I have never been an expert in interior design or decorating. However, when it comes time to add design and decor touches to our home, my inspiration is most often my equestrian background — growing up on a small farm in Maryland and participating in United States Pony Club, 4-H, and breeding and training racehorses. Horses are graceful and beautiful. Horse inspired decor, in my opinion, is as well. And, of course, adds a very personal touch to our home.
Dining Room
When we updated our dining room, my husband and I went for an equestrian/farmhouse decor – rustic/country chic. I envisioned a dressy feel that was still cozy and inviting. We painted the walls the classic cool grey “Revere Pewter” by Benjamin Moore and on the walls hang several equestrian oil paintings and prints from our travels together over the years. We selected furniture that had a mix of oak and white oak veneers. We also selected mixture of seating options – e.g. a bench, two fabric covered high backed chairs, and two wooden chairs to add to that cozy/not perfectly matched feel. We selected a few additional equestrian touches, e.g. vintage burlap horse pillows, as well as a distressed wood “Farmhouse” sign, all pictured and linked in the widgets below.
I picked up two of these vintage equestrian burlap pillows on Etsy (to shop, click on the widget below). They were $22.95 and added the perfect classy touch to our dining room.
My mom, two sisters, and I foxhunted with the Potomac Hunt growing up. My sister, M and her boys, continue to hunt in Kentucky with her local hunt. My husband and I picked up these handmade fox placements a few years ago at a hunt social event.
Places to shop:
https://www.birchlