From rustic cabins to contemporary prairie homes to spacious ranches, western interior design offers old-world charm that invites warmth, coziness, and comfort.
A design aesthetic that's highly in line with major interior design trends for 2024, Western style is rugged yet sophisticated, inspired by vast landscapes, natural beauty, and vintage Americana. It's so popular, in fact, that Pinterest has reported a 145% increase in searches for “vintage Americana” and “western gothic,” and Western decor is even featured in Etsy's summer trend forecast, meaning it's definitely on trend.
But what's so appealing about this interior design style? Is it the cowboy gear, earthy colors, or equestrian accents? Or maybe it's the rustic, lived-in cabin decor ideas that transport us to ranch-like spaces. We asked interior designers why they love this style and their best tips for creating a western feel in your home. Get on your horses.
What is Western Interior Design?
(Images courtesy of HAM Interiors / Studio HAM / Photography Alexander James)
Rooted in the rich traditions of the American West (i.e. the real Wild West), this interior design style embodies a deep affinity for adventure and the outdoors, while combining comfort and style.
Whether you're drawn to the rough texture of weathered wood, the layers of lush, inviting textiles and prints, or warm tones, Western interiors offer a cozy retreat.
(Image credit: Paloma Contreras / Photo by Amy Massenga)
Come 2024, there will be a new take on the Wild West that doesn't require you to live in a cabin in rural Texas, but still has that pioneering spirit.
Western 2.0 represents a more contemporary take on country living, with slightly brighter colour schemes that reflect modern lifestyles, while Gen Z favours Gothic Western and embraces edgier, moodier trends as seen in the 2024 Pinterest predicted trends list. H&Gwe encourage you to avoid the dark side.
To bring the essence of the West home, choose earthy colors and natural materials (reclaimed wood beams, leather, The fabric used is suede and fringe, reminiscent of cabin style.
“Casual, mountain-appropriate materials reflect the location: the reclaimed wood coffee table, linens, and tiered iron chandelier that draws the eye up to the rafters and has the simple, clean aesthetic we were going for,” explains Paloma Contreras, who designed the space, pictured above. “The addition of greenery as an accent is very welcome in a neutral setting, especially with the beautiful views outside the windows.”
(Image courtesy of YOND Interiors)
“There's no denying that Western and cowboy-themed motifs are really trendy right now,” points out interior designer Cathy Kuo. “When incorporating this trend into your home, go for subtle, long-lasting touches rather than big, explosive touches,” she advises.
“I like the idea of adding accents like leather furniture, reclaimed wood, and Western accent colors like silver, turquoise, and terracotta to create a look that's a bit on trend but not overly saturated.”
(Images courtesy of HAM Interiors / Studio HAM / Photography Alexander James)
“We recently designed three bespoke cabins at Cove Valley, a 300-acre rewilding project deep in the Exe Valley in Devon, UK. The designs were inspired by old American culture, the great outdoors and the rural charm of ranch-style living,” say the team at HAM Interiors. The store's Studio HÁM recently launched a Cabin Collection that includes a range of artwork, handcrafted furniture and accessories. “Many of our designs are born from our passion for the great outdoors and utilise a palette of beautiful natural materials, combining the beauty of the natural world with handcrafted pieces.”
This eclectic aesthetic requires more than simply propping up a saddle in a corner or attaching horseshoes to every surface to bring a touch of western style to your abode. Here, interior designers share the best ways to bring cowboy-style charm to your home.
4 ways to incorporate western style into your interior
1. Refine your color palette
(Image courtesy of Paloma Contreras)
Colour trends are an important cornerstone of any design scheme and most have a very clear palette that defines their interior design style. However, in a Western interior you can create a light and bright scheme or something a bit more rustic and moody. It all depends on how bold you want to be with the trend.
If you're nervous about adding color to your space, start with neutral tones like warm browns, sandy beiges, soft grays, and light blues for your walls and décor, then add color with accessories, furniture, and paneling. Then, don't be afraid to layer in darker colors like aged reds, grass or olive greens, burnt sienna, and navy to pay homage to the Western landscape.
The only rule is to stick to warm colors that reflect the earth, rather than cool colors.
2. Use durable yet sophisticated materials
(Images courtesy of HAM Interiors / Studio HAM / Photography Alexander James)
Incorporating sturdy yet sophisticated materials is essential to bringing the essence of the Wild West into your home. Think quintessential elements that embody the beauty of ranch living: materials that stand the test of time and tell a story, like reclaimed wood, distressed leather and natural stone.
From sturdy cowhide rugs to well-worn leather sofas and natural wood paneling, these aged materials reflect the ruggedness of the aesthetic while adding an element of timeless luxury.
“To embrace Western décor, I want to celebrate the ruggedness of Mother Nature, but maintain a sophisticated style,” agrees Alexis Ring of Alexis Ring Interior Design. “Rustic yet refined materials, like burl wood veneer and hand-stitched leather, are a sophisticated way to create the warmth of a Western design scheme with elegance and style.”
“Natural wallpapers help bring the essence of nature indoors,” Alexis adds. “This coconut bark wallpaper is [seen below] It has a rich texture reminiscent of weathered, green-colored wood.
It's easy to create Southern charm in your home if it's already filled with warm colors — all you need are rugs, tapestries, and some “yeah-haw” decor.
3. Add a Western accent
Accessories, accents and decorations are what really make this design style stand out. Paintings and vintage style photos of horses, cows, buffalo, horns, antlers, cowboy boots and hats will really add to the western vibe, but be careful not to overdo it as it can make the whole look too kitschy.
From antlers and animal skins to desert-inspired succulents and cacti, nature offers plenty of inspiration for Western decor. Vintage saddles, weathered spurs and antique horseshoes add a playful yet nostalgic feel to your design. Feel free to mix and match with ceramics, textures, art, wallpaper and more.
“Finishing touches like art and accessories are essential to bring a room's story to life,” adds Alexis. “Style the space with essential details like nature-inspired art, Western-inspired accessories, and a carefully curated book collection. The beauty of these details adds personality and cohesion to the design.”
4. Layer fabrics with different prints and patterns
(Images courtesy of HAM Interiors / Studio HAM / Photography Alexander James)
One of the easiest and most comfortable ways to embrace this trend is through textiles: leather, suede, and Western-inspired Native American patterns bring a touch of glamour to any room.
Don't be afraid to mix and match. Western interiors thrive on a sense of individuality, and layering textiles is the perfect way to achieve that effortless style. Think Pendleton meets Ralph Lauren when it comes to fabrics and prints. For a warmer, more homey feel, mix Navajo-style patterns with plaids, soft florals and stripes.
Drape a sheepskin rug over a leather armchair, layer kilim pillows on a suede sofa, or layer a Navajo blanket over a plaid throw. Or combine rough-hewn fabrics like denim and burlap with soft, luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk for a dynamic interplay of textures that feel just thrown together. Handwoven blankets, embroidered pillows and quilted throws add warmth and comfort while telling a story of tradition.
Western Trends Shop
Eastman Wool Southwestern Rug
Pewamo Handmade Animal Figures & Sculptures
Whether you're drawn to the rustic elegance of reclaimed wood, the vibrant hues of Navajo textiles, or a mix of patterns and textures, Western-inspired decor offers endless possibilities for creating a space that reflects your personal style and celebrates the Wild West.
