State and Season

View Original

Creating The Western Look

Nothing says all-American quite like the Wild West. From dusty ranches in the outback to cowboys in stetsons, the aesthetics of this genre still has a huge influence on style today. When it comes to decor, you can bring a little bit of the ranch home with rustic furnishings and natural materials to create a warm, inviting space.

Photo via elephantstock.com

Buffalo skulls, real or faux, are statement pieces that are absolutely iconic in the Western style. This is a bold touch that will add some real ranch flair to a room.

Photo via agnestherese.be

Western-inspired design is all about evoking the desert, so your color palette will make a big impact here. Think dusty terracotta reds, sky blues, and warm browns when you’re choosing your paint, textiles, and other furnishings. Cacti and other succulents are great choices if you want to add a touch of greenery without disrupting the desert vibes.

Photo via canadianloghomes.com

You can make an immediate impact in a room with a large area rug that catches the eye. Choose faux animal hides for a bold Western look, or if you want to keep it more simple, opt for Navajo rugs or something in a warm, neutral tone.

Photo via pierrefrey.com

Speaking of Navajo rugs, bold patterns and prints are a staple in any Western interior, evoking the Indigenous heritage of the American Wild West. You can incorporate these into your textiles like rugs, pillows, and throws, or into your paintwork or furniture.

Photo via focus-damnit.tumblr.com

Although it’s important not to go overboard when incorporating ranch-inspired design into your home, it can really make an impact when you choose one or two key pieces of furniture to finish off the look. Upholstering vintage furniture with faux animal hide or even a rugged, worn-out leather is a great way to upcycle something old into an exciting statement piece.

Photo via shopltk.com

Last but not least, don’t forget to create layers. When creating a Western look, you want to make something warm with a blend of neutral tones, bold prints, and a variety of different textures. Choose a variety of warm leathers, furs, prints, and neutral pieces to mix and match in every room.

Feeling inspired? Check out our guide to turning your log cabin into a southwestern retreat.