Move over Coastal Grandmother, Say Hello to Coastal Cowgirl: 10 Ways to Get the Look
Recently, an article was written in The Spruce, calling The Blanco Bungalow the perfect example of the TikTok trend ‘Coastal Cowgirl’. Apparently, ‘Coastal Cowgirl’ is the new ‘Coastal Grandmother’. Who knew? While I was fully aware what Coastal Grandmother was, I have to admit, I had zero clue what Coastal Cowgirl was. But since reading up on the trend, I was like, “Oh yes I am 1000% Coastal Cowgirl!”
My favourite pieces seem to always originate from the American Southwest, quaint little Mexican villages, or sleepy little surf towns. So yes, I fully epitomise the trend:)
In the spirit of Coastal Cowgirl, I thought I’d link my favourite trend-inspired pieces, and give you 10 easy ways to get the look, so you can channel your inner Coastal Cowgirl.
SHADES OF TOBACCO
No, not tobacco that you smoke, tobacco like the shade of brown.
I tend to lean towards tobacco shades of brown in everything from my clothing to my decor. Is it bad to say that brown is my favourite color?? I don’t think so!
Tobacco brown gives such a gentle warmth to any space. I love to bring in the shade through tons of wood and leather.
2. ART
One of the best ways to tell a story throughout your home, or show your personality is with art. In this case, I downloaded a stunning black and white art print of Native Americans riding across the Great Plains onto my Samsung Frame TV.
The black and white print keeps makes a subtle suggestion and blends seamlessly with the rest of my decor. On the opposite wall, I have an extra-large black and white framed print of surfers in the ocean.
3. PATTERNS
I’m a sucker for a Southwest print. I grew up between California and the Southwest and I think southwest style prints remind me of home and bring me a sense nostalgia. I love pillows made in Oaxaca, blankets made in Guadalajara, and heritage pieces from Pendleton. As long as you incorporate them in neutral tones, or add a pop of color here and there. A space can go very quickly from feeling relaxing to chaotic with too much color and pattern, so tread lightly here. I’m definitely guilty of making this mistake:)
I love the Rugs and Pillows from The Citizenry, they have Oaxacan Artisans re-create classic Zapotec patterns and have them made with beautiful earth tones. And some of my favourite blankets are designed by Tribe and True and are handmade in Mexico. They are my absolute favourite for end of bed throws, couch and beach blankets. Again, she works with Mexican weavers to create new patterns and re-create classic ones, using fresh neutral tones.
4. BOOKS
Aside from art, I think one of the best ways to create a vibe and tell a story throughout your home is with books. Big coffee table books. Stacked on top of each other. Laid out and accessible to guests to flip the pages and really get a sense of what you’re into and the mood of your home. I’ve featured several of my favourite Coffee Table Books in this post. In my space, I have a mix of Surfing Books, American Southwest Books and Interior Design Books. Large books are also another way to display imagery on a coffee table to create a feeling and a vibe.
5. FOLK ART
Nothing makes a home feel more lived-in and worldy, than art collected from none other than, across the world. When we moved to Europe, we ended up shipping a palette because I couldn’t part with my irreplaceable worldy treasures. The handmade God’s Eye that hangs above my bed that was handmade by Huichol Indians in Sayulita, or the hand-woven wall hanging I picked up in a tiny village in Bali, or the dishes that were handmade in a little remote village in Oaxaca. Each hand-made artisan pieces comes with a story and a memory, and gives a space soul.
6. EARTH ELEMENTS
Bring the outside in. Driftwood from the beach, crystals from the earth, dried sage, palo santo sticks, fresh cut Eucalyptus, anything that brings nature in.
7. CAPTURE THE COAST
Nothing can transport your brain to another space in time like a scent. My home typically smells of burnt white sage or palo santo, and I have a Vitruvi Essential Oil Diffuser going at all times. I love my home to smell like the Coast of California. Earthy grounding scents that envoke a sense of calm, relaxation and peace. I love the Golden Coast candle from PF Candle Co , and any Sandalwood or Palo Santo candle.
8. CACTI + PLANTS
Plants bring life to a space. I love to mix Cacti, Desert Succulents and Palms to achieve the perfect coastal feel. Here, I believe bigger is always better. Splurge on that six foot tall cactus for the corner of your living room, or that full grown Marginata. Trust me on this one. Plant them in large architectural planters in soft tones such as terra cotta, white, and sage green.
9. TEXTURES + TEXTILES
Giving a variety of textures elevates and balances out the space. Mixing a wool patterned pillow, a leather pillow, a shaggy sheepskin, and a chenille tweed couch. The more texture, the better. Elevating your bedding with luxurious linen. I don’t know what I did before linen bedding, but I am never going back. Yes, it’s a splurge, but 100% worth it.
I love to add in subtle Southwest printed hand and bath towels like these from Pendleton, and blankets throughout the home. But I emphasise the subtle. A little goes a long way here, but as long as they fit within your colour palette, I think you’ll be okay.
10. TAXEDERMY
If you’re not down with real, that’s okay, there are tons of faux options on Etsy. I always have a skull or two on the walls around the house. This one is an American Buffalo skull I picked up at the gem show in Tucson Arizona, same as these little antlers that I sprinkle throughout my decor.
ICYMI
