Netflix’s long-awaited adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie is finally here, captivating a new audience with its adventure-filled storyline and—much to our delight—stunning set designs. From rustic interiors to intricately detailed costumes, the aesthetic is as much of a character as any of the new residents of the town of Independence.
If watching the show has you wishing you lived in a cozy log cabin complete with a roaring fireplace, vintage quilts, and the aroma of warm cornbread, the good news is you don’t have to pack up and move out to the frontier. Get inspired by these charming decor ideas to channel the Little House on the Prairie aesthetic in your very own home.
Layer Rustic Materials With Soft Textures
Rustic materials like wood, metal, stone, and leather reflect the untamed wilderness of the rugged West. Layering them with soft textures is what makes for a warm and welcoming home—and something that feels like a scene right out of the Little House on the Prairie. For a modern twist, take inspiration from this rustic retreat by Katie Jackson, the design director at the Brevard, NC-based Jackson Platt Interiors. “We balance the space by mixing soft upholstery pieces and drapery panels to add dimension and soften the overall feeling,” Jackson shares. “Blended with wood and leather, the fabrics create an inviting, comfortable aesthetic,” the designer adds.
Turn Hats Into Wall Decor
Whether it’s a delicate lady’s bonnet or Pa’s wide brim hat, the accessory is a staple on the show—and an 1800’s frontier must-have.
With their sculptural shape, natural material, and embellishments such as ribbon, hats work just as well as a fashion statement as they do a decorative accent. Assemble a collection of hats and hang them on the wall in an organic manner for a collected, Wild West-inspired feature. To ensure a cohesive look, pick a common thread, whether it’s the same hat material, maker, or color. Anchor the hat collection with a piece of furniture such as a vintage dresser, and add framed art into the mix for an eclectic, prairie-style vignette.
Embrace Pattern
Whether they’re frolicking through the prairie or shopping for peppermint sticks at Henderson General Store, the Ingalls girls are always wearing lovely dresses. Most are adorned with patterns like stripes, plaids, polka dots, and floral prints. These translate well into interiors, whether through wallpaper or bedding.
The patterned wallpaper in this bedroom designed by Katie Schroder, the owner and lead designer at the Denver, CO-based Atelier Interior Design, adds tons of charm. “Attic rooms already have so much character, so leaning into that architecture makes these spaces feel especially cozy,” Schroder says. For her, the trick is not trying to make the space feel like a period piece. “We mix those nostalgic elements with cleaner bedding, simple styling, and lots of natural light, so the rooms feel fresh and current while still having all the warmth and charm that make people fall in love with them," the designer shares.
Lean Into Moody Earth Tones
Use the frontier landscape as inspiration for a cozy color palette. Think rich, moody earth tones that feel warm and inviting.
“When going moody, really lean in and embrace the color,” says Sarah Snouffer, the founder and principal of the Washington, DC-based Third Street Architecture. When picking deep paint colors, Snouffer recommends exploring options and getting samples on the walls. “We like to watch how the space and color play out under different sunlight conditions,” she shares.
Invest in Classic Pieces
There is an enduring quality to the interiors in the Little House on the Prairie. They are built, furnished, and decorated with honest materials and celebrate the American craft tradition. And, in stark contrast to today’s world of fast fashion and ever-changing trends, everything is made to last. Recreate the essence of prairie style and invest in classic pieces that showcase high-quality craftsmanship and feature a silhouette that will never go out of style.
Bring Out Grandma’s Vintage Quilts
Vintage quilts have seen a resurgence in popularity recently. Besides adding a layer of warmth, they possess that always-been-here, lived-in charm. Quilts featuring classic patterns and colors are also a simple but impactful way to channel the coziness of the Ingalls’ home. Spread one on a daybed, fold a quilt at the end of a bed, or drape it over the back of a sofa for an old-world touch. Or, place a pile of folded quilts on an open shelf or side chair for a casual display—and easy access when there’s a chill in the air!
Create a Cozy Focal Point
At the Ingalls’ log cabin, a stone fireplace with a rustic wood mantel that has the inscription “The Ingalls Family Home” on the front serves as the focal point. It’s simply styled with books, candles, and Ma’s precious china figurine.
If you don’t have a fireplace, turn a console table or dresser into a charming focal point. Add a table lamp for ambient lighting, hang a piece of art for height, and style an interesting vignette with meaningful objects to create visual interest.
Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.
