The new Little House on the Prairie adaptation on Netflix has captivated audiences with its adventure-filled storyline and stunning set designs. From rustic interiors to intricately detailed costumes, the aesthetic is as much a character as the residents of the town of Independence. If the show has you wishing for a cozy log cabin complete with a roaring fireplace and vintage quilts, you can channel its charm in your own home without moving to the frontier.
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 creates a warm and welcoming home reminiscent of the Little House on the Prairie. For a modern twist, take inspiration from this rustic retreat by Katie Jackson, the design director at Jackson Platt Interiors in Brevard, North Carolina. “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.
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Hats are a staple on the show—and an 1800s frontier must-have. With their sculptural shape and natural materials, they work as well as decorative accents as they do fashion statements. Assemble a collection of hats and hang them on the wall in an organic manner for a Wild West-inspired feature. To ensure a cohesive look, pick a common thread, whether it’s the same material, maker, or color. Anchor the display with a piece of furniture such as a vintage dresser, and add framed art for an eclectic, prairie-style vignette.
Adopt Pattern and Earth Tones
Whether frolicking through the prairie or shopping at Henderson General Store, the Ingalls girls are always wearing lovely dresses 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, owner and lead designer at Atelier Interior Design in Denver, adds charm. “Attic rooms already have so much character, so leaning into that architecture makes these spaces feel especially cozy,” Schroder says. “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,” she shares.
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Use the frontier setting as inspiration for a cozy color palette. Think rich, moody earth tones that feel warm and inviting. “When going moody, really lean in and adopt the color,” says Sarah Snouffer, founder and principal of Third Street Architecture in Washington, D.C. 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
The interiors in Little House on the Prairie are built, furnished, and decorated with honest materials that celebrate the American craft tradition. In contrast to today’s fast fashion and ever-changing trends, everything is made to last. Recreate the essence of prairie style by investing in classic pieces that showcase high-quality craftsmanship.
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The Little House aesthetic succeeds because it values simplicity and thoughtfulness. It highlights how small details—the grain of wood or sunlight through lace—can create beauty. The show’s revival has reintroduced these elements, proving their timeless appeal.
