As the weather warms, our thoughts turn to spending more time outdoors. A recent visit to Wyoming has inspired us to explore the influence of the American West on our designs. Join us on today’s blog as we delve into the western elements that shape our creations.
In Wyoming’s rugged wilderness, natural stones and geysers stand as timeless marvels, highlighting the raw beauty and geological wonders of the West. These natural elements inspire our designs and can be seen in pieces like this lamp in room 702 at Warren Street Hotel. Additionally, the Stephen Cox marble trio sculpture in The Whitby Hotel lobby makes a striking statement with its natural elegance.
As you explore the wide-open spaces of the West, you’ll often encounter wagons and wheels, integral to farming and frontier life. This imagery is sweetly echoed in the horse and wagon artwork in the Drawing Room at Covent Garden Hotel.
The symbolism of horses in the history of the American West is profound, representing practicality, freedom, power, and the enduring spirit of the frontier. At our Design Studio, we celebrate these majestic creatures. One of our most cherished paintings, ‘Ploughing on the South Coast’ by the remarkable female artist Lucy Kemp-Welch, graces Ham Yard Hotel’s Library. Her work often features horses, beautifully capturing their magical spirit.
The star is another significant symbol of the American West. Large decorative stars, often found on barns and historic buildings, symbolise navigation, exploration, statehood, cowboy culture, and the enduring spirit of freedom and independence. At Number Sixteen, we have used a large metal star in the Library.
The cowboy hat is an iconic symbol of the American West, embodying the rugged spirit and practicality of the frontier. It is cherished by cowboys, ranchers, and Western enthusiasts worldwide for its timeless design and practical utility. Many people get creative with their hats, turning them into works of art similar to our ‘Mimi’s Hats’. These hats tell stories through added details like embroidery, fabric strands and beads.
Wooden structures and barns hold deep cultural and historical significance across the American West, symbolising the state’s agricultural heritage, frontier spirit, and rugged individualism. The Moulton Barn in Wyoming, for example, reminds us of the resilience and ingenuity of the early settlers. In some of our guest rooms, we use wooden doors as artwork, revealing mirrors behind them. We also incorporate natural wood elements into our designs, such as the ceiling in this dining space, to create a grounding effect.
Explorers played a crucial role in the development of the American West, their journeys shaping the region’s history and culture. Their courage, curiosity, and determination paved the way for the settlement and expansion of the Western frontier. We are reminded of this spirit by our ‘Explorers’ piece by Henry Neville Wood, featured in the Drawing Room at Warren Street Hotel.
We hope we’ve inspired you to add a little of the American West to your designs.