How to Decorate in Western Rustic

Paint walls with an earth-tone color. Brown, tan, green, blue or rusty red bring the feeling of nature indoors.

Cover hardwood floors with area rugs for warmth and in keeping with the Western theme. Select rugs that feature designs of bears, deer or horses. Mix in rugs with solid earth-tone colors to keep the floor from becoming too busy.

Hang horseshoes on the wall or front door. Mount antlers or longhorns above the fireplace for a dramatic flair.

Place furniture made from knotty pine, birch or cedar throughout your home. Leather upholstered living room furniture with a throw and pillows to complement the wall color is inviting. Distressed tables in the living room and dining room add to the relaxed atmosphere of the home.

Select lighting with wrought-iron or thick, natural-wood bases. Use rawhide lampshades painted with nature scenes or animals. A chandelier made from iron or antlers and milk-glass globes is a good match for the dining room.

Hang pictures of horses, mountains, prairie or a weathered fence on the walls. Old lanterns and a lasso are also appropriate.

Place comfortable rocking chairs on the porch to watch the sunset and pass the day. A boot jack beside the front door keeps dirty boots outside, and even if it is never used, it's an interesting accessory.

Keep window treatments minimal and use cotton panels for kitchen windows. Hang drapes that are pulled back during the day to let natural light enter the room. Allow the drapes to cover bedroom and living room windows as needed for privacy.