Western Gothic: Unpacking the Moody Yet Chic Interior Design Trend

When analyzing interior design styles over the past few years, Western Gothic slowly started to have a presence before it became an established trend. For example, rustic chic, cottage-core and other countryside-inspired interior design looks were an early sign that more rough nature trends would continue to make waves. It was a matter of when and how.

On the other hand, popular things from the entertainment world, like Lana Del Rey’s discography, which often features iconic Americana elements, and Beyoncé’s newest era reclaiming Southern culture, pointed at strong vintage and Western features coming back into the mainstream. Likewise, shows like HBO’s Westworld, set in an artificial Wild West, slowly built the base for today’s Western Gothic details.

This trend also is a response to two major interior design trends from the past year: overly beige and gray designs and dopamine décor. Even though Western Gothic is as monochromatic as beige and gray schemes, it relies on darker tones that infuse warmth and coziness rather than openness, and champions maximalism over neat and empty spaces. It’s also a counterargument to the colorful nature of dopamine décor, agreeing on its opulence and oozing character but disagreeing on the variety of bright colors.

Western Gothic combines several moving pieces, so it’s important to dissect them to understand and apply the look. To start, this trend screams vintage: old leather chairs, worn-out candle holders, tapestry and other décor with visible wear and tear. This underpins its Western theme, filled with objects you’d find in a John Wayne movie. Overall, it seeks pieces that will look good as they age.

It also places rustic wood front and center. For example, dark wood paneling is essential, adding to the old-school cozy vibe Western Gothic aims for. Dark wood consoles, desks, coffee tables and frames also make the cut. These pieces are reminiscent of dusty saloons and elegant living rooms from back in the day, when everything was mostly made of long-lasting wood.

Additionally, this style favors natural elements like longhorn skulls, cacti and cowhide rugs. These elements offer ample room for experimentation as cacti can fit any room, and cowhide adjusts to a variety of colors and shapes that will always fit the theme.

Lastly, Western Gothic stands out by turning usual Americana colors upside down with dark hues like charcoal, burgundy, brown, forest green and navy. And to make it even edgier, it adds polish and glow with metallic elements in golden, silver and bronze.

While picturing this trend might look ideal, can it be turned into a livable design? The truth is you don’t have to go to crazy extremes to achieve it. If your rooms are ready for a touch of elegance and moodiness, then Western Gothic is the way to go.

To start, a fresh coat of paint will be the easiest and most affordable way to set your path into the trend. If you don’t want to go all-out with charcoal walls, a dark shade of green or dark blue can be just as appealing and lush without looking uninviting.

Here’s the scope for attaining the woody look — reclaimed wood is a must. It has historical value, a sophisticated yet worn look, and is more environmentally friendly than virgin wood. However, it might not fit all budgets, in which case you can get second-hand wood pieces or old barn wood and coat them with varnish to get a similar feel. Several companies also offer reclaimed-looking wood so you don’t break the bank, but it might not be as durable as the real deal.

Third, it’s time to hit antique stores and thrift shops. This is where you add your own personality, and nothing is off-limits. You can look for metallic décor with Western themes, old frames, worn-out jugs that can serve as flower vases and small quirky trinkets that complete coffee tables, consoles, centerpieces and countertops. These elements can allude to roosters, skulls (additional to longhorn skulls!), dry leaves and flowers, cowboy hats and boots — it’s up to you.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to incorporate greenery to elevate the dimmer tones in each room. They will bring a lush feel and breathe some life into the warm and dark décor. Cactus in the kitchen, monstera leaves in the living room, raven plants in the bathroom and dark peperomias on desks or nightstands work well.

Lastly, let the furniture speak for the entire style. You can bring in modern elements without losing the elegance of old textures like leather. For example, an Eames chair still works as it features dark leather and wood. Chunky armchairs, big sofas in bold earth tones and functional chairs like barstools also do the trick.

Western Gothic transforms spaces from big and open to warm and enclosed. The slightly gloomy vibe from vintage décor, paired with newer, more elegant elements like leather couches and metallic pieces, will surely create an aesthetically pleasing juxtaposition unlike anything you’ve seen. If you’re a maximalist who loves the countryside but prefers a darker and more antique look than the usual rustic charm design — you’ll finally find your style in Western Gothic! While it’s currently just a trend, its timeless allure will stick with the people who enjoy playing with duality in interior design.

Joyce Huston is a Lead Interior Designer and Co-founder at Decorilla Online Interior Design, a service that connects customers with vetted professional interior designers who create curated 3D and VR spaces based on customer style preferences and budget. Decorilla also serves clients in-home in 20 major cities across the U.S. for 80% less than traditional interior design. In the span of over a decade at Decorilla, Huston has helped thousands of clients create custom design solutions for a range of projects including, but not limited to, retail, commercial, hospitality, industrial and residential spaces. This has been accomplished by developing individualized solutions and by listening to and understanding each client’s needs, personal expectations and matters at hand. Her work has impacted and helped Decorilla’s team grow to  over 350 interior designers and 300 furniture partners.