True Grit: Classic, Old-West Style Design
Design Eye on the Oscars: How to Bring a Little True Grit Home
With Oscar buzz all about Joel & Ethan Coen's modern take on the 1968 Western novel, "True Grit," Old-West style is likely to see a resurgence. From aesthetic to function, here's a collection of Western spaces which master the style — with or without cowboy boots and horses.
Modernizing Old West can be breathtaking. This updated space sports all the textures associated with the style — applied in a contemporary way. Since design is all about turning tradition on its head, the unexpected application of wooden log ends as wallcovering knocks that idea out of the park.
Interiors of modern cabins usually rely on natural textures and open, functional layouts. This kitchen is the perfect example. Classic details such as beams above are put to use as vessels for integrated can or puck lights — a purposeful, modern spin on Old West charm. Rustic stone, often used on the floor in addition to or instead of brick, is brought up onto the walls as a kitchen backsplash or fireplace column.
With such beautiful sights outside the window, it's common for western homes to have beautiful views from every room in the house. However, this wasn't the purpose 100 years ago. Views of the surrounding areas were essential for looking out over the land for any unwanted visitors on horseback. My, how times have changed.
Many sets from Old-West movies are all about cabin-style interiors. That description may immediately scream "man cave," but it doesn't have to. Dark tones layered upon one another can be super sophisticated. Also, since cabins usually have some utilitarian use to them, it's common to see tools hung on walls as accessories, such as the military binoculars hanging on the wall behind the dining table here. The layers of rustic logs, heavy iron light fixture, rich wood table and weathered chairs are all the room could handle. By stopping there, it creates a beautiful balance. Grizzly bear taxidermy in the corner and a pig quilt on the wall would have been a more of a horror story than a design story.
Old-West architecture for the modern day is built around views. With floor-to-ceiling glass along a focal wall, who needs a TV to watch westerns? There's one happening right outside your window, and you don't even need TiVo or a remote.
Something that's become a contemporary classic for Western architecture is the upward sloping roof. This brilliant trick not only allows sweeping views of nature from inside but also creates a beautiful, architectural silhouette outside: that of a man-made structure set against a natural landscape.
Regardless of if your home sits in the Wild West or just the westernmost part of suburbia, there's simple elements that can bring the look anywhere. If log cabin walls are too much for you, 8-inch pine plank painted white can achieve the cabin look in a much lighter manner. Pair those walls with classic American pieces such as ladderback and wooden barrel chairs, and you'll have a classic American Western sure never to go out of style.
Western style can also be elegant. This sophisticated sitting space has Old-West flair brought in through exposed texture in the niche. Enhanced just a teency-weency bit with the tree trunk coffee table, it stays calm and serene thanks to dainty, mid-century furnishings. Lastly, have y'all seen the movie, True Grit, yet? If so, what did you think? Do tell! Also, is modernized Old West something you'd like to see more of in the design world?
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Design Eye on the Oscars: The Kids Are All Right
Design Eye on the Oscars: The King's Speech
Next:
Design Eye on the Oscars: The Kids Are All Right
Design Eye on the Oscars: The King's Speech