Pinterest has identified “Western Gothic” as a top interior design trend for 2024. “Western” and “Gothic” may seem like a mismatch, but for fans of the dark and brooding cowboy drama “Yellowstone,” the melding of the two aesthetics may be a natural fit.
Western Gothic combines a dark color palette with vintage Western and Americana motifs. The Pinterest 2024 Forecast Report, based on global search data from over 482 million users, shows an increase in online searches for styles such as “Western Gothic,” “Western bed ideas,” “Vintage Americana,” and “Country room ideas.”
Common elements of this non-classical style include:
- Dark basePaint the walls a dark color, like black or chocolate brown, to create a Gothic feel. Use an accent wall to display artwork depicting ranches or western-style photos of cows and cowboys.
- Western-style details and finishes: Natural wood furniture, cowhide, leather, gold and even denim can all help convey an Americana aesthetic, as can fringe trim on leather chairs and stud embellishments on furniture edges.
- Sexy Touch: Add gothic elements such as lace, faux fur, and velvet.
- Soft lightingCandles create a gothic atmosphere, so try mixing and matching candle holders of different sizes and shapes.
- Desert plants: Place succulents or cacti on tabletops or shelves.
Western Gothic is considered a hybrid aesthetic: combine leather and lace to create a look that’s both rugged and romantic. For example, layer sheepskin on a worn leather armchair, place a cowhide rug underneath, and attach large bows to the sconces on the side tables.
Don’t get us wrong, Western Gothic is a maximalist style, so use it sparingly and keep it to smaller areas of your home, like a wine cellar, powder room, home office, or study.
Listen to “Real Estate Today” to hear Melissa Dittman Tracy try her hand at “Western Gothic” style in the “Hot or Not?” segment.
