring Arizona and New Mexico Style Indoors
Ah, the desert. There’s something about the wide-open spaces, the golden hues, and the rugged beauty of the American Southwest that just captivates the soul. Whether it’s the vibrant sunsets over the Arizona mountains or the rich cultural tapestry of New Mexico, desert chic style is all about bringing that natural, earthy beauty into your home. It’s warm, it’s inviting, and best of all, it’s a style that can be done on a budget!
You don’t have to live in the desert or spend a small fortune to make it happen. With a few creative touches, you can transform your home or garden into a desert-inspired oasis.
Here’s 21 tips that will help you bring a little bit of that desert magic into your life!
1. Play with Earthy Colors
Desert chic style is all about embracing the warm, earthy tones that dominate the Southwestern landscape. Think sandy beiges, warm terracottas, deep browns, and sunset oranges. These colors not only reflect the desert’s natural beauty but also create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in your home.
Key elements:
- Natural Shades of White Paint – Ideal for giving furniture a soft, rustic finish that pairs perfectly with desert hues.
- Tan Colorerd Paints – Perfect for accent walls or smaller projects that need a touch of the desert.
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2. Add Textures with Natural Materials
One of the hallmarks of desert chic is the use of natural materials that add texture and depth to your space. Think woven baskets, rustic wood, clay pottery, and soft textiles. These materials bring a tactile element to your decor, making your home feel more grounded and connected to nature.
Key elements:
- Woven Baskets – These versatile baskets are perfect for storage or as decorative elements on shelves.
- Wood Beads – Adds a rustic, boho touch to your coffee table, bookshelf, or mantel.
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3. Bring in Cacti and Succulents
Nothing says desert quite like cacti and succulents. These hardy plants are the perfect way to bring a bit of the Southwest into your home. And don’t worry if you’re not exactly a green thumb—many succulents are incredibly low maintenance, and they look just as good in a pot on your windowsill as they do in a sprawling desert garden.
Key elements:
- Succulents – These tiny plants are perfect for adding greenery to small spaces.
- Indoor Plant Pots – Stylish planters that bring a touch of whimsy to your desert decor.
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4. Use Southwestern Patterns
Southwestern patterns, with their bold geometric designs and rich colors, are a key element of desert chic style. Incorporate these patterns into your home through textiles like rugs, pillows, and blankets. They add a dynamic visual interest and evoke the cultural richness of the Southwest.
Key elements:
- Hand Woven Rug – This rug adds a natural, textured element to your floor while keeping with the earthy tones of desert decor.
- Southwestern Pillow Covers – These pillow covers are an easy way to introduce Southwestern patterns into your living room or bedroom.
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5. Incorporate Terracotta Elements
Terracotta is quintessentially desert chic. Whether it’s in the form of pots, tiles, or decorative objects, terracotta adds warmth and a rustic charm to your space. It’s the perfect material for creating that sun-baked, earthy vibe that’s so characteristic of desert landscapes.
Key elements:
- Honeysuckle Planter – These durable terracotta planters are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Dinnerware Set – Bring terracotta to your dining table with this beautifully crafted dinnerware set.
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6. Embrace Woven Furniture
Woven furniture, like rattan or wicker, is a great way to bring a laid-back, desert-chic vibe into your home or outdoor terrace. These pieces are light, airy, and they add a natural texture that complements the other earthy elements in your decor.
Key elements:
- Bistro Set – A perfect addition to your patio or balcony, adding both style and comfort.
- Accent Chair – This chair brings an effortlessly cool, bohemian vibe to any room.
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7. Decorate with Dried Flowers and Pampas Grass
Dried flowers and pampas grass are having a serious moment, and for good reason—they’re beautiful, low-maintenance, and they perfectly capture the desert aesthetic. These arrangements bring a soft, organic feel to your decor, and they last much longer than fresh flowers.
Key elements:
- Natural Pampas Grass – These fluffy, neutral stems add texture and elegance to any room.
- Dried Bunny Tail Grass – versatile bunch of dried flowers that can be used in vases, wreaths, or as wall decor.
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8. Invest in Southwestern Art
Art is a fantastic way to bring the spirit of the Southwest into your home. Look for pieces that feature desert landscapes, Native American motifs, or abstract designs inspired by the natural beauty of the region. Even a single piece of art can make a huge impact on the overall vibe of your space.
Key elements:
- Wall Art Set – These prints are a stylish and affordable way to bring a touch of desert inspiration to your walls.
- Rustic Wall Art – a stunning premium wooden art-piece for your wall.
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9. Utilize Textured Throw Blankets and Pillows
Texture is a big part of desert chic style, and one of the easiest ways to introduce it is through throw blankets and pillows. Look for items with fringe, macramé, or woven designs that evoke the tactile richness of the desert landscape. These pieces not only add visual interest but also make your space feel warm and cozy.
Key elements:
- Throw Blanket – Soft, luxurious, and perfect for adding a bit of desert-inspired warmth to your space.
- Throw Pillow Covers – These pillow covers add a boho-chic vibe that’s perfect for layering on your sofa or bed.
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10. Create a Desert-Inspired Outdoor Space
If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space, why not extend the desert chic style to your garden or patio? Think cacti in large terracotta pots, a simple seating area with woven furniture, and maybe even a fire pit for those cool desert evenings. Creating an outdoor space that reflects the desert aesthetic can make your home feel like a true oasis.
Key elements:
- Cactus Torch – This decorative torch adds both light and Southwestern style to your garden.
- Outdoor Side Table – Keep your beverages cool in the hot sun with these stylish outdoor side tables.
