There’s a new aesthetic trend that’s officially dominating 2025: cowboy chic, paired with a desert neutral palette. Warm, dusty tones like terracotta, sandy beige, and sun-baked browns are popping up in theaters, runways, and your TikTok feed, bringing a grounded, nostalgic feeling that’s unique to the American Southwest aesthetic.
This look isn’t just about choosing new throw pillows. The cowboy chic trend reflects a shift in how we see comfort, nature, and design. It’s about slowing down, embracing simplicity, and leaning into a look that brings us back to our roots.
The Old West’s Re-Emergence in Pop Culture
If you’ve noticed more cowboys galloping across your screens than usual, you’re not mistaken: Old West-inspired style is showing up in pop culture everywhere. The gritty, slow-burning drama of Yellowstone, American Primeval, or 1923 are soaked in cowboy grit, raw textures, and earthy desert palettes. These shows aren’t just influencing fashion or home trends, they’re reshaping how people want to live: slower, more connected to nature, and visually grounded.
The cinematography of these series also reflects this aesthetic: sweeping plains, rough-hewn materials, sun-bleached scenery, and vintage Americana. The characters live in rugged settings that, despite their hardships, feel like home to us, a place to kick off our boots at the end of a hard day.
High fashion and streetwear have been on the same page in 2025. Ralph Lauren’s Spring 2025 runway show, although Hamptons themed, featured pieces that would look just as at home on the range, from polished belt buckles, to raw denim, to fringe and flannels in warm shades. Prada also debuted footwear in their newest collection like pre-distressed cowboy boots and heels with Western-style yokes.
And of course, fashion on the rack is not far behind this year. Brands like Free People, Reformation, and Zara are embracing the cowboy chic look with collections that feel rugged yet refined. Think washed cotton, sun-faded tones, soft leather, and silhouettes that feel lived-in and connected to the land.
Cowboy Chic’s Crossover into Interior Design
More people are looking for calm, warmth, and a break from cluttered design, and the modern western aesthetic blended with rugged textures and neutral tones offers the perfect jumping off point for interiors.
Beyond the calming color palette, furniture pieces like leather accent chairs with unique silhouettes and antiqued or vintage trunks are trending right now. Try pairing a larger furniture piece like these with a desert-inspired decor item like a handcarved wood bowl for an instant western upgrade.
The cowboy interior style is also highly versatile depending on your own personal taste. If you enjoy the ocean breeze just as much as the desert sun, try the viral ‘coastal cowgirl’ aesthetic for a lighter, airier take. Cream leather, sheer off-white drapes, and pale driftwood are a great starting place, and try swapping cactus motifs for palm trees.
Cowboy chic, and the American Southwest aesthetic as a whole, can be incorporated into almost any other interior design style in both large or small doses, so you have options if you’re not looking for a whole home re-do.
Practical Ways to Bring the West into Your Space
You don’t have to move out west to get the look. The desert neutral palette and American southwest style fits anywhere: it’s all about layering and building upon pieces you already have.
Start with large-scale abstract or nature-inspired artwork in warm, earthy hues like soft terracottas, deep browns, dusty roses or mauves, and even hints of sagebrush or muted gold. These colors set the tone for the entire space. Abstract art adds energy and movement, while nature photography can create a calm, expansive feel. Oversized desert wall art creates a focal point that sets the tone for the room.
Then, pair your wall art with natural materials. Think linen or cotton curtains, denim accents, rough-cut wood, and raw ceramic pieces. Look for furniture in soft leathers, rustic finishes, or matte black hardware to anchor the modern western aesthetic. Avoid overly polished or synthetic elements, as this look is all about authenticity. Shopping secondhand is a great way to get a collected look if you’re looking for more of a vintage spin as well.
A few practical tips:
- Avoid bright whites for this look: go for cream, linen, or warmer toned fabrics.
- If you’re not sure where to start, an oversized desert wall art piece will change the style of the room quickly, and is a great option if you’re not ready to paint an entire wall.
- Choose artwork that evokes the colors or feeling of the desert, not necessarily a literal desert scene.
- Always layer textures, as depth is one of the most important elements in Southwestern style. Try stacking rugs, throw cushions, or heavy quilts or knit blankets.
- Incorporate sculptural elements, like rounded pottery or curved furniture, to reflect the organic shapes found in the desert.
- Consider metal accents in aged brass or blackened steel for contrast and edge.
Want more rustic interior trends for 2025? Add in subtle details like cactus-inspired forms, dark leather accessories, or wall-mounted driftwood. Make sure to opt for warm lighting to keep your space from feeling too sterile, even if you’re aiming for a modern western look.
Final Thoughts
Even though cowboys and the Old West style are all the rage this year, the American Southwest aesthetic and western style interiors will always be a mainstay for a grounded and calming room. Whether you take your inspiration from a dusty, lawless western TV show or the tailored, earthy textures appearing on the runway, it’s a simple and enduring look that is easy to make your own.
