The West that Never Was
Oct 4th 2019
Traditional Western decor is popular for so many reasons: its rustic appeal, its simplicity, and its nod to a more conventional time. One of the drawbacks of traditional western style is its tendency to be a little staid—a bit on the unimaginative side. If you're looking to brighten up your Western decor, there's a perfect solution: Western kitsch.
What is Western kitsch? Above all, it's playful—a faux nostalgia for singing cowboys and pinup cowgirls. It's splashy color, retro fun, and it's relentlessly cheerful. Think the Lone Ranger meets Hopalong Cassidy for a campfire singalong before riding into town to celebrate with saloon hall dancing girls.
While it's certainly possible to go all-out kitsch in your home's decor, what's more practical is to find a few pieces to brighten up your traditional Western look. Using the bright, cheerful kitschy colors keeps your Western neutrals from looking drab, and a few pieces of kitsch let you play up your sense of fun and humor.
Whether you opt for handmade pieces from marketplaces like Etsy or you pick up a reproduction print from Amazon, tracking down just the right pieces is half the fun. Embellished boots turned into lamps, rockabilly album covers, and even neon signs can kick up the whimsy in your western decor. There are wonderful DIY projects—think horseshoes and bright bandanas to make a wreath or stenciling a cute, folksy saying on a piece of worn wood to hang in your kitchen. You can embark on a shopping expedition or you can head to the craft store!
Once you've decided to play up your Western theme with some kitsch, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. There can be a fine line between tasteful and over-the-top, and selecting just a few pieces helps keep your western whimsy under control. Whether you're scouring second-hand shops for vintage prints or you're eyeing up retro-inspired wallpaper, remember to exercise some restraint. You can always add more funky cowboy flair if you're not kitschy enough, but too much can really detract from a cohesive feel for your home.
One of the benefits of cowboy kitsch is the wide open color palette you'll have to play with. No matter how broad or narrow your color preferences, you're certain to find complementary pieces. Brightly colored posters, wall hangings, and vintage figurines come in a veritable rainbow, giving you plenty of choices in terms of accent colors to tie your room together.
Cowboy kitsch is so much fun—stars, spurs, and saddles give us all a little childlike thrill. Let your inner cowboy (or cowgirl) free to decorate, and you'll realize just how much fun Western décor can be. So what are you waiting for? Time to get along little doggies!