How to Authentically Give Your Home Western Style (and Not Make It Look Cheesy)

The country-western influence continues to show up in the most unlikely places. A cozy Malibu hideaway with cowboy-chic design ideas, a Las Vegas elopement with coastal cowgirl flair, and a rodeo at a Spanish-style estate in Santa Susana. It could be the Americana influence of the country’s 250th anniversary, Gen Z embracing the modern country hits from Shaboozey and Ella Langley, or the continued obsession with the hit show Yellowstone and its many spinoffs.

One thing to remember: “It doesn’t always mean horseshoes and cowboy hats,” Ashley Clark of Skout Interior Design reminds us. “A little bit of western without going overboard is easy to achieve with a few simple additions to your home.”

There’s a fine line between bringing some Western charm into your home, and making it look like the set of Yellowstone. Below, Clark and Lucy Condolora of Miller James and Mary in Los Angeles tell us how to get it right. 

Make Wood and Iron Signature Materials

“Western-style decor is best known for durability and color, and no matter where you live, both can be incorporated!” Condolora says. “My favorite component would be a large, beloved, beat-up piece of wood furniture. A dresser, dining table, or sideboard anchors a house in a Western look while being durable and unfussy.”

Courtesy of Skout Interior Design

Even a stack of wood next to your fireplace can redefine your space, according to Clark. Another go-to for her and the Skout team? Iron elements, like cast iron candle stands from Lone Fox, which she refers to as an “official staple.”

Ryan Garvin

Brand Furniture or Decor

An unexpected detail you never knew you needed: “Brand your initials into a table or a wooden bread board!” suggests Clark, who sources vintage boards from flea markets. “The more character, the better.”

Find Art and Accent Pieces with a Backstory

Condolora implores us to discover athenticity with a sense of place. “Take the time to research the Western history of your neighborhood, and let that guide you,” she says. “In Los Angeles, you will learn about the past and present Tongva people, who are world-renowned basket weavers. I love the idea of purchasing a collection of authentic baskets and hanging them on the wall as an installation.”

Courtesy of Skout Interior Design

You can use Condolora’s method for other items such as rugs, ceramics, and paintings. Clark adds that vintage Western art has become a favorite among her team, and hanging vintage rope on a hook could convey a subtle yet significant message. “Adding at least one of these details will give your home that rustic and timeless Western vibe without being too trendy,” she says.