Inside Boot Barn’s ‘Gothic, Sexy Western’ Corporate Office
The design honors Boot Barn’s heritage and western lifestyle.
Tom Kessler
When you think of a corporate office, “sexy” or “stylish” doesn’t really come to mind. But Boot Barn’s corporate headquarters in Irvine, California, will make you think differently.
Tom Kessler
Tom Kessler
“When we designed Boot Barn’s new corporate headquarters, Isha Nicole (SVP of Creative & Marketing at Boot Barn) gave the creative direction that she wanted it to feel like ‘a modern Montana lodge at dusk, but make it gothic, sexy western,’” says Tara Miller, owner and principal designer of The Heartland Interior Design.
Tom Kessler
Tom Kessler
When the company acquired the property, it had been home to two different tenants with different layouts and it had that very corporate, boring look—think white, sterile, every room looks the same. Tara says the building had great bones and incredible natural light, and all it needed was a transformation to give the space some personality.
Tom Kessler
“The goal of Boot Barn’s new headquarters was to create a three-dimensional embodiment of the brand—an environment that feels like stepping inside one of its campaigns,” Tara says. “First we designed each floor with a unique theme—stone, leather, iron, and timber—so no two spaces look or feel the same. From a hand-chiseled backsplash reminiscent of mountain ranges to saddle-stitched sconces, hammered iron fixtures, and reclaimed wood walls, every detail tells a story. Together, these elements create a space that not only honors Boot Barn’s heritage and western lifestyle but also inspires creativity, well-being, and pride for everyone who walks through its doors.”
Tom Kessler
When you enter the space, you’re greeted by hand-cut mosaic tile in the entry. “It creates a spectacular image of stampeding horses—an artistic nod to Boot Barn’s brand that leaves a powerful first impression,” Tara explains. “I always say the entry is the first handshake of a business, so it must set the tone.”
Tom Kessler
The first-floor collaboration area was designed so everyone faces each other to bring people together and spark creativity. Tara says they incorporated curvilinear forms to soften the rectilinear architecture, layered the walls with deep merlot velvet drapery for drama and acoustics, and suspended Boot Barn campaign imagery from brass chains to create a gallery-like effect.
Tom Kessler
“The showstopper here is a custom gabion wall, made of stone-filled baskets, that filters light and creates a moody, organic vibe,” she says. “The space is anchored with an endless sofa, custom hair-on-hide rug, and a studded-leather-jacket-inspired table, finished with vintage books and cowboy accessories for a warm, lived-in feel.”
Tom Kessler
Tara calls the boardroom the “silent board member” because she says it makes an impression without say a word. Burnt wood paneling, rich cayman-embossed vinyl wallcoverings, live-edge tables, and vintage rugs create an elevated and unique space. The focal point of the space is the sculptural fringe-inspired chandelier.
“To top it off, Isha wanted to ombré the chairs—from black to cognac,” Tara says. “I had secretly hoped for that exact idea, so it was a dream to make it happen. It took samples from seven vendors to perfect the gradient, but the effect is stunning and unlike any other corporate boardroom you’ve seen.”
Tom Kessler
The most dramatic part of the whole office was the client’s biggest wish: a four-story indoor waterfall. “The waterfall installation uses layered mylar sheets to make the water appear to free-fall while remaining safe, quiet, and sustainable, surrounded by custom boulders and moss for a seamless natural effect,” Tara adds.
Tom Kessler
Tom Kessler
The HQ is more like a work of art than a boring office. When your workplace looks like this, there’s no doubt it makes coming into your 9 to 5 a lot easier.
Architect: Ware Malcomb
Contractor: Howard Building Corporation
