Western Kitchen Decor

Walls

• For an authentic western look in your kitchen, choose the paint color for your walls carefully. Neutral shades like tan, brown and cream are ideal because they add warmth but can be paired with a variety of other colors. However, if you prefer a bolder look, terracotta, golden yellow or red provide a brighter feel. You can also use colors like navy and forest green, which are cool toned and provide an interesting contrast with warmer tones. If you want to add texture to your walls, wood paneling provides the rustic feel associated with western décor. You can place paneling on the lower half of all of the walls in your kitchen, or use floor-to-ceiling paneling on a single wall to create an accent wall.

Flooring

• To create a rugged, log cabin-like feel for your western kitchen, wood flooring is an ideal option. You can opt for natural hardwood flooring in warm honey tones that have natural graining and burls to provide a rustic feel. However, if you are on a budget, laminate flooring is a less costly alternative. If you aren't a fan of wood flooring, clay or stone tile is another attractive option. Look for red or terracotta tile if you prefer warm shades, or go with gray stone for a cooler look.

Cabinets

• When choosing cabinets for a western style kitchen, wood is definitely the way to go. Look for wood that has burls and knots for a rugged look, such as hickory, alder or pine. You can use a warm, red-toned stain, or leave the cabinets with their natural color. For a more colorful look, you can paint the cabinets to match or contrast with your wall color. If you leave your wood cabinets with a natural wood finish, add nonfunctional beams to the ceiling to give the room a log cabin feel.

Accessories

• When accessorizing your kitchen, look for rustic fabrics and natural materials. Wrought iron light fixtures or furniture adds a sophisticated look while still contributing to the rugged effect. Use a Navajo blanket as a wall hanging, or hang artwork that depicts mountain scenery. If your kitchen has an eat-in area, look for leather or suede-covered stools or chairs. For a truly authentic look, hang faux antlers or animal skulls on the wall as well.