Colorado is a state with a rich history and culture. It was founded on the mining industry, which left its mark in the form of abandoned mines throughout the mountains. Today, Colorado’s towns are thriving hubs of creativity and innovation. To honor this legacy, many Colorado residents choose to decorate their homes in styles that reflect both nature and Denver’s Western roots.
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What is Colorado Style Home Decor?
Colorado-style home decor is a mix of natural and Western elements. It often includes wooden furniture, Navajo rugs, and rustic accessories. Brain Burke, who has huge experience regarding Colorado homes, said “Colorado-style is typically more relaxed and casual than other styles, and it often features earth tones and muted colors. While not an actual decor style such as contemporary or traditional, Colorado home design is more an inspired way of decorating.”
Here are a few different ways you can bring Colorado style home into your own living space:
Incorporate Natural Materials
Because Colorado has a lot of wide-open spaces, there are a lot of natural materials to work with. For example, if you live in a town near the Rocky Mountains, looking for furniture made from reclaimed wood can be both budget-friendly and earth-conscious.
Popular ways to incorporate natural materials also include having exposed wooded beams, hardwood floors, live edge wood furniture and using stone or tile as an accent material.
Create a Rustic Living Room
The living room is usually the first room that people decorate when they are doing a home remodel, but it can also be the hardest to do right. You want to create a cozy space where you and your family will love to spend time together, but if you go too rustic you may feel as if you have stepped into a hunting lodge. The best way to decorate your living room is to combine classic Colorado elements with those from other design styles. For example, a modern leather couch will work well in a rustic environment.
Play around with textures
When decorating your Colorado-style home, play around with different textures. For example, mixing leather with faux fur or velvet with metal will not only make your home look more interesting, but also achieve an eclectic and luxurious feel.
This is possible in all rooms in your home, from the living room to the bedrooms, texture is one of the simplest ways to add dimension to your space.
Focus on lighting
Lighting is one of the most important elements in any interior design project, but it is especially crucial when decorating with Colorado-style. Natural lighting creates a warm and inviting setting that your guests will appreciate. If you plan on entertaining in your living room, invest in a well-placed chandelier to provide the right amount of light without overpowering the rest of your interior design scheme.
If you are wanting to make a major statement, try an antler chandelier!
Make Your Kitchen Functional
Make sure that your Colorado-style kitchen is functional. For example, you’ll want to get rid of any dated appliances and replace them with stainless steel finishes to give your kitchen a modern upscale look. Then hang pot racks over the island to add color and personality while also making things more convenient for you when cooking.
You can even add a little bit of Colorado’s past to your kitchen by installing barn-style doors over the fridge and pantry.
Add Native American Elements
Everyone knows that Native Americans were instrumental in making Colorado what it is today, and their influence is still visible in many areas of the state. If you want to brighten up a room without going too over the top, add a few Native American elements. Paintings or rugs with Native American flair are simple ways to do that.
When purchasing items influenced by Native American design, make sure to buy from authentic Native vendors, rather than low-quality companies looking to capitalize on their culture.
Hang Local Pieces of Art
Art can be a great way to express yourself and your love for the state that you live in. Whether it is photography by well-known Colorado artists or paintings of different landmarks, adding art to your home will give guests a glimpse into how much you enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of your area.
When hanging art, make sure to give it the spotlight. Use a piece of furniture with high visibility, like an accent wall or hutch, to highlight your favorite pieces and their significance to you.
Embrace the view
If you are lucky enough to have a home that provides a view of the Rocky Mountains or other beautiful natural areas, you should take advantage of it. Whether it is a vista from your bedroom or a balcony that overlooks the city, be sure to center your design scheme around the view at all times.
When choosing window treatments such as blinds or drapes, make sure they coordinate with the rest of your interior design scheme and still provide privacy and enough light.
Colorado is the perfect state for those who love to be surrounded by nature and natural beauty. The Colorado-style homes we’ve discussed here are just a few of the ways that you can incorporate these elements into your space with ease.