Modern Rustic: A Western Decor Style That’s Not Cheesy

The Western aesthetic has been everywhere lately, from Beyoncé’s hit single, ‘TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,’ to the mainstream rise of Kemo Sabe cowboy hats. Leather, suede, buckles, cow prints, and fringe have easily moved into the interior design space, filling homes with modern rustic flair. While it’s easy to ignore trends, we love adding a few small Western touches this summer without completely redoing your design scheme.

Here are a few simple ways to create a Western-inspired space that feels authentic rather than cheesy.

Natural Foundation

Earthy Color Palette

When you think of the landscape of western U.S. states, you might envision the red rock formations of Arizona, the dry desert of Nevada, or the grassy fields and blue sky of Montana. You might also think of the warm hues of terracotta pottery or the cool, bright tones of turquoise jewelry found everywhere out West. Take the colors of these vibrant images and sprinkle them across your Western interior design plan.

Natural Materials

In addition to taking inspiration from the colors of the land, incorporate the materials as well. Natural wood, leather, sisal, jute, and faux animal skins mix well to create a Western aesthetic. The only natural material you don’t see a lot of in this home design style is polished stone, as it typically presents as being more sleek than rustic.

Modern rustic home style with antique leather sofa

Western-Inspired Statement Pieces

Landscape Art

Choose art that highlights the beauty of the natural landscape. An original painting or print depicting a mountain or desert scene will bring a sense of Romanticism to your Western-inspired decor. 

Reclaimed Wood Furniture

To enhance the modern rustic ambiance of your space, consider incorporating a piece of reclaimed wood furniture. Reclaimed wood not only provides a stylish touch but also gives the wood a second chance. Whether it’s a coffee table, dining table, or other piece of furniture, the wood will have originally come from another source, making this a sustainable choice. Learn more about reclaimed wood here.

Industrial Light Fixtures

When choosing your lighting, we recommend selecting industrial-looking fixtures to add a raw quality to your space. Lanterns are also perfect for the modern rustic design style.

Wicker Furniture

Woven rattan or cane furniture is casual and suits country life in the Wild West. Try incorporating a few chairs, baskets, or other woven furniture pieces into your home design to add that laid-back, organic feel.

Antiques

One or two statement antiques can give your space an authentic sense of Americana. For instance, items like an antique trunk, a piano, or vintage lamps can provide a sense of heritage and character.

Keep It Light on the Following:

  • Saddles
  • Horseshoes
  • Bandana Prints
  • Cow Prints
  • Studs
  • Cowboy Decor

Shop for Modern Rustic Furniture at Kaiyo

While decorating with Western memorabilia is fun, your interiors will look kitschy and dated if you don’t balance these elements with contemporary decor. Be sure to incorporate plenty of modern furniture pieces in your design. You can find rustic and contemporary decor on Kaiyo’s easy-to-use online platform. Search through hundreds of pre-loved furniture and decor pieces to strike the perfect balance for your modern rustic home.

Kaiyo Blog
Logo