The Wild West aesthetic adopts moody accents in this up-and-coming design palette.
Pinterest has identified “Western Gothic” as a top interior design trend for 2024. “Western” and “Gothic” may seem like a mismatch—but a melding of the two aesthetics also may come naturally to fans of the dark, moody cowboy drama “Yellowstone.”
Western Gothic is a combo of dark color palettes with vintage western and Americana motifs. The 2024 Pinterest Predicts report, which is based on global search data of more than 482 million users, identifies a rise in online searches for styles like “western gothic,” “western bedding ideas,” “vintage Americana” and “country room ideas.”
Elements common with this non-classic style include:
- A dark base: Have a statement wall painted in a dark color, such as black or chocolate brown, to exude gothic vibes. Use the accent walls to showcase artwork depicting ranch or western-inspired photography of cattle or cowboys.
- Western details and finishes: Incorporate natural wooden furniture, cow prints, leathers, gold metals and even denim, which can help capture the Americana aesthetic. Also, add touches of fringe edging to a leather chair or studded detailing along the furniture ends.
- Sultry touches: Add gothic elements like lace, faux fur and velvet.
- Soft lighting: Candles offer up some gothic ambiance; try to mix and match candle holders in different sizes and shapes.
- Desert plants: Add succulents and cactus on tabletops and shelves.
Western Gothic is considered a hybrid aesthetic; try a combination of leather and lace for both the rugged and the romantic. Here’s one look: Layer a sheepskin on a well-worn leather armchair, a cowhide rug underneath and large bows attached to a candelabra on the side table.
Make no mistake, Western Gothic is a maximalist style. Use it sparingly, and reserve it for smaller areas of a home, such as a wine cellar, powder room, home office or den.
Listen to “Real Estate Today” to hear Melissa Dittmann Tracey take on the “Western Gothic” style on the “Hot or Not?”
Melissa Dittmann Tracey
