Inspiration for an original ranch-style home

The Wild West, cowboys, shootouts and bison: what comes to mind? America is a big country with plenty of options. One of its strengths is that the American style of living changed or adapted in every part of the country. In New York you are more likely to find modern styles than in the Southern states, where wildlife and empty land were everywhere in abundance. No wonder the ranch style is still so popular, and thanks to films set in the Wild West, you will want it too.

The key rules

The ranch style of living is on a par with the country or rustic style. But don’t worry, you don’t have to sleep in a barn or a caravan. It is enough to give your home a “country” makeover. So what exactly does that mean?

• Natural elements: wood, leather and rattan make for a lovely home! Add some interesting textiles with geometric patterns, and you have the ranch style you have always longed for.

• Farm buildings : do you know how to turn a barn into a house? The ranch style is all about farms, large terraces and open countryside.

• Animals : you don’t need to keep chickens or any other kind of livestock. Pictures showing your favourite animal can be enough. Various figurines, or even a cowboy hat hung on the wall, will also look great.  

• Textiles : patchwork quilts will certainly come in handy, and you shouldn’t turn your nose up at a leather sofa either. Do you like macramé? This decoration will definitely suit your home. What’s more, it has become very fashionable in recent years. Don’t forget rugs, ideally in boho style with Aztec patterns. Diamond shapes and natural fibres are a must on a ranch.

• Fireplace : you can even choose an electric one bought at a hypermarket. Either way, it shouldn’t be missing from any room. Place a pair of genuine leather cowboy boots in front of it, and you will be the star of the show.

• Dreamcatcher: although you won’t find any Native Americans in our part of the world, you can still make a dreamcatcher from unbleached cotton string. It makes a very interesting decoration.  

• Lanterns : houses built in the West relied on lantern light for a very long time, so this touch of the “Middle Ages”, as some might call it, shouldn’t be missing from your home either. In recent years I have seen them at the pottery market in Beroun, for example!

Don’t forget the bar counter

Are you fond of a bar counter? The ranch style of living offers that too. Just think of Yellowstone, the popular series of recent years. Where did the scheming Beth go most often?

Our tip: put the glasses on a wooden counter and swap classic bar stools for upholstered ones, or even for a horse saddle. Display bourbon in its original bottles in one of the glass cabinets behind the bar. Imitation cow horns also bring a certain charm to the room, and you definitely shouldn’t forget stylish lighting such as small wooden or metal lanterns, so you can see what you are drinking.

A Western kitchen

Metal, wood and stone construction will suit your kitchen units. Granite worktops make it easy to bring stone colours into a Western kitchen design. Remember that the lighting should use metal fittings and glass shades that give off a warm, golden glow.

Get rustic wooden cabinets in dark, reddish or light brown, as they are an essential part of a Western kitchen in the USA. If you manage to find crockery with bison or other animal motifs, be sure to add it.

The Wild West in the bedroom

This is a place that should feel cosy. We therefore recommend using purple and sandy textures to create an earthy, calming feel. Southwestern bedrooms often use desert-themed schemes and lighter colour schemes. A Western home would be incomplete without a colourful bedroom. Buy throws and decorative rugs, and don’t forget rustic wooden bed frames. Popular bedroom motifs include cowboy hats, longhorn skulls and paintings of horses

The ranch style of living is also about wildness. If you cleverly combine it with your garden, everyone will want to live in your house.