How to go Western with style
If you’re one of the many loyal viewers of the Paramount Network hit “Yellowstone,” you’ve probably spent more than your fair share of time dreaming about living on the Dutton family's ranch. And while a trip to Montana to live out your cowhand dreams may still be in order, you can bring a bit of “Yellowstone”’s magic to your home, no matter how far it is from the wild west.
Adding just a few of these ranch-inspired accents to your home will help it feel that much cozier when you return after a hike, host friends around the fire pit, or, yes, just binge-watch the next season of “Yellowstone” when it finally returns.
If you’re looking for a good foundation to start on when dipping your toe into western-inspired style, you can’t go wrong with the bones that make your house a home. Western ranch-style homes take some of the most functional pieces of a structure and showcase them as integral to the home’s design.
Rather than cover up the wood beams at the top of your living room, consider letting them shine as the focal point of your home. Not only will this make your home feel more airy and open (more on that later) it can help give your home a rustic feel without adding a single piece of furniture.
When it comes to interior design, you’ll still mostly want to keep things neutral (think classic clean whites and creamy beiges in addition to moody colors like burgundy and navy), but a way to add intrigue is to inject patterns and texture into some elements. These throw pillows are an easy touch, but you could also consider tapestries, shaggy rugs, or even one art piece that pulls focus amid the minimalism.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, this aspect and many others on this list are where the help of a local interior designer can really come in handy—bonus points if they’re a fan of the show too.
Beautiful cabins and ranch homes like those on the show often have layouts that mimic the natural beauty outside. Namely, you can expect the living areas to be wide and open, with tall ceilings. If you’re considering a home renovation with a western twist, be sure to emulate the style of Big Sky Country and opt for open floor plans and tall ceilings.
Another easy way to add a little something bold to your minimalist palette is with your light fixtures. Western ranch design tends to favor warm light with almost industrial fixtures that look striking against a more rustic design scheme.
And even if you’re starting from scratch, this is one project that may be more attainable than you may think. The cost of adding a light fixture typically runs from $151 to $894. Even if you have other important skills to share around the ranch, we always recommend a local electrician take on this job.
Even if you don't have stables full of horses to ride as the Dutton family does, you can still bring a bit of animal inspiration to your home.
Opt for something like porcelain antlers, a throw with an animal print, or even a photo of the local wildlife in your part of the country to pay homage to the great outdoors. If you’re comfortable with it, leather (or faux leather) pieces are another instantly evident western-style touch.
Despite all of the perils that our favorite characters face on “Yellowstone” in the form of wolves, bears, and other wildlife, you’re not alone if you’re eager to get outside after watching an episode. One of the best and easiest ways to get a little taste of the great outdoors is to make your own outdoor space feel more like an extension of your home.
You can start small at first by adding a stylish fire pit to your patio or even just a few chairs for swapping stories. Want to go bigger? Consider taking on the cost of adding an outdoor kitchen or even hiring a local landscaper to make your own little patch of green your favorite part of your home.
In case you haven’t picked up on it by now, the heart of bringing western-inspired style into your home is by playing on natural elements. One of the easiest ways to make your home feel like a place to hang up your cowboy hat is to add lots and lots of wood accents.
Think about going big by adding wood paneling to your ceiling, playing on functionality with a wood barn door, or starting small by refurbishing a wooden trunk to hold your knitted throws.
Whether you’re cozying up with your favorite drink during the blustery Montana winters or you’re trying to take the chill out of a cool night on the East Coast, you can’t go wrong with adding a fireplace to your home. Many types of fireplaces are functional, and if you choose one with a stone facade or an interesting shape, this home addition can also quickly become one of the most interesting decor items in your space.
Montana is known as Big Sky Country for a reason. If you've ever caught yourself marveling at the breathtaking background imagery when you should have been paying attention during a very dramatic scene, you're not alone (those mountains, though!).
If you actually do live in Montana, you probably already know why larger-than-life windows are important, but no matter your neck of the woods, adding tall or wide windows can help you take in all of the natural beauty around you.
Speak with a local window installer if you have dreams of eating breakfast while surveying the land around your home in search of your next adventure.
