6 Expert-Approved Tips For Adding Equestrian Style To Your Home

Discover the equestrian decorating style and learn how to incorporate it into your home.

With its rise in popularity of vintage and timeless aesthetics, elements of equestrian style have been on many people’s minds as they look to design their own homes.

“Equestrian style has historically been synonymous with a classic, tailored design  in both fashion and interiors,” says Jenna Conte Olin, senior designer at McCann Design Group in West Palm Beach. Expect to encounter clean lines, rich fabrics, and vintage finds, she adds, noting, “These elements add layers of warmth, reminiscent of the rich history of equestrian decor.”

While many people associate equestrian design style with the fall and winter months, you can most certainly embrace this warm aesthetic in your home all year long. Here, we’re sharing tips from those well-versed in the look on how to outfit your own space with equestrian touches in a way that’s timeless and elevated.

Meet The Expert

• Jenna Conte Olin is the senior designer at McCann Design Group in West Palm Beach, Florida.

• Ric Owens is the senior designer at Roberts Design in Ocala, Florida.
  

Pay Attention To Details

Step inside both the Equestrian Hotel and the Riding Academy Hotel in Ocala, Florida, and you’ll find that the equestrian design aesthetic reigns supreme—as one might expect! The first hotel reflects a more European, formal look, and the second, newly opened property features a current, fresh take on traditional equestrian motifs.

Ric Owens is the senior designer at Roberts Design in Ocala, Florida, and is also the project coordinator of interiors and exteriors for all the buildings at the World Equestrian Center, including the hotels mentioned above. He notes that those looking to begin incorporating equestrian style elements into their home should “use simple textures and accents, art, and special lighting details.”

In the Equestrian Hotel, for example, Owens and his team opted to utilize horse bits as nightstand pulls in all of the guest rooms on property. On each floor, he wove in oversized prints from equestrian wall art company Mind the Gap. Additionally, Owens sourced polished chrome urn lamps as well as large horse head lamps for various spaces within the hotel. “They’re great statement pieces that people equate to equestrian trophies,” he shares.

Acknowledge Your Home’s Location

While working on an equestrian-themed project in the horse loving city of Wellington, Florida, Olin and her team were mindful to play to the home’s South Florida location. “This took the shape of using lighter weight fabrics and brighter color palettes than what is considered traditional equestrian design,” she explains.

Don’t Feel Constrained by Color

Many people may envision equestrian style spaces and picture rooms drenched in greens, tans, and browns, and these shades are certainly classics. “These  colors evoke the natural landscape and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere,” Olin says. However, Owens also encourages homeowners to think a bit outside the box. “Mix up the colors based on your style and taste,” he says, noting that he works with “‘jockey silks colors,’ which are bright, fun and bold.” From there, he advises, bring in some plaids and tartans in the color of your choosing. “The use of a crest or shield on any colored plaids always feels regal and elegant,” Owens adds.

Staple Pieces To Purchase

For starters, you’ll want to source the right furniture for your equestrian style space. “Estate sales are a great source for antiques and case pieces that help add that layer  of history and interest,” Olin says. She then recommends incorporating vintage tack items—horse bits, stirrups, and the like—before moving onto equestrian artwork and textiles; some of her favorite materials to include are leather, fur, velvet, and wool.

Get the Look on a Budget

While many equestrian style pieces come with a higher price tag, you can certainly weave the look into your own home while sticking to a budget. Owens suggests searching Amazon for horse head bookends or doorstops, and adds that horse-themed art is easy to acquire at a wide range of price points.

Then, get a bit creative and repurpose items that you might already have at home. “Find an old horseshoe and lay it on the coffee table on top of a stack of books,” he offers. “Find some old used riding boots and place them in a corner of your entry.” Last but not least, expand your search for decor beyond traditional home retailers—Olin recommends paying a visit to your local tack store in search of hardware and accessories.

What To Avoid When Decorating in Equestrian Style

Those decorating in equestrian style will want to be sure to avoid any items that lean too kitschy or overdone. “Less is more when it comes to using images of actual horses in your fabrics, artwork, and wallcoverings,” Owen says. “Again, the subtle references go a long way.” Olin expresses similar thoughts. “Don’t be too literal,” she says. “It is still your home and  place of retreat. Your personality should also be apparent within the decor.”

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