For the Farmhouse-Style Skeptics, Richard Gere's Modern Twist on Ranch Living Might Change How You Decorate Your Living Room for Good

Ranch-style living has never felt as chic or curated as it does in the actor's living room – and design experts say his look is trending for the year ahead

Richard Gere
(Image credit: Rosdiana Ciaravolo via Getty Images)

I often admit, some farmhouse-style spaces take a lot to win me over. I'm known on the Homes & Gardens team for being slightly skeptical of this design aesthetic, despite its being so revered by celebrities and designers alike. Richard Gere's home, however, changed my mind for the better.

While many modern farmhouse living rooms are distinguished by their clean lines and stark black-and-white palette, Richard's breaks away from convention. It adopts the characteristics of a ranch-style space, led by natural wooden accents, warmer beiges and greens, and curated accessories that feel personal yet welcoming.

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This ranch-style aesthetic is nothing new, but it is poised to shape interior design trends for the year ahead, as Heather Goerzen, the director of design and content at Havenly, explains.

'[This year] sees the return of ranch-style living, but with a luxe twist. The fresh, raw energy of rustic wood, bold leather, and earthy, sun-baked tones is poised to overtake the casual, often overly contrived modern farmhouse look. Ranch style –genuine and unpretentious – reflects our current culture’s move toward embracing authenticity over curated perfection,' she says.

'It's less about the rustic “charm” and more about a bold, sophisticated take on old American classics.'

Ranch-style living aside, Richard and Alejandra's eclectic accessories similarly tap into an emerging trend.

'Goodbye to quick fixes and mass-produced décor. We will see an embrace of curated, meaningful pieces. This trend focuses on the idea of collecting over time, with a greater emphasis on the individual story behind each item,' Heather says.

'The throwaway culture of fast home trends is starting to fade as people crave more lasting, unique pieces that reflect their personality and history. Whether it’s a vintage rug or a rare sculpture, the new emphasis is on quality and character, with each item adding to the narrative of your space.' Plus, if Richard Gere agrees, we surely can't go too far wrong.


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.