Werbisky's own kitchen features a wall finished with rustic cedar and cabin doors with heavy black hinges similar to barn doors. For a simpler approach, subtle pieces like antique trunks or old wooden blanket boxes will also show off the style without overwhelming a room.

He suggests utilizing the openness of a great room to best portray the authentic western scene.  “Trophy saddles won from the rodeo business, an old bridle or leather couch with fringe work can make a heavier presence.”

Other key items could be old books, replica firearms, cattle skulls and even a colourful Mexican blanket draped over a fence. “A wood stove looks the part and can be functional too,” he says.

Of course with any decor, functionality is most important so don’t forget that fireplace. “Natural stone looks more old fashioned than brick over a mantel,” says Werbisky. “And the mantel, itself, can be made with timber, an antique rifle in the summer and snowshoes in the winter can be showcased over top.” Interchanging the two displays help spice up a room without moving the bigger pieces.

Werbisky has also seen chairs made out of wagon wheels, which is a good “conversation piece” he says, as well as wooden press-back chairs placed up against a wet bar. However he warns never to forget the western art and bronzes.

Julie Punter, show home interior decorator with Homes by Avi, agrees that bronze artwork such as sculptures really capture the country essence. She has decorated the Stampede Dream Home for five consecutive years now. This year they have sought out an artist for more abstract work than the traditional western but Punter says with Stampede’s theme, you can’t get too far from the ranch style.

Mixing pieces such as a cowhide ottoman, a light fixture with a cabin feel, antlers, or switching chairs with a bench can be added in a contemporary home as long as it’s used correctly. For the home’s largest surface area Punter suggests hand-scraped oak hardwood flooring in a wider plank. Textured walls such as grass cloth or cork wall paper are different techniques to play with.

By far, one of the most important elements is the colour theme. “Earth tones are great with the western look,” says Punter. “Browns, taupes, rust red, sienna red and gold draw from nature.” Since we live in a colder climate, Punter has noticed more clients gravitating towards warmer tones anyways.

There is no particular type of home best suited for country themes, so long as you know what degree of western air you want. “For a ranch home, it can be your general theme,” Punter says. “But for a condo, maybe just a funky ottoman can be enough.”

Punter knows customers nowadays are looking for a more eclectic look. Starting with a contemporary home and throwing in a wooden piece is more in style than full-on western themed homes. Adding unique bold artwork or texture, like real cowhide and rough wood, look better than walking straight into an imitation saloon.

Whether you’re giddying up for Stampede or spicing up your next home, make sure you find those subtle pieces that will truly capture the old western fashion. NL