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11. Incorporate Stone, Copper and Rock Accents
Bringing in natural stone, copper or rock elements can really drive home that desert vibe. You can use small stones as decorative accents, or go bigger with stone planters, vases, or even a statement piece like a stone table. These elements help create a raw, earthy feel that’s reminiscent of the rugged desert terrain.
Key elements:
- Copper Planter – This adds a unique, rustic and industrial texture to your decor.
- Stone Planter – Brings an earthy, natural vibe to your home.
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12. Use Desert-Inspired Lighting
Lighting is crucial in creating the right ambiance for your desert chic space. Consider adding warm-toned lighting that mimics the soft glow of a desert sunset. You can also opt for lamps and light fixtures made from natural materials like wood, metal, or stone to enhance the earthy feel of your decor.
Key elements:
- Floor Lamp – This lamp features a warm, ambient glow that complements the desert aesthetic perfectly.
- Industrial Pendant Lighting – These fixtures add an industrial touch to your space, perfect for creating a cozy, desert-inspired atmosphere with a twist.
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13. Integrate Desert-Inspired Scents
The sense of smell is incredibly powerful when it comes to creating a specific atmosphere in your home. To fully embrace the desert chic vibe, consider incorporating scents that remind you of the desert, like sage, cedarwood, or sandalwood. These earthy fragrances can transport you to the Southwest without ever leaving your living room.
Key elements:
- Apothecary Candle – This candle offers a rich, earthy scent that complements the desert aesthetic.
- Cactus Diffuser – A subtle, long-lasting fragrance option that doubles as a fun talking-piece.
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14. Introduce Native American-Inspired Artifacts
Desert chic style often draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the Native American tribes of the Southwest. Incorporating authentic or inspired artifacts like pottery or woven textiles can add a deep cultural resonance to your decor. Just be mindful to do so with respect and appreciation for the artistry and history behind these items.
Key elements:
- Handmade Pottery – This hand-painted pottery piece is a perfect way to incorporate Native American-inspired art into your decor and support a real artist.
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15. Mix in Vintage and Thrifted Items
One of the best things about desert chic style is that it embraces the imperfect, the weathered, and the well-loved. Vintage and thrifted items fit perfectly within this aesthetic, adding a sense of history and character to your space. Whether it’s an old leather chair, a rustic wooden bench, or a collection of vintage pottery, these items can add a lot of personality to your desert-inspired home.
Key elements:
- Mid-Century Modern Accent Chair – This armchair has a beautiful, weathered look that’s perfect for a desert chic living room.
- Area Rug – A gorgeous rug that adds warmth and character to any space.
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16. Incorporate Open Shelving with Earthy Displays
Open shelving is a fantastic way to showcase your desert-inspired decor. Use wooden or metal shelves to display collections of terracotta pots, woven baskets, small cacti, or even a few well-chosen books. The key is to keep the look minimal yet intentional, focusing on earthy tones and natural materials.
Key elements:
- Floating Shelves – These versatile shelves can be arranged in various configurations to suit your space.
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17. Layer Your Rugs for Added Texture
Layering rugs is a popular trend that works particularly well in desert chic decor. Start with a neutral base rug and then layer on a smaller, patterned rug that features Southwestern designs or bold geometric patterns. This technique adds depth and interest to your floors, making your space feel more dynamic and cozy.
Key elements:
- Natural Fibre Rug – Use this as a base layer for a textured, natural look.
- Southwestern Area Rug – Layer this on top for a vibrant, desert-inspired design.
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18. Use Desert-Inspired Dinnerware
Take your desert chic style to the dining table by incorporating dinnerware that reflects the colors and textures of the Southwest. Think earthy tones, rustic finishes, and handmade ceramics that add a unique, artisanal touch to your meals.
Key elements:
- Glazed Dinnerware – This set features rich, earthy colors that bring a desert vibe to your dining experience.
- Ceramic Dinner Plates – These plates have a handmade look that adds character to any table setting.
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19. Create a Desert Oasis in Your Bathroom
Your bathroom might not be the first place you think of when decorating, but it’s the perfect spot to add some desert chic touches. Consider swapping out your regular towels for those with Southwestern patterns, adding a small cactus on the windowsill, or incorporating earthy-toned bath mats and shower curtains.
Key elements:
- Bohemian Shower Curtain – This shower curtain features a colorful, desert-inspired pattern that can transform your bathroom.
- Boho Bath Mat – A non-slip boho bath mat sure to add chic texture to your bathroom.
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20. Incorporate a Desert Chic Entryway
Your entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home, so why not give it a desert chic makeover? Add a rustic bench, a woven wall hanging, or a small terracotta planter to greet guests with the warm, inviting feel of the Southwest as soon as they step inside.
Key elements:
- Shoe Rack – A rustic bench that provides both seating and storage, perfect for a welcoming entryway.
- Macrame Wall Hanging – Woven wall hangings add texture and warmth to your entryway, setting the desert chic mood.
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21. Add a Southwestern-Inspired Fireplace Mantel
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, the mantel is a prime spot for adding desert chic decor. Layer it with small cacti, terracotta vases, and perhaps a few pieces of Southwestern art. Even if you don’t have a fireplace, a decorative mantel shelf can serve as a focal point for displaying your desert-inspired treasures.
Key elements:
- Terracotta Vase – These vases are perfect for adding a touch of terracotta to your mantel.
- Rustic Table Lamps – This rustic lantern can add a warm, inviting glow to your mantel display.
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As always I’d love to hear from you – let me know in the comments below if you have any Desert Chic Decor ideas to share below!
Last update on 2025-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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