Rural style furnishings usually refer to objects that are natural, carry a sense of history, are made by hand, have a hardy or sturdy exterior, or are inspired by a correlation to the great outdoors. "Western" style decorations are similar to the rural theme; with more of an influence of the "old West." The Old West influence typically refers to the cowboy, gun-slinging way of life of the 19th century or the western area of the United States. Western style decor also commonly carries with it profound themes from Native American art and traditions, particularly in the popular Southwestern approach of home furnishings and decoration.



When the National Park Service was founded, an innovative new mode of architecture materialized, referred to as "Parkitecture." The overall initiative was to produce edifices constructed of the indigenous wood and stone of the locale that would easily intermingle with the natural environment. A large percentage of the lodges, inns, hotels, tourist centers, overpasses, support amenities, and access gateways are thought of as historical attractions because of this mode of architecture. The overall objective of the National Parks has been to preserve and protect the natural beauty and wilderness of these original grounds.

This natural beauty has been embraced in the style and construction of countless cabins, log homes, and cottages. Early American history has continued to influence the architecture and inside décor of these homes by utilizing natural materials found in the surrounding areas, depending on the geographic locale. Examples include using the surrounding wood from trees and incorporating the various traditions of the Native American tribes that reside or once resided in the particular region, particularly with Western style wall décor such as laser cut metal wall décor (http://www.laserwallart.com) and other types of metal wall art.

Common trees used in the construction of rural or rustic furnishings and decorations include Oak, Pine, Hickory, Ash, Birch, and Poplar, as well as some of the sub-species of these beautiful trees; Spruce, Red Oak, Yellow Birch, and White Pine, to list a few. A popular influence is also referred to as "Adirondack." This type of wood is commonly used in western influenced furniture. Adirondack wood is found in the northern region of New York state. Heavily mountainous, this area is full of forests, lakes, streams, and rivers. The Adirondack Park was founded by New York to aid in the protection of these natural areas of beauty, although this expanse of natural exquisiteness has an extensive history of logging in order to cash in on the furniture manufacturing market.

In the rare wood manufacturing business, Burl wood is one of the most popular and hard to find material for rustic furniture and home décor. It is most commonly found growing on tree trunks, large branches, and tree roots. These areas of the tree cause the wood grain to grow in a somewhat warped manner. Typically these deformities are due to mold growth or insect infestation, which usually results in the tree dying. These warped areas of the tree however, make gorgeous patterns in the wood used to build rustic furniture, laser cut gifts (http://www.laserwallart.com/servlet/-strse-ROCK-ART/Categories), steel and wood wall art, and enhance what would be fairly run of the mill "western" furnishings.

In the western region of the United States, the archaic and hardy Rocky mountains are a common muse for furniture designers and interior decorating. Popular decorating themes tend to depict the wildlife found in this region of the country; such as grizzly bears, wolves, eagles, salmon and rainbow trout, deer, elk, mountain lions, and large cats. It is not unusual to see animal hide and leather in upholstery or wall hangings, or antlers hung on the wall or used for lamps, light fixtures, or end tables. Deer and elk antlers are shed annually—it is not encouraged to hunt these animals simply for their decorating capabilities.

Along with incorporating the natural materials, indigenous wildlife, and culture of local tribes, the romanticized existence of ranchers and cowboys is also a highly sought after theme in western style décor. Custom picture frames, iron wall art, metal wall décor (http://www.laserwallart.com), hutches, dressers, outdoor wall décor, and bed frames are often constructed out of battered, cultivated barn wood and wagon wheels, horseshoes, leather trappings, saddles, cowboy hats, and turquoise pieces are often incorporated into various pieces of household furniture or used as wall hangings or simple home accessories.

For those interior designers or do-it-yourselfers that love connecting with the rustic charm of our country's natural beauty and history will find these western styles of home décor very appealing. It becomes more than just a way to make your home look beautiful inside and out, it is a constant reminder of a simpler way of life and a way to pay homage to the pioneers of the United States!