The Western Décor Trend Is All About Rustic Touches and Earth Tones—Here's How to Get the Look in Your Home

Western décor has been around for decades, but it's currently experiencing a renaissance as rustic details like leather, suede, and fringe continue to take over the interior design world. This trend utilizes earthy color palettes and rugged décor to create well-curated spaces that feel authentic and welcoming. And it's more than just a trend that's reserved for individuals living in the wild west. Whether you reside on a ranch on the West Coast or live seaside in the Northeast, there are elements of western design that work everywhere—no matter your zip code or personal aesthetic.

To help you bring the American West into your own home, we spoke to interior designers and trend experts who explain what the western design trend is as well as how to get the look.

What Is the Western Design Trend?

The western design trend is all about embracing the rugged beauty and charm of the American West, including cowboy and ranch-inspired motifs. "It combines natural materials, earthy color palettes, and rustic elements with modern touches to create a warm, inviting, and authentic aesthetic," says Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, former ASID National Board Chair and owner of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, an interior design studio in Sacramento, Calif.

While it's certainly not a new design style, the western trend is experiencing new life thanks to social media and pop-culture. "The latest version of the western trend incorporates timeless elements like leather, suede and fringe with a touch of glam," says Dayna Isom Johnson, trend experts for Etsy. "When it comes to home décor, think traditional western materials and patterns, but with a slightly modern twist, like bright colors and chrome accents."

Key Elements of the Western Design Trend

There are a few main elements that will help you pull off the western design trend.

• Patterns: Western design often features bold patterns, such as cowhide textures and southwestern motifs, which add visual interest and cultural significance, says Kelly.
• Wall art: Large-scale pieces like vintage rodeo images, oversized livestock shots, rustic metal sculptures, and landscape photography that capture the expansive beauty of the west are a staple of this trend.
• Authentic décor: Elements like handcrafted pottery, woven baskets, and antique treasures bring authenticity and a personal touch to western-inspired spaces, says Kelly.
• Natural materials: Opt for pieces made of natural materials like reclaimed wood, leather, and wrought iron. Look for furniture with a rustic, roughhewn look, balanced by modern silhouettes for a contemporary twist, says Kelly.
• Earthy color palettes: Incorporate earthy tones such as warm browns, deep reds, sage greens, and soft creams to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Kelly says to accentuate those softer colors with pops of turquoise.
  

How to Bring the Western Design Trend Into Your Home

There are many ways to incorporate western design into your home. "When it comes to interiors, I recommend playing with items like wood and leather furniture, geometric and plaid patterned pillows and blankets, and cowhide rugs," says Johnson. To help you incorporate this look in your own space, these expert-approved ideas will give you plenty of inspiration.

Mix Materials

The western design trend utilizes various earth-inspired materials for a look that feels natural, yet curated. "Combine wood, metal, leather, and stone in your décor to achieve a rich, layered look that feels both rustic and refined," says Kelly. In this living room, a blend of faux fur, leather, and wood give the space a rugged look, while the antler chandelier illuminates the space with western flair.

Incorporate Desert Plants

Desert-loving plants are an easy and subtle way to give any space a western feel. "Incorporate a variety of succulents and other desert plants to bring a touch of the Southwestern landscape indoors," says Sydney Stanback, global insights and trends lead at Pinterest. "These low-maintenance plants add a natural element to your décor."

Choose a Textile Rug

Anchor your space with a printed, western-inspired area rug. "Choose a textile rug that can serve as a focal point in your living room or bedroom," says Stanback. This is an easy way to give your home a western feel without going overboard on obvious motifs, like cowboy hats or boots.

Incorporate Faux Cowhide

Cowhide is a staple of the western design trend, and it's the perfect way to replicate this aesthetic in your own space. "Use faux leather and cowhide materials in your furniture and accessories," says Stanback. "Consider a leather sofa, cowhide throw pillows, or a cowhide ottoman to enhance the Western feel."

Hang Statement Wall Art

Themed wall art is another way to achieve the western aesthetic in your home. "Choose statement pieces that reflect western culture, like open landscapes, cowboy scenes, or Native American-inspired art. These can be paintings, photographs, or even vintage posters," says Stanback.

Bring Outside, In

The western design trend is more than just cowboy motifs and cacti. At its core, it's about choosing details that connect your space to nature. "Bring the outdoors in with décor items like antler chandeliers, dried flowers, and wooden bowls filled with pinecones or stones," says Kelly.

Incorporate Wood Pieces

Another way to bring outside, in is by filling your space with wood details and furniture. "Incorporate pieces made from reclaimed wood or those with a distressed finish," says Stanback. "This can include coffee tables, bookshelves, or even a wooden headboard."

Layer Textiles

Incorporating a variety of different textiles into your space is a hallmark of the western design aesthetic. This bedroom, which was designed by Jill Williams of Kerrie Kelly Studio, makes use of geometric-printed blankets and pillows to add texture to the space.