The American West, whether you’re in the deserts of Utah or the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming, is gobsmackingly gorgeous. At the Shaw Ranch, set within the majestic Wind River Range, huge windows are strategically placed to frame the views, bringing picture-perfect scenes into almost every room. But where views aren’t the focal point (or if you just don't have any), large-scale photography can be used to bring the outside in. Look to the work of Ansel Adams, creator of some of the most iconic imagery of the American West, for inspiration. In the study of the Shaw Ranch, a black-and-white photo of wild horses sits on the fireplace mantel. Elements like a candlestick crafted from a deer antler and a chair by a local artisan further celebrate Western riches.
Though remodeled in 1989, this historic Santa Fe home retains many of its original architectural details, including the heavy wood doors and ancient beams seen in the foyer that leads to the dining space. An oversized, sun-washed rug complements the Old World aesthetic and softens the floors. This Santa Fe breakfast nook is full of interest thanks to clay artwork, painted wall decals and a paisley-printed banquette. An adobe fireplace anchors the far corner and ensures that the room stays warm.
Horses are an example of a West-inspired motif, just like buffalo and cacti. Here, leather dining chairs are paired with contemporary glass tables.
Pictured above are Minna Goods Wandering Minna Carpet, $850, handsourced Antique Glass Bottle (95c), consignment Four Point Elk Antler (80c), Minna Goods formas Shag Pillow, $185 and Womenfolk vintage Kilim Boots (98c). The first thing you do is set the tone. Make your entryway orderly, but not too polished. Choose a palette that captures the beauty of the landscape. This includes dusty reds and a variety of blues.
The American West is absolutely stunning, whether you're in Utah or Wyoming's Rocky Mountains. Shaw Ranch, located in the Wind River Range, has large windows strategically placed to frame views. They bring stunning scenes into nearly every room. If the view isn't the focus of your space (or you don't have enough), large-scale photography may be a way to bring the outside into the room. Ansel Adams is the inspiration behind some of America's most iconic images. The Shaw Ranch Study features a black-and–white photo of wild horsemen on the fireplace mantel. Western riches are also celebrated through elements like a candlestick, made from a deer horn, and a chair made by a local artist.
A traditional tub, pin-striped shower curtain, penny tile floors and bold artwork complement the Pacific blue wall tiles in this historic-meets-modern bath. The bathroom space is accented with a red Southwestern rug. A variety of Mexican tile patterns cover this bathroom countertop. A single row in green tiles runs up the wall to transition it to a wood-framed glass mirror. The tile is the star, paired well with simple wood cabinetry. Junk Gypsies decorated this space with bright blue paint and a large American flag. A comfortable leather sofa with pillows and decorative pillows invites you to relax. Native American-style rugs create warmth and evoke the American West. A sparkling silver eagle hangs over a sitting area with chairs made of wrought iron and large wings in gold.
Each texture has its own unique look that can be complementary to different styles of rooms. For example, a shaggy rug would be perfect for a rustic cabin while a plush rug would be ideal for a contemporary loft space. Keep in mind the colors of your room when selecting the right texture for your western rug! As someone who is looking to purchase a new rug for their home, there are many questions that are weighing on your mind but one of the best and also most important concerns is figuring out what type of rug is the best for your needs. When investing in a new rug, it is important to be aware of what kind of color and material will work best for your home. There are a variety of different prices for western rugs, depending on the size, color, and design of the rug. Generally, western rugs are very affordable and can be found in a variety of colors and designs.
