Cowboy boots, hats, belt buckles, and spurs are not everyone's cup of tea, and even if you like a little cowboy thrown in the mix, you may prefer a more modern country approach. But if you have a soft spot for all things country and are gung-ho about incorporating it in your living space, I've lassoed up some ways you can use Western pieces in the home. They just might be right up your, er, dirt road.
It's rodeo time and I've got the fever. My closet has a special place for all seven pairs of my cowgirl boots, but I'm thinking they may end up in a DIY project sooner than later. While I plan on rockin' them till they are worn out, this frame has me grinning from ear to ear.
From what I could tell, it would be rather easy to create. I'd start with a pair of serious scissors, a frame, insane glue, a staple gun, and of course, the boots. My own collection would be enough to make a perfect size vanity mirror, which is about the dimension I'd want. The frame may not fit everyone's style, but it could add just the right amount of kick to a mild or wild Western motif.
Do you love it or hate it?
While these shelves might usually hold books, framed photos, or sculptural objects, this homeowner has decided to use them to display a cowboy boot collection. Do you showcase unusual collections at your home?
Source: Steven Randazzo
Hey Duuuuddde. Hey Dude was one of my favorite Nickelodeon shows in the early '90s. Melody, Brad, Ted, and Danny made rancher life look so cool. Their style was functional yet stylish — bandanas, plaid, polo shirts, denim — and I loved how Melody always wore cute jewelry and hair clips with her cowboy gear. Giddy up!
I love the look of old Western ranch buildings, from their open, timber-framed ceilings to their massive stone fireplaces. However, even the most classic of cowboy designs often needs an update. For instance, how about trading the Frederick Remington reproduction print for a more modern Gretchen Wagoner collage painting? While it still has a definite cowboy flavor, its material use and colors totally bring the subject matter into the 21st century. I've tracked down many other updates on classic cowboy motifs, too, which I'll show you when you read more
At a barn shindig, serve a hearty meal with plenty of napkins to mop up the finger-licking good eats.
Start the meal off with a spicy appetizer in the form of shrimp with barbecue seasonings. Slow-cooked beef brisket is a savory, smoky, and scrumptious entree. It's also the perfect cut of meat to affordably feed a crowd.
Classic cowboy sides — barbecue "baked beans" and crisp apple coleslaw — round out the mouthwatering menu. To look at these recipes, read more
Recently one of my girlfriends moved out of the city to the countryside. Her new home has (drum roll please) a barn! I've been waiting all my life to host a Western-style hoedown in an authentic barn and she's agreed to let me plan one instead of hosting a housewarming party.
Think cowboy boots, bluegrass, and barbecued ribs. The invites take their inspiration from the classic, all-American bandanna. To learn how I made them, read more
Two-year-old Marcus Marriott is a cowboy, born and bred. He's not even out of diapers, but he already has the coordination to successfully rope a toy calf. His skill is undeniable, but his rope-swinging run is darn adorable. All he's missing is a hat, a pair of chaps, some spurs, and a real cow — but a teething ring and bottle of milk will suffice for now.
Maybe it's the Texan in me, but I just couldn't help myself when I saw these root-tootin' cowboy and cowgirl get ups by Wovenplay ($150 and $130). For the kiddo that likes to play dress up (and most of them do), these are the finest in rodeo wear.
Dress your tots up and let their imaginations run wild. Maybe they're driving the cattle out West or leading a pack of city slickers through the Colorado Rockies. They will certainly look the part so take your lil lasso throwers to the rodeo, petting zoo, or the grocery store in their chaps and vests and they are sure to get a few yeehaws.
