![](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_20Uh_bY5ug/TWbi2TJJtxI/AAAAAAAABgs/LZtnC3IueXE/s320/viaDesigningDNA.jpg)
Of course, being a city-girl meant I was snapping pictures every chance I got - cattle and horses, weathered metals and wood, all reminding me of our rugged Texas heritage that we natives take for granted.
My brain has been swimming in thoughts of ranch decor ever since. Rustic, masculine, warm, earthy and even homespun come to mind. No kitchy 'cowboy chic' that dresses 'city slickers' homes, this is the real deal young'uns!
The story always begins with a bold, handcarved, rugged entry door to keep out rustlers and varmits, like the one below left via Cactus Creek Daily. Teaming the outer door with a 'screen' door provides ventilation. I'm loving the reclaimed wood and wrought iron doors on a 'barn door' track shown below right via Lavender and Lillies.
These 'barn doors' make great use of space in tight areas and bring in a rural touch to a variety of interior designs. Two favorites are in the photos below from Content in A Cottage (left) and Three French Hens Antiques (right).
![](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3m77vzcwozs/TWbzy-I6Z7I/AAAAAAAABh0/hg52_dX-G08/s400/BarnDoors_viaThreeFrenchHensAntiques.jpg)
Add a welcoming entry with time-worn farm implements, aged family photos and generous use of vintage fabrics, and visitors will be transported to ranch life as in the image below from Zeo Spot.
A graceful, rustic living area is featured in the photo below left. This handsome space is a true Texas jewel just outside of Austin. Below right is a great example of Ranch Style from Cote de Texas. Both living areas are warmed by the use of stucco and wood finishes as well as the rich hues in the rugs. Every ranch worth it's salt also comes with a bit of taxidermy.
I know I can't be the only one in love with the dark, beamed ceilings. The room height keeps these beauties from being overbearing.
![](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SAy1X9AJcx0/TWbklfi101I/AAAAAAAABg0/rF1sZNP8iTM/s400/viaCotedeTexas.jpg)
Of course, some ranches are bare bones (like the one below via Rafter Tales). But here, simplicity is sublime to me. This place has an authentic bunkhouse feel.
Want to really connect with living in the Wild West? That old tin tub makes a big statement in a bathroom finished out with reclaimed wood. Thankfully, there's indoor plumbing! Images below from Cactus Creek Daily (left) and Indian by Design (right).
![](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7nITvQPpaE/TWbu-6trlPI/AAAAAAAABhk/kHbg1hZFhcs/s320/BucketSink_viaCactusCreekDaily.jpg)
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyMJQdsHBE0/TWbvGZNnAnI/AAAAAAAABhs/4NoyFZnZsJU/s320/TinBucket_viaIndianByDesign.jpg)
I am drooling over the recycled, stained, tin backsplash in the kitchen. Rustic meets industrial chic in the photo below from Historic Flooring.
Table photo (above) from Cactus Creek Daily.
I would love to try my hand at creating the light at left. (Sorry I don't know where this photo came from, so no way to give appropriate credit.)
I can easily source stumps, barbed wire, horse shoes and rope. Drill a hole to place the solar light, and that should be all that's needed.
What a charming addition to the yard, ya'll!