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8 Ways to Lasso Lone Star State Style

Rustle up a romance with the Old West for a home that makes a big decorating statement

Summer Baltzer January 1, 2000

Houzz Contributor. I'm passionate about improving lives through design and have contributed to over 100 episodes of TV as a co-host and designer for HGTV's "Design on a Dime" and TLC's "Unhinged. I am currently working on my Master's Thesis with a special focus on design for early childhood development and am loving every second of it!

Houzz Contributor. I'm passionate about improving lives through design and have contributed... More

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Homes in Texas come in all design styles, but its classic look still embodies a romance with the Old West. This diverse look mixes Native American, Spanish, Mexican, Anglo-American and European elements with earthy finishes, wood, leather, limestone, iron — and a rebellious streak. You don't have to live in the Lone Star State to be inspired by the distinctive features from these Texas interiors.

The Cavender Diary

1. A rustic color scheme. A down-to-earth, rustic color palette defines this Texan interior. Dusty reds, whites and blues (like on the Texas and American flags) complement warm wall colors.

Get this look: Light base colors work best in the hot Texas climate, so stick to lighter shades on your walls and use bolder colors for fun punches in fabric, artwork, furniture and accessories.

Zoe Murphy Compton Ltd.

2. Textiles and furnishings. Natural materials like wood, leather and iron emphasize the warmth and comfort of these spaces. Traditionally, Texas craftspeople made furnishings by hand out of local pine, cedar and walnut. Furniture was upholstered in hides or in sturdy textiles with geometric patterns or Western scenes.

Get this look: If you’re looking to save a little money to get this Southwestern look, reupholster a footstool or side chair in durable cotton or burlap. Rough up a thrifted wooden chair with sandpaper and dry brush a layer of colorful paint on top for authentic and reclaimed style.

Rachel Mast Design

3. Rodeo flair. During the late 1800s, rodeos became a popular test of skill across the western United States. Many Texans still hold fast to this cowboy tradition, and it's often represented in iconic artwork, accessories and textiles in the home.

Get this look: Look for rodeo silhouettes of a cowboy and bucking bronco in photographs, prints or paintings. Metalwork and antiques can pay tribute to the tradition, too — old spurs and boots can make a great entryway accessory.

3 Fold Design Studio

4. Limestone. Indigenous Texas limestone is the top stone quarried in the state, and it's widely used for both interior and exterior purposes. Designers often use subtle stone colors such as cream, shell, buff and gray in both traditional and modern settings.

Get this look: Consider using limestone for a stacked-stone fireplace or a wall, backsplash or floor. Try accenting a small nook or patio with limestone border tiles.

Wright-Built

5. Tin roofing. Metal roofing's reflective surface helps maintain a home’s temperature in the hot Texas weather. Galvanized roof systems were often used in old Texas homes — they withstood the elements beautifully and often rusted over time, adding character.

Get this look: Reclaimed galvanized sheets can add a beautiful patina to every part of your home. You can salvage old panels or buy new ones and use a rust kit from the hardware store to oxidize the metal.

Legacy DCS

6. Reclaimed lumber. Reclaimed lumber and barn wood add warmth and history. Old-school Texan homes embraced this warm and weathered look, with old barn wood lining cabinets, walls and floors.

Get this look: Luckily for us, pieces made from reclaimed lumber are no longer hard to come by, as a wealth of designers and furniture makers love to work with this material.

More salvage style ideas

Eclectic Pool Cord Shiflet Clarksville Treasure

7. The Texas star. Featured on the state flag, this star is all over traditional Texan homes. It's a symbol of Texas’ independent spirit and integrity, and homes often display it via the flag, as a sculpture or in carved details, tile work, signage and more.

Get this look: Branch out beyond framed flags and textiles, and use the Texas star as a motif on a wall, rug, tabletop or tile detail. I love how this homeowner brought the star outside in a rustic, patinated metal.

The Cavender Diary

8. Longhorns. The Texas longhorns are descended from the first cattle brought to America by Christopher Columbus. These cattle are often associated with the romance of the Old West and have become an iconic element of Texas culture.

Get this look: These accents look great over fireplaces or as part of a gallery wall, and you can also find ceramic and papier-mâché versions. No luck finding something sculptural? Try a longhorn pillow or painted motif instead.

More: Texas Design Corrals a Range of Styles

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goddessdiane

I had no idea there was such a thing as a rust kit, and there were several "instant rust kits" that I found. It is going to be a fun project! Thank you for the idea.

2 Likes August 2, 2013 at 7:23PM