Western decor blends form and function.
A Western-themed home can be warm and inviting, with a rustic charm. But many homeowners haphazardly acquire items without creating a design plan, which can easily overwhelm the space. Choose a focal point for each room and limit additional items to those that blend harmoniously with that focal point. Whenever possible, purchase vintage or thrift store items rather than new replica pieces. If you are reasonably crafty, consider making some simple pieces. Does this Spark an idea?
Living Areas
A wide-open living room, den, family room or other living space can accommodate multiple Western-themed items. Choose a rustic paint scheme in Southwestern colors such as terra cotta or sky blue. Select simple, functional items such as a simple wood-frame sofa, wagon wheel table and distressed wooden chairs. Accent pieces run the gamut from Native American pottery to lariats and antique firearms.
Bedrooms
Authentic Old West beds are extremely uncomfortable by modern standards, consisting of straw-stuffed mattresses on top of rough rope frames. Simulate the look by hiding a new mattress and box spring in a rustic, hand-carved bed frame. A country quilt completes the look. Choose simple wooden dressers, book cases and other furnishings. A pair of cowboy boots and a cowboy hat artfully placed in the corner adds authenticity. Consider hanging a Native American dream catcher over or near the bed.
Kitchen
Western kitchens typically blend form and function. Choose a mission-style or butcher block table with bench seating or rustic high-back chairs. Hide your modern appliances in custom cabinets. Choose pine or another inexpensive wood for cabinetry, and consider using wood stain rather than paint. Hang copper pots on an open rack if you have enough room.
Exterior
Create a Western backyard garden with plants native to the Southwest. Cacti create an immediate focal point, but be careful not to overwhelm the garden. Yucca, autumn sage and red hyssop are tough plants that can survive in a variety of climates. Simple log benches, a tire swing and a campfire pit complete the look of a Western garden.
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