Western themes have been popular in the US for decades, because they evoke the American ideals of independence and manifest destiny. They also have a rich visual identity that translates from fashion to interiors, and is continually influenced by designers like Ralph Lauren to create lifestyle trends.
But the western look has had a few modern updates recently, especially in the home decor space. The coastal cowgirl aesthetic took off last summer, and now a Beyonce-inspired style has made cowgirlcore look one of the hottest trends of the season.
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What Is Cowgirlcore?
When Beyonce dropped her latest album, Cowboy Carter, she entered the world of country music for the first time. But not only was it a new genre for her, she donned an entirely new look. Beyonce debuted long blonde tresses and outfits punctuated by cowboy hats, boots, denim, and leather. But she also brought a hefty dose of glamour to the look with plenty of metallics, rhinestones, and sparkles. This look was much more Nashville-by-night than rugged ranch style, bringing a modern mix of aesthetics to the table. Enter: Cowboy Carter-core.
If you, too, love a kitschy take on Americana, we encourage you to consider adding a little cowgirlcore to your home this summer. To help inspire your Beyonce-inspired refresh, we spoke to an expert to get all the tips on how to create the look.
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How to Decorate with the Beyonce-Inspired Aesthetic
The key to creating a Cowboy Carter style is balancing traditional Western tropes with a more modern and glamorous take on country. We suggest choosing timeless ranch-inspired staples, then bringing in the trend through your accessories.
Start with Natural Colors and Textures
To give your home a warm Western look, you can take inspiration from the landscape of the desert states as your base. "Start with the color palette and choose earthy tones like beige or terracotta to color your home," says Priyanshi Jain, founder of Pixels and Spaces.
Then, build up the layers of your decor to add richness, including tactile items. "Include textures like throw pillows made of distressed leather and woven baskets in your seating area to add a touch of Western flair," Jain says. Natural items like weathered wood and river rocks can also add to the appeal of a Western room. These tips will give you a classic start to your decor that is rich and functional as well as easy to customize.
Add Sparkles and Metallics
The Cowboy Carter style is all about the drama, so to give your space the Beyonce treatment, you're going to need some sparkle. "Incorporate gold and silver by adding metallic frames, lights, and vintage spurs to capture the essence of Cowboy Carter," Jain says. You can even add things that are traditionally more glamorous, like a sequined pillow or mirrors, to add sparkle and light.
Since this style is about mixing the rough with the glamorous, don't be afraid to pair normally opposing styles of decor. "A cowhide rug combined with paisley throw pillows can instantly uplift the Western look of the room," Jain says. "Add a luxurious velvet blanket in sapphire blue or emerald green to add a touch of Beyonce glamour to the area."
And as a final touch, we think a Cowboy Carter-inspired room needs a nod to Queen Bey herself, so we consider framing the album cover that started the trend.