Horse riding inspired home decor is a classic design trend that incorporates the beauty and elegance of the equestrian lifestyle into your home interiors. Inspired by traditional English country styles and garnished with rustic but elegant touches, this decor style exudes nostalgia, refinement and nature.
Over the last several years, horseback riding — and equestrian style home decor particularly — has become increasingly popular for homeowners and commercial builders alike. Warm tones, natural materials, and the combination of luxe and texture create a cozy but sophisticated vibe. Whether you love horses or just admire their character and elegance, this decor style is great for bringing warmth and class to your home.
What is Equestrian Style Home Decor?
To really get the heart of equestrian style, it helps to understand where it comes from. The historical and cultural underpinnings for this design trend are deep, making it a multi-faceted and meaningful selection in interiors.
Pleasantry of the English Countryside and Aristocratic Traditions
The equestrian decor style alludes to the elegant interiors typical of English countryside homes. Such homes were typically owned by aristocratic families with an ancestral connection to horse racing, polo and fox hunting. The interiors reflected a cultured lifestyle, a passion for riding and for their natural surroundings.
Sports of Equestrian Influence
Horse racing, polo and British hunting culture have all heavily inspired equestrian decor. These are traditional sports, and their components — saddles and riding boots, horse art — permeated the home as decorative forms. These became status and style symbols.
Ralph Lauren’s Contribution
Notorious as the trendsetter who first fused fashion and home decor in an American context, Ralph Lauren introduced equestrian sensibilities into the homes of the American mainstream. His legendary collections made horse decor synonymous with elegance and timeless luxury. His designs had a modern take on classic equestrian attire, from leather furniture to plaid textiles.
Things You Must Look For in An Equestrian Style Home Decoration
This style is mainly distinguished through its use of materials, textures and colors that reflect the charm and grace of the lifestyle it is inspired on. Here are some key elements to integrate into equestrian décor.
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Materials
- Leather: Leather forms the backbone of equestrian decor. Its rustic yet polished vibe is perfect for furniture, pillows and decorative accents. So make sure you pinpoint leather that has an aged or distressed finish to it, adding authenticity to your space.
- Wood: Wood raw material is another reinforce material. Go for richly stained timbers, aged finishes, or untreated wooden furniture to create a stable-inspired aesthetic.
Textures
Horsehair and Luxe Textiles: Equestrian spaces often feature horsehair textiles, wool, and velvet. This plethora of textures infuse warmth and personality into the space, giving it an inviting and elevated feel simultaneously.
Colors
An equestrian decor boasts a warm and earthy color palette:
- Neutral tones: You need these elements for classic aesthetic — camel, tan, beige.
- Rich tones: Dark navy, hunter green and crimson add drama and sophistication.
- Faux natural finishes: Archival textures and metals play a bigger role in contemporary color schemes, such as black-and-white palettes with metallic accents.
Evolving Attributes of Equestrian Decor
Equestrian style is all about features that pay homage to the equestrian lifestyle. So, let’s explore a few of the hallmarks that characterize this decor style.
Art and Accessories
- Antique horse oil paintings.
- Horse and horse-related sculptures, such as heads or jockey figures.
- Classic saddles, riding boots and horse bits turned into decor.
Furniture
- Tufted leather armchairs and sofas (the Chesterfield style).
- Rustic wooden tables with sleek lines that uphold function without neglecting elegance.
Architectural Details
- A stable-inspired look with wrought iron joinery and the use of metal love accents.
- Exposed brickwork, worn concrete, or rugged stone for dimension and texture.
Incorporating Riding Style into Your New House
If you want to know how you can invite the equestrian aesthetic into your home without it taking over your space, here are some tips to inspire you.
Minimalist Approach
For a more subdued equestrian-style decor, stick with small details:
- Get horse-shaped bookends for your bookshelf.
- You can throw couch pillows or blankets using the equipments and symbols from horse riding.
- Hang a single equestrian artwork above your fireplace.
Bold Statements
If you’re daring and like fun statement pieces:
- How about a life-size horse sculpture for your living room or entryway?
- Equestrian Wallpaper: There is wallpaper with highly decorative designs such as horses and riding equipment.
Blending Styles
There are endless possibilities to create a signature look with master/** * The Horsepiece textile being made by the Horsepiece studio. * Decorated with iconic pieces from horse and nature (e.g. Closets and horse tapestries that are suspended) * and your room, we are mixing equestrian with other design styles: * A true, personal and interesting mix:
- Mix rustic leather furniture with bohemian rugs and textiles.
- Pair wooden furniture with modern lighting fixtures.
How to Get Equestrian Chic Interiors
Designing an equestrian-inspired home doesn’t have to be difficult. First, here are some practical tips for achieving the look:
Shopping Recommendations
- Scour antique shops for old saddles, riding boots or horse bits.
- Search for signature leather furniture, leather horse chandelier, and other equestrian home decor online!
DIY Ideas
- Convert old saddles into distinctive bar stools.
- To tie back curtains or as wall hooks, use horse bits.
Balancing Accents
So, when decorating, remember that less is more. Too many horse motifs can feel kitschy when you overload your space. Instead, choose a handful of impactful pieces to maintain an elegant feel in the space.
Why Equestrian Style Home Decor Is a Good Choice
And equestrian decor isn’t just fashionable — it’s also meaningful and adaptable. Here’s how and why to consider bringing this trend into your home.
Emotional Appeal
This almost makes you nostalgic for the equestrian life and reminds us of riding horses or spending time in the countryside. Even if you’ve never been on horseback, the aesthetic is laced with enduring traditions and charm.
Versatility
Horse and equestrian decor can fit in many types of interiors. It looks great in farmhouse rustic settings, modern minimalist homes and even as part of eclectic spaces.
Connection to Nature
Materials that come from nature, such as wood, leather and horsehair offer a tactile experience that reminds you of being outside. The authenticity of this makes your home feel warm and inviting.
Equestrian Style Decor Practicalities
You can incorporate equestrian decor touches into nearly every room of your home. For some practical ideas that may inspire you, here are a few:
Room | Decor Ideas |
Living Room | Leather sofas, antique horse art, brass candle holders. |
Bedroom | Equestrian-themed bedding, warm wood furniture, plaid rugs. |
Outdoor Space | Rustic patio furniture, horse-inspired sculptures. |
How to Avoid Common Mistakes in Equestrian Decor
As gorgeous as equestrian decor is, there are pitfalls to look out for:
- Horse overboard: Too many horse elements can make the space feel cluttered or gimmicky.
- Question 7: Where are you using synthetic materials?Authenticity is paramount. Steer clear of imitation leather or plastic knockoffs.
- Forget about balance: Traditional elements shouldn’t overpower modern comforts.
Conclusion
Home decor in equestrian style is more than a trend — it’s a tribute to timeless elegance, nostalgia and craftsmanship. Whether you lean toward the subtle with small accessories or prefer to go all-out with dramatic statement pieces, this style has endless opportunities to style a space that represents your personality and your love for tradition.
So, why not give it a try? Horse shoes on the door mat or on the wall, equestrian decor is all about comfort and sophistication from the country.
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