Curious to learn more about southwestern style homes? Check out our list of 12 facts below to learn more.
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What is a southwestern style home?
A southwestern-style home is one that draws inspiration from the traditional architecture and building techniques of the American Southwest. These homes usually blend Native American, Spanish Colonial, Mexican, and Territorial design elements.
Diverse Expressions:
Southwestern home styles are remarkably diverse. Some designs heavily feature Pueblo elements, while others lean towards Spanish Colonial or Territorial styles. Moreover, some modern southwestern-style homes incorporate Mediterranean or Spanish Mission influences.
Nevertheless, southwestern-style homes have a special look and feel that many people recognize and love.
Note: The American Southwest’s architectural history is complex and includes contributions from other Native American tribes. Today, southwestern style homes are usually quite different from their traditional counterparts, having adapted to contemporary needs and preferences. New southwestern style homes use modern materials and construction techniques to achieve the classic southwestern look.
It’s also worth noting that real estate terminology can overlap. For example, you may find listings that categorize Mediterranean, Spanish Mission, and Hacienda-style homes under the southwestern style umbrella, particularly when these homes are located in Southwestern states.
What do southwest style houses look like?
It depends on whether you are referring to old-fashioned, traditional, southwestern style homes or more modern iterations.
Traditional southwestern-style homes generally feature adobe walls, flat roofs with wooden beams (vigas), and natural earth-tone colors. They often incorporate small, deeply set windows, rounded edges, and rustic details like kiva fireplaces and Saltillo tile floors.
Modern southwest-style houses generally have earthy stucco walls, as well as flat roofs with low walls (parapets) or sometimes gently sloping roofs. They often feature arched doorways, courtyards, and decorative tiles.
Southwestern color themes:
Southwestern style homes tend to use earthy tones like rust orange, copper, and amber, which are inspired by the region’s landscapes. These colors are often paired with warm whites to soften the look and keep spaces from feeling too intense. In bedrooms and bathrooms, lighter tones create a calm, relaxing backdrop.
Deep blues and turquoise balance the warmth of earthy tones. Adding cactus green and cowhide brown completes the palette, helping to capture the essence of the American Southwest.
12 Interesting facts about southwestern style homes
1. Southwestern style homes mainly draw design inspiration from three cultures
Broadly speaking, southwestern style homes draw upon three cultures: Pueblo, Spanish, and Mexican. In fact, the style originated with the Pueblo people’s multi-family adobe structures, which used vigas, latillas, and adobe mud.
Centuries later, Spanish influences likely introduced wooden doors, portales (portals), and corbels, while Mexican influences contributed elements like Saltillo tile.
The Anglo-American influence emerged later during the Territorial period and introduced Greek Revival features, though these modifications were arguably more superficial than transformative.
The fusion of design elements reached its peak in the early 20th century, culminating in the Pueblo Revival style.
2. Three common southwestern style homes include Pueblo Revival, Spanish Colonial, and Territorial Style
Pueblo Revival/Santa Fe Style – This style, which gained prominence in the 1920s and 1930s, features thick adobe or stucco walls with rounded corners, flat roofs with exposed wooden vigas (beams), and earth-toned exteriors. Other characteristic elements include deeply set small windows, built-in bancos (benches), and optional stepped massing.
Spanish Colonial – This style gained popularity in the early 1900s, drawing its influence from early Spanish settlements and missions. It features thick stucco walls, arched doorways, covered porches, window placements for natural cooling, and often, courtyards.
Territorial Style – This style first developed during the American territorial period from 1846 to 1900. However, it gained prominence in the 1930s when architect John Gaw Meem began designing homes that combined Spanish-Pueblo and American Colonial elements. This style features straight lines and crisp corners with smooth stucco walls, elaborate wooden trim around doors, and windows often painted in bold colors like cornflower blue.
» MORE: 12 Interesting Facts about Spanish Style Homes
3. Southwestern style homes cost less to cool in summer
Southwestern-style homes are designed to naturally regulate indoor temperatures, which is important for homes in and around Las Vegas, Nevada. The science of how this works is simple: It has to do with thermal mass.
During the day, a southwestern-style home’s walls absorb heat from the sun and prevent it from immediately transferring to the interior. As temperatures cool at night, the walls gradually release the stored heat outward.
Moreover, strategically placed windows regulate temperatures by limiting direct sunlight while still allowing natural light to brighten the space.
4. Southwestern style homes use time-tested construction materials
Today, traditional adobe bricks are generally used in historic preservation projects or unique custom builds, particularly in New Mexico cities like Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Taos. Meanwhile, most modern southwestern homes use modern construction materials.
As an aside, modern southwestern homes often incorporate decorative rather than structural vigas and latillas.
5. Southwestern style homes can last for decades with the right care
Well-built southwestern-style homes are durable. In fact, with proper care, these structures can easily last for decades.
Their longevity is attributed to the following:
Structural Elements: Engineered wood beams, concrete foundations, and reinforced walls provide exceptional structural integrity. Concrete foundations can last over 100 years.
Construction Materials: Modern southwestern-style homes use durable materials like stucco over concrete or frame construction, which can last 50 to 80 years when properly maintained. These materials resist rot, mold, and extreme weather conditions.
Weather Resistance: Contemporary building materials offer superior protection against the harsh desert climate, with features like moisture barriers and proper drainage systems extending the structure’s lifespan.
