A Western Transformation for Your Living Room

Start slowly with a rug or a set of curtain or jump in and redo the whole living room. Either way, transforming the main room of your house using a western flair will be worth the effort. The ranch style house, made popular in the Southwest, is found all across the country now. Those tired of trying to turn a ranch house into an English country home with flowered chintz covered overstuffed chairs will welcome the more American style of western décor.

A warm relaxing atmosphere from using western furniture and decorations is achieved without the busy cluttered look many other styles evoke. Homeowners can choose several western themes such as cowboy, horse lover, Native American, cowhide or western sheriffs. Those who relish an eclectic look can mix several western themes to suit their tastes or add only a few western pieces to an existing living room décor.

Wide-open indoor spaces, over time, can seem to be cold and empty. Subdued yet colorful rugs, some with cowboy or horse images and other with geometric design, break up a large room into smaller areas. With the addition of these throw rugs, great rooms transform into warm and inviting spaces where a family can relax. Artistically worked metal lanterns, scones and rustic chandeliers, as well as festive painted terra cotta lamps, provide individuality.

Depending on how large an area one wants to “westernize” and how deeply into the look they wish to go, you can choose from large items such as sofas, chairs, coffee tables, end tables, and bar stools or from smaller items. Western décor is easier to mix and match than some other styles so it is easy to start small and add as one goes along, without fear of items clashing with each other. Small details can double as conversation pieces. Wall hangings that picture cowboys, Native American themes or natural images can be in the form of advertising signs, prints, paintings or metal art. Other items are game chests, storage benches, clocks and light switch covers.

Perhaps you wish to celebrate western expansion and cowboy culture. Maybe invoking the natural spirit of the open, expansive western landscape is your preference, or you want to highlight the artwork and culture of Native American Indians. By transforming your living room with a generous taste of the American West, regardless of which aspect you choose, you will create an atmosphere conducive to a return to the old time individualism and self-reliance that made America great. At one with the natural beauty of the western United States, the center of your home will be both an inviting place to visit and a haven for returning family members at the end of the day.