The Equestrian Aesthetic Has Taken Fashion for a Ride—and Now Homes, Too

Bella Hadid is in her horse girl era—and apparently so are interior designers. Here's how to get the look.

Equestrian chic is one of those styles that comes galloping back in again and again, both in fashion and decor. While by definition it means anything to do with horses or riding, stylistically, the term is used not so literally.

“The equestrian trend in interior design offers a blend of sophistication, warmth, and timeless charm that resonates with many people, making it a perennial favorite in the world of home decor,” says Amy Switzer, principal of Amy Switzer Design.

Rooted in a lifestyle that celebrates heritage and an idealized view of a more rural life, this aesthetic creates a grounded and inviting space that you can elevate without it feeling intimidating. And while it's usually associated with warmer colors and a more masculine energy, it can easily be adapted to a sunny farmhouse style or even paired with modern decor.

If you’re ready to saddle up and get some ideas on how to add this enduring aesthetic to your home, no matter your style, read on for tips from experts.

The Equestrian Trend, Explained

"The equestrian trend in interior design draws inspiration from the equestrian lifestyle and incorporates elements such as leather, brass, wood, and horse-related motifs into home decor," Switzer says. "Equestrian-inspired decor often evokes a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication."

Sometimes, designers use a literal interpretation of equestrian with motifs of barns and bits. Other times, it's more nuanced with tobacco-colored leather couches that allude to saddles and deep hunter-green walls reminiscent of grazing fields.

Related: 22 Barn Door Ideas for Every Room of Your Home

Either way you try the trend, it falls under the umbrella of classic styles that have been all over the fashion world the last few years: It leans heavily on the heritage aesthetic that can be found perennially at brands like Ralph Lauren, which has built a whole world around the style in both fashion and decor, down to making a polo pony part of its logo. It's also part of the hallmark of high-end brands like Hermes and Gucci. Within the past couple of months, supermodel Bella Hadid has fully embraced the equestrian lifestyle and Beyoncé has branched into country music, setting off a newfound obsession with the trend, especially among Gen Z.

But there's a difference between a more playful cowgirl aesthetic and the equestrian style—here's how to make it feel sophisticated.

Get the Equestrian Look at Home

It's simple to implement this classic style in most homes, it just depends on how you interpret it. For traditional spaces, lean toward a more literal take on the style.

“Elements like leather saddles, bridles, and riding boots have a classic charm that transcends trends, making them enduringly popular in interior design," Switzer says. "The materials associated with equestrian style, such as leather, suede, and polished wood, add depth and richness to interior spaces. These textures create a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of a room."

While this aesthetic alludes to an old-money lifestyle, getting this look doesn’t have to break the bank. Studio McGee’s spring collection offers several accessories, like this mounted horse, which gives instant equestrian vibes and could be placed anywhere from a coffee table to a book shelf.

Related: McGee & Co.'s Spring Collection Offers an Elegant Take on 2024 Home Trends

Looking for something authentic (and affordable)? Farm supply stores sell items like horseshoes and bits for just a few dollars apiece. Display them in shadow boxes to create your own custom art. You can also find pieces like this at thrift stores and flea markets. Don’t be afraid to mix and match a few things to create a collection or gallery wall.

But this trend also goes beyond classic design. As Switzer explains: “Equestrian decor often incorporates natural elements like wood, stone, and leather, fostering a connection to nature. This organic feel can create a sense of tranquility and harmony within the home, making it a desirable design choice for many.”

Related: How to Decorate in Organic Modern Style for a Sleek but Warm Home

These are also qualities that you can lean into if you have a more modern home. Soften hard lines with a rich leather sofa or even add leather pillows or a wool horse blanket to add warmth through natural fibers that complement contemporary design without overwhelming it.

Intriguing accessories come into play here, too: oversized prints with horseshoe designs, metallic textures, cowhide rugs. If you want to add a sculpture or painting of a horse, go with something more abstract to make it feel modern. In the case of a picture, choose a simple and minimalist frame to contrast the stereotypical tropes. All of these ideas show the equestrian trend can reach beyond the stables.

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