The Appeal of Rustic and Western Home Decorating

Rustic style decor usually refers to items that are natural, historical, handmade, rugged or inspired by a connection to the outdoors. Western style decor is similar to rustic, with more influences of the "old West" usually referring to the cowboy lifestyle of the 1800's or the western part of the United States. Western style decorating also has heavy influences from Native American art and culture, especially in Southwestern style decor.

With the founding of our National Park Service, a new building style known as Parkitecture evolved. The idea was to create buildings out of the native wood and stone of the area that would blend in with the natural surroundings. Many of the hotels and lodges, visitor centers, bridges, entrance gateways and support facilities of National Parks are considered historical landmarks. National Parks were created with the idea of preserving and treasuring the natural beauty of these wilderness areas.

Many of today’s log homes embrace the style of National Park lodges and rustic, old-fashioned cabins and cottages of early American history. These homes and most of the furnishings inside were built with the natural materials found in the surrounding area. Different geographic regions developed their own unique style, depending on the types of trees used for wood, the climate and the different cultures of Native American tribes in the area.

Pine, Aspen, Maple and Oak are just a few of the common types of trees used in rustic furniture and decor. There are many sub-species of these types of trees such as Spruce, Cedar, White Pine, Red Maple, Quaking Aspen, Bigtooth Aspen, etc. Adirondack wood is also a common term used to describe rustic furniture. The Adirondack region is a mountainous area in northern New York state with numerous lakes, rivers and hardwood forests. While this heavily forested area has a long history of logging and wood furniture manufacturing, the Adirondack Park was founded by the state in 1892 to help preserve the rugged beauty and charm of this area.

Burl wood is a rare, highly sought after material for wood workers and rustic furniture makers. It is actually a growth commonly found on tree trunks, roots and branches that causes the grain to grow in a deformed way. Mold or insect infestations are the most common causes for this condition which often results in the death of the tree. Burl wood can be found on many different species of trees, including redwood, spruce, maple and walnut. The spectacular patterns in burl wood greatly enhance the beauty of rustic furniture made from it.

In the West, the primitive and rugged Rocky mountains provide much of the inspiration for rustic decorating. Common themes include the wildlife indigenous to this part of North America, including moose, deer, elk, buffalo, grizzly bear, wolves, mountain lions, bald eagles and game fish. Animal hides and leather or rawhide are often used in upholstery. Deer and elk antlers, which are shed by the animals each year, are gathered to create beautiful and unusual lamps and chandeliers.

Western style decor is inspired by the rugged, outdoor lifestyle of cowboys and ranchers. Weathered, reclaimed barn wood is a popular material rustic artists use to create decor such as picture frames and candle holders. Old wagon wheels make excellent overhead light fixtures. Antique tractor seats can be made into bar stools. Old barbed wire is used in rustic art and can be made into baskets. Steer skulls are often decorated and made into wall art. Horseshoes and spurs are also commonly used to make or decorate western style decor.

Rustic and western style decor appeals to those who want to connect with the rugged beauty of the great outdoors and the enduring spirit of our early American pioneers. To many, it is a way of life, an expression of deep appreciation for natural beauty and a time when life was more simple.

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