By Chanda Wahl, Designer Interiors

As winter approached, I visited a Montana ranch house just as the season was beginning to change. The first snow was dusting the ground, but inside, the whole space buzzed with quiet life—potted sage by the kitchen window, wild ferns in rustic clay pots, and trailing vines suspended in a sunny reading nook. The effect was instant: the room felt fresh, grounded, unmistakably Western, and completely alive.

Western home decor isn’t just about wood and leather; it’s also about honoring the landscape that surrounds us. Greenery is the secret ingredient that brings rustic interior design—both traditional and modern—into harmony with the outdoors. In my designs, I love using living greenery to blur the line between outdoors and in. Sometimes it’s as simple as a bunch of wildflowers picked from the roadside, or a line of succulents on a reclaimed-wood shelf. And sometimes, it’s more playful—a tumbleweed centerpiece for a holiday table, or tall, architectural grasses making a statement in the entryway.

Clients often wonder if greenery has a place in modern rustic interiors. My answer, every time, is yes. Green things make even the most rugged Montana home design feel cozy and cared for. I like to mix low-maintenance favorites—sage, snake plant, pothos—with a few foraged branches or seasonal bouquets. The trick is to use pots and planters that echo the Western aesthetic: look for aged terracotta, weathered metal, dark woods, or even antique enamelware.

Greenery in Mountain Modern Interior Design

In mountain modern interior design, greenery elevates those sleek lines and bold materials, softening the overall look and connecting you back to nature.

A small tip: Place greenery where you spend the most time. I have a sprig of mint by my bedside, and a stout aloe plant next to my morning coffee spot. These small touches have a way of invigorating the everyday.

How to Style Greenery with Western Style Furniture

Pair trailing vines or a wild fern with a signature piece of western style furniture—a carved bench, a leather chair, even an entryway table—to give your Montana home design a lively, inviting feel.

Living Greenery in Modern Ranch Decor

If your style leans toward modern ranch decor or western interior design, try displaying greenery in vintage western decor planters or antique pottery. The mix of old and new brings a unique character to every room.

What I tell every client is this: you don’t need a green thumb or a greenhouse to bring the West indoors. Just start with one living thing—watch how it changes the whole energy of your space. Before you know it, your western home decor will feel brighter, fresher, and more full of possibility.

If you’d like ideas for incorporating more living elements into your own modern rustic interiors, want help sourcing the best western style furniture, or are searching for an interior designer near me in Montana or Billings, our team at Designer Interiors is ready to help your space grow.

Bringing the outdoors in is a Montana home design tradition—and we believe it’s the heart of a truly welcoming home.