Western, Cowboy, Ranch style a "look" that reminds us of the Old West and is always in fashion!

Western, Cowboy, Ranch style a "look" that reminds us of the Old West and is always fashionable!

Natural materials is an essential element in decorating in a western themes. Normally, local rock, wood, metal and leather are materials used in basic construction with the adding of wool, beadwork and Deer or Elk antler making up the "accent" items.

Furniture used in creating a Western or Cowboy style are usually large and sturdy looking wood pieces. Today many use log constructed furniture in their western decorating. Older is usually preferred to a new furniture piece. Many awesome decorating themes include cracked leather living room furniture, old indian blankets and even old ranch work implements.

Bedrooms done in a western style usually have a masculine feel. Mixing a variety of styles for your desired effect can include Native American, denim or wool blankets just to name a few.

Fabrics in a Cowboy, Ranch room are tough and textured. Usually lots of leather, suede, wool, denim and fur is used. Most are usually matte finished - look used and weathered. Upholstered furniture can have woven chenilles and fabrics with various patterns.

Colors most commonly found in a Western home are light brown to honey shaded wood, rock and metals. Colors used to accent the main colors are terra cotta, brown, sienna red, sedona red, blues - including navy and gray. This wide variety of colors gives the decorator total freedom in decorating styles and color themes.

Floors are almost always hardwood. Wide plank flooring, especially some from an old barn or cabin is an absolute "Winner"! On top of these wood floors, are a variety of woven wool rugs, furs and animal hides.

The overall cowboy - western - ranch look is normally a blend of new and old, rugged with some soft accents. The modern western, cowboy or ranch style home can be as much of new or old as you would like. Some of the most compelling rooms is using a tasteful blend of the old, rough, timber look combined with the new softer leather and wools.

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Native Americans - The First Americans

Came across an interesting website the other day. Native-Americans-Online.com, a real interesting site covering many varied aspects of the Native American culture, pictures and traditions.

On this site there is a link to the Seven Philosophies for the Native American Man

Here is just the start of those philosphies:
The following was from the Gathering of Native American Men in June 1996 at Colorado:

The wisdom of Native Elders is contained in the Seven Philosophies and is offered to Native American men so that they may be better fathers, sons, husbands, uncles, relatives, friends, Tribal members and citizens of the countries in which they live. The Seven Philosophies point the way towards a return to the values of Native American culture for the healing of individuals, families and Native Communities.

First Philosophy - TO THE WOMEN
The cycle of life for the woman is the baby, girl, woman, and grandmother. These are the four directions of life. She has been given by natural laws, the ability to reproduce life. The most sacred of all things is life. Therefore, all men should treat her with dignity and respect. Never was it our way to harm her mentally or physically. Indian men were never abusers. We always treated our women with respect and understanding. So from now on:

I will treat women in a sacred manner. The Creator gave women the responsibility for bringing new life into the world. Life is sacred, so I will look upon the women in a sacred manner.
In our traditional ways, the woman is the foundation of the family. I will work with her to create a home atmosphere of respect, security and harmony.
I will refrain from any form of emotional or physical abuse. If I have these feelings, I will talk to the Creator for guidance.
I will treat all women as if they were my own female relatives. This is my vow.

Second Philosophy - TO THE CHILDREN
As an eagle prepares its young to leave the nest will all the skills and knowledge it needs to participate in life, in the same manner so will I guide my children. I will use the culture to prepare them for life.
The most important thing I can give to my children is my time. I will spend time with them in order to learn from them and to listen to them.
I will teach my children to pray, as well as the importance of respect.
We are the caretakers of the children for the Creator. They are His children, not ours.
I am proud of our own Native language. I will learn it if I can and help my children to learn it.
In today's world it is easy for the children to go astray, so I will work to provide positive alternatives for them. I will teach them the culture. I will encourage education. I will encourage sports. I will encourage them to talk to the Elders for guidance; but mostly, I will seek to be a role model myself.
I make this commitment to my children so they will have courage and find guidance through traditional ways.

You can read the rest of the 7 Philosophies

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Denim Bedding - Hard To Find?

We've searched the web for an long time with little success finding good denim bedding. We thought "denim" would be a natural fit for accenting western or cowboy styles, but have had a hard time finding some denim bedding that would be a thoughtful addition to a cowboy or cowgirl's bedroom.

We've finally come across some denim bedding that looks like it is a winner! This denim style we found is a nice blend of blue and red denim with bands of leather brown in between. It also sports a high quality distressed faux leather look!

Check out our new find in denim bedding for that casual cowboy look.

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New JOHN WAYNE Design Home Decor

John Wayne, (The Duke) was the icon of the Western movie. Many of his westerns were set in New Mexico and Arizona, the last cowboy bastian of the Southwest.

If you remember the movie McClintock, that was based on real events that happened in Lincoln County New Mexico just 100 miles southwest of Albuquerque. It was based on the Lincoln County Wars in the late 1800's.

Famous names like Billy the Kid and Pat Garret came from the events surrounding this story.

We now have a grouping of great western decor items to remind us of John Wayne's desire to tell the story of the beauty and bravery of the old southwest and the cowboys and ranchers that made it great. These make great decor items for the John Wayne fan in your family. It's great for an office, family room or game room - where he hangs out.

Take a look at some great NEW John Wayne western decor items.

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NEW Web Site Launched For Western Home Decor Lovers

Western style home decor is ever popular and as a style, is "timeless". People who are coordinating themes from pure western to lodge to mountain rustic, use many of the elements in traditional western decor.

WesternCowboyHorseDecor.com, a new website was launched to serve those who are looking to decorate with this outstanding style.

Why not take time out today and do some browsing through this new website!

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