Natural materials and earthy colors are characteristic of western decor. The style has emerged from the philosophy of using what is at hand, thus natural materials include twigs and tree branches and colors reflect those seen in forests and sunsets. But don't think Western decor is only for log cabins and horse ranches. The Western style can be rich and sumptuous, casual and comfortable, lean and modern. It ha taken on a versatile nature and is well suited to a variety of architecture. Does this Spark an idea?
History
The Spanish influence on Western interior design dates back to Conquistadors of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. They brought with them their culture derived from Moorish rule of their own country. Arched doorways and decorative tiles are two distinct details owed to the Spanish and Moorish influence. From the Spanish invasion of Mexico, the Hispanic influence mixes in and the two became so closely related that they are at times used interchangeably. The Native American influence is evident in pottery and textile arts. These artistic works were, of course, of a practical nature 200 years ago. Since then, they have also become an integral part of Western interior design.
Features
Native American tradition holds that artistic works are a form of prayer or worship. When these items, such as pottery, are made they are decorated with symbols representative of a belief system. Kokopelli, for example, is a Navajo god of fertility. His image is often represented in copper sculptures hung outside. There are numerous border patterns, animals and plants, as well as images of gods, woven into baskets and blankets. The Spanish influence is not without its symbolism, though much of it lies in architecture. The rounded corners and niches prevalent in southwestern architecture are of Moorish descent, and derive from the Islam religion. A more contemporary influence is the cowboy way of life. Rawhide, leather and suede are frequently used in Western decor as well as artwork depicting the open range and artifacts such as antique rifles and animal skulls.
Identification
Rustic materials are an important part of the Western style. Rough-hewn wood benches coupled with couches upholstered in leather are common to the cowboy theme. Large twig rockers and log tables add to the rustic feel of lodge or log cabin schemes. Heavy oaken chests and lamps constructed from animal horns are widely used in Western decor. Like the Spanish trestle tables, dining room tables in this style are made from planed planks of hardwood. Chandeliers are often used to light the room, made from wood or wrought iron. Ceilings will have wood beams made of logs, the beams referred to as vigas. Doorways are framed in hewn logs or are arched if the dwelling is an adobe home. Colors are deep, rich and bold, balanced with touches of lighter colors in floral or geometric patterns. Usually wood furniture is stained a dark color, but painted furniture, born of the Hispanic influence in Western decor, is frequently seen for armoires and cabinetry.
Effects
The overall effect of the Western design style is one of rustic comfort, of practicality and of appreciation of the past. Colors like turquoise and navy blue, brownish red and orange yellow are pulled together in patterns both in fabric and painted furniture. Dark woods and ochre painted textured walls make for a warm color palette. Furniture is large in scale and sturdy, constructed from solid wood. The mass of chairs and couches is balanced against wrought iron lamp bases, woven rugs and open displays of collections. Accessories are an important part of Western decor. Relics from the days of the Wild West are displayed in places of honor. Family heirlooms are as much a part of the style as cowboy boots, antique pottery or Indian blankets.
Types
While imagery from Native American artwork and the cowboy lifestyle are prevalent in Western decor, not all contemporary Western styles employ them. A modern take on the Western style may include pine floors and textured walls. The walls though will be painted in a creamy tone and a glossy finish will highlight the floor. But tile work around the fireplace, wrought iron accessories and open displays of collections pay a nod to the Western look. The Santa Fe style is a category unto itself in Western decor. The colors are lighter in tone, but a wide palette is characteristic. Furniture is made from dark wood, but the lines are sleeker, the scale smaller. The fabrics are more apt to be geometric, with less defined imagery.
A more eclectic form of Western decor is one influenced by Art Deco and Art Nouveau. Interior and exterior walls are bright yellow or pristine white, decorated with an abundance of geometric shapes in contrasting colors. Furnishings are ornate, with turned wood and upholstered in tapestry-like fabrics. But the ornamentation is of Native American design or representative of the cowboy lifestyle.
Considerations
Any design that exemplifies indoor and outdoor living, a rustic sensibility and a relaxed atmosphere can be enhanced by the addition of Western decor elements. Cottage or country designs both do well with a touch of the west. The Western style is compatible with a number of architectural designs such as suburban ranch homes, California mission, the Southwest adobe and rammed earth design. The emphasis on natural materials and tendency toward redesigning artifacts for new uses makes Western decor a natural companion to the contemporary trend toward green living.
Tags: Western decor, Native American, Western decor, Western style, made from, part Western