Fun Fact: Some older adobe structures are also very impressive. A good example is the Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe, which has stood for centuries and is a testament to the design principles that continue to inspire modern Southwestern homes.
6. Southwestern style homes often feature vigas and latillas
As mentioned, vigas and latillas are part of many southwestern style homes, although nowadays, they are mostly included for decorative purposes. Whether old-fashioned or new, these wooden ceilings create a cozy, rustic atmosphere that many people love.
For those unfamiliar, vigas are big wooden beams that run across the ceiling. They’re hefty, usually 6 to 10 inches thick and about 15 feet long. Latillas, meanwhile, are smaller wooden poles laid across these beams.
In traditional homes, vigas and latillas weren’t just for looks – they held up the roof, with vigas supporting the roof’s weight and latillas providing additional framework for the ceiling.
7. Many southwestern style homes feature authentic Saltillo tile floors
When it comes to southwestern style homes, few elements are as iconic as Saltillo tile flooring. These distinctive clay tiles, which have graced homes across the American Southwest for generations, remain a sought-after choice for homeowners.
Saltillo tiles are special clay tiles produced in Northern Mexico, with both handmade and machine-manufactured versions available today. They come in beautiful earth-tone colors, from light yellow to deep brown.
These tiles can also last for many decades if taken care of properly.
8. Clay roof tiles are a common feature of today’s southwestern style homes
In areas with heavy sunlight, building materials need to be durable and heat resistant. Clay roof tiles fit the bill. Clay roof tiles can last up to 100 years with proper installation and maintenance.
This type of tile is also very beautiful and comes in various colors and finishes, including glazed and matte options.
9. Southwestern homes frequently include shaded carports instead of garages.
Carports are common in southwestern homes because they’re less expensive to build, take up less space, and provide adequate protection in the region’s mild winters where full enclosures aren’t necessary.
They also offer a practical way to protect cars while maintaining the simple, low-profile look that southwestern homes are known for.
That said, carports are usually only seen in older southwestern style homes. Newer models tend to feature garages.
10. Las Vegas’s luxury homes often feature modern southwestern design elements
Luxury homes in Las Vegas often incorporate elements of southwestern architecture. Some features you’ll see in these homes include:
- Stucco walls
- Flat roofs with parapets
- Exposed wooden ceiling beams
- Warm earth tones throughout
- Intricate decorative accents
11. Southwestern homes frequently incorporate kiva fireplaces
Kiva fireplaces are a beautiful feature in many southwestern style homes. They look like beehives or upside-down cones, with a wide bottom that gets narrower at the top. They are usually located in a corner of the living room and have an arched opening for the fire.
While traditional kivas are made from adobe bricks, most versions today use stucco over metal frames. Their simple but beautiful design makes them a perfect match for Southwestern homes.
See photos of Kiva fireplaces on Pinterest to see what these fireplaces look like.
12. Flat roofs are a defining feature of southwestern style homes
Flat roofs with parapets are a noticeable feature of many old-fashioned southwestern-style homes. You’ll find flat roofs on some modern iterations as well, although, again, southwestern homes have evolved to the point of incorporating a variety of roof styles.
Many southwestern style homes also feature special drains called canales that channel rainwater away from the structure.
Note: A parapet is a short wall that rises above a roof’s edge and serves important functions, such as helping to prevent falls.
Why southwest homes have flat roofs:
Flat roofs are common in the arid southwest climate, where there’s minimal rainfall and little to no snow. The design also allows people easier access to their roofs, which some homeowners appreciate.
Just as importantly, flat roofs are deeply rooted in southwestern culture and history. In certain areas, there are even design restrictions that preserve the traditional look by limiting or prohibiting pitched roofs. This is despite the fact certain areas in the southwest receive rain and hail.
However, modern flat roofs aren’t entirely flat. They are built with a slight slope to ensure proper drainage. Advances in materials and waterproofing have made these roofs better at resisting leaks, although they can still encounter problems.
See photos of southwestern style homes on Pinterest for inspiration.
Is the southwestern home style for you?
The southwestern home style is a great choice if you want a cozy design that combines southwestern charm with modern features. Today’s southwestern-style homes are versatile, practical, and comfortable. Plus, the interiors are usually fantastic.
Southwestern-style interiors have a certain character and charm that is unique but not overdone. Warm, earthy tones and natural materials create a welcoming atmosphere that many homeowners love.
See the following checklist. If you resonate with these elements, then a southwestern style home is right for you:
- You prefer warm, earthy color schemes
- You want a home that’s both traditional and contemporary
- You like architectural details that stand out without being flashy
- You appreciate a home with character
- You appreciate natural materials like stone, wood, and adobe
- You enjoy large covered patios (a common feature)
- You prefer low-maintenance landscaping
Find southwestern style homes in the greater Las Vegas area
Today’s southwestern-style homes are diverse and draw inspiration from a range of design influences. Contact The Real Estate Guy to find the perfect home for your needs.
Aaron Taylor, The Real Estate Guy, offers expert real estate services across the Las Vegas area. From buying and selling to cash offers and property management, his team delivers personalized solutions. We’ve successfully served clients in the Las Vegas area for many years.
Want to learn more about us? If so, check out our Home page and see why so many people choose us.
Homes in Las Vegas tend to blend southwestern features with Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, Tuscan, Ranch, Contemporary, and Modern Desert influences.
