The Moody Home Design Trend We'll See Everywhere In 2024, According To Pinterest
Moody interiors have sharply rose in popularity in recent years, as many homeowners and interior designers opt for dark paint colors, including dark grays, deep reds, and misty blacks. Now, that shadier home decor is getting a new twist: Western Gothic. According to Pinterest Predicts, this style is gaining increasingly popularity, or in their words: "Meet Western Goth: your soon-to-be décor obsession that will mix vintage Americana chic with deep, moody hues. Expect to see [...] sultry touches, such as dark fringes and even darker paints."
The trending terms related to Western Gothic give a hint to what people are searching for to achieve this trend. "Western bedding ideas" saw a 310% increase in searches, for one. Both "vintage Americana" and "Western gothic" were up 145%. Up 125% are "country room ideas" and "western mirror." The home trend seems to be eclectic and maximalist with an edge, sourcing inspiration from a romanticized version of the Wild West mixed with classic Gothic motifs. Here's a deeper look at what's driving the trend, and how to achieve it in your own home.
The key elements of Western Gothic
Western Gothic borrows from both of its namesake design styles, based on the goal of creating a room with a moody atmosphere but also a bit of country flair. When people think of Western aesthetics, they think of leather boots and suede jackets, and both are textiles used in Western Gothic decor. Furs and cowhide are often used as accents that contrast and soften, and fringe is an accent that can add texture and movement. For furniture pieces, such as coffee and console tables, dark, rustic wood is the go-to material. Consider reclaimed or recycled pieces, ones with live edges or surfaces where you can see knots and graining. Gothic aesthetics originate from the architectural style, which is more ornate and sculptural. This can manifest in stained glass, pointed arches, and elegant chandeliers. Furniture often has decorative carvings and grand designs. Contrasting the sharp lines commonly seen in Gothic decor are soft textures like velvet and satin.
Darker shades of browns, reds, and greens are common in both Western and Gothic aesthetics. These colors will be popular in the upcoming Western Gothic aesthetics, along with blacks and blues, paired with natural-inspired neutrals, gold, silver, and brass as accents. The overall color scheme of a Western Gothic room is dark, with pops of color from accenting decor. Unique decorative elements add interest to the space. Sculptures, statues, and busts are more likely to adorn shelves than typical decorative objects. Weathered and imperfect finishes reinforce the moody, Gothic feel.
Western Gothic transformation
Western Gothic is intricate and curated; however, it is an achievable style for your home. Paint will instantly give a room that moody atmosphere. For this aesthetic, black walls are an obvious choice. Consider shades such as After Hours by Backdrop and Pitch Black from Farrow & Ball, both of which are softer blacks that won't look too harsh even when painted on all walls. Infuse some color with misty blues like Benjamin Moore's Mysterious or deep purples such as their Black Raspberry. Western Gothic is bold, so feel empowered to envelop the room by painting both the walls and ceiling. Or, instead of paint, opt for dark patterned or textured monochrome wallpaper.
When it comes to furniture, a button-tufted sofa style or bed headboard leans a little more Western, especially in a leather finish. However, if you want more of a Gothic edge, choose a sofa or headboard with an ornate frame paired with velvet cushions. Contrast with the other material for accent chairs and ottomans. For tabletops, consider black marble with dramatic white or gray veining, or dark wood.
Crown molding and decorative paneling can add ornate details that reflect the Gothic side of the style. Light the room with an elegant chandelier with a dark finish and accent it with a ceiling medallion. Incorporate cow motifs through wall-mounted cow skulls, cowhide rugs, and cow print pillows. Snakeskin can offer a similar accent with rugs and pillows, as well as art. Finally, decorative taper candlesticks set around the room finish off the perfect moody atmosphere.