Homes in the Southwestern United States tend to have many unique features no other homes can boast. Just drive down a road in Arizona, New Mexico, or any other state in the desert Southwest and you'll notice the houses tend to be built of neutral, earth-toned stucco or adobe.

This tendency toward using earthtones in building homes creates a sort of an affinity with the surrounding scenery.

Landscapes, too, are a more natural style. To reduce the need for watering plants, many native cacti, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers are introduced into backyards in what is termed Xeriscaping.

While some may consider this desert planting style to be drab and lifeless, it doesn't take much observation to find that the desert is full of life. Place these types of plants in your yard and see how many species of desert wildlife visit your home. Birds, chipmunks and rabbits will soon make their home near yours if you invite them in with desert plants.

When your house embraces the desert and becomes a part of it, it emanates a feeling of quiet harmony with the environment.

Another unique thing I've noticed in the Southwest, is the tendency of homeowners to place some sort of symbol on the outer wall of their home. My term for this phenomenon is "house jewelry."

You can "dress up" your home with a design common in the Southwest, such as a bright sun design, or a roadrunner. While in Arizona, I've viewed adorable quail and the ever-popular Kokopeli gracing the walls of many homes.

Let your imagination be your guide, and choose the "house jewelry" that you feel makes a statement about you. A stately Sahuaro cactus on your wall might inform the world that you are one with the environment or that you love nature. A lizard might signify a bit of playfulness and a quick mind, or he might just be something you like looking at.

Next time you look at the front of your home, be sure to visualise what great Southwestern design would be appealing to your neighbors. Then go out and get your house some "house jewelry."