- Bright turquoise, salmon, and rust red are great accent colors. Terra-cotta, light brown, and cream are good choices for walls. Bright white are usually not used. Consider colors that occur in nature when deciding on a color scheme. You might be inspired by the reds and oranges of sunrises and sunsets, the blues of the sky and the browns and yellows of the sandy desert.
- The rustic look of Southwestern furniture calls for weathered wood tables and chairs. Keep the design simple and functional. Wide wood planks are one option for flooring, but tile is used in many Southwestern kitchens. Saltillo tiles are commonly used, but terra-cotta works as well.
If a tile floor seems too cold for your tastes, lay a Navajo rug under the kitchen table. This will create an even warmer look as well as add texture to your design. Add color and patterns by choosing ceramic tile backsplashes. A mix of solid an painted tile will give your kitchen a rich look. - Pine cabinetry will provide functional storage space with a rustic touch. Let the wood's natural color and grain show, rather than painting over it or staining it a dark color. Iron is also widely used. You can choose wrought-iron cabinet hardware, add an iron wine rack or an iron baker's rack if you have the room. Store cooking utensils in copper or terra-cotta pots.
- Dried vegetables such as chili peppers, garlic and corn are colorful accents that help bring a bit of nature indoors. Place cacti near windows that get a lot of sun. Woven baskets can hold napkins or cookbooks. Arrange fresh fruit in a painted earthenware bowl and set it on the kitchen island. Hang Native American artwork on the walls. You could also look for copper silhouettes of lizards, horses, or Kokopelli. Drape Serapes (woven Mexican blankets) over the backs of chairs for additional color.
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