Move over, Coastal Grandmother – Rich Ranch has entered the chat. I recently read a piece in House Beautiful in which they coined a new design trend: “rich ranch.” Think Beth Dutton, think very-luxe rustic. The style shares some elements in common with modern farmhouse design, but elevated about 3,000 notches.
Erin Gates foreshadowed this trend last Fall with a blog post in which she designed an office concept for pretend client Beth Dutton. Erin’s selections did not scream “Western” and I think that’s spot on. Rich ranch is most accessible and livable when the emphasis is on “rich” rather than “ranch.” Too much rusticity, too many Western patterns and accessories, and a space can turn thematic pretty quickly.
what defines rich ranch?
The gist of the style is that it’s a balance of rustic and elegant, comfort and class, with an emphasis on both natural and sleek elements. Rich ranch mixes traditional, rustic materials like wood and stone with modern, clean-lined materials such as metal and glass. In terms of textiles, fabrics like faux fur, velvet, and leather lend themselves to the luxurious vibe. Instead of cowhide, vintage Persian rugs infuse traditional elegance into the floorcoverings. Paint colors and upholstered pieces can be moody but not overly dark and heavy. Use actual Western-style décor sparingly, if at all, and definitely skip the taxidermy.
get the look
Taken too far, rich ranch can be a lot of look. Unless you live on an actual ranch, I would avoid going floor-to-ceiling with this trend. Below are some pieces to incorporate into your own spaces if you’re looking to bring a bit of rich ranch into your home.
links to sources: side table | leather sofa | teak bowl | chandelier | velvet pouf | woven suede pillow | velvet sofa | rug | faux fur throw | table lamp
What are your thoughts on this trend? Let me know in the comments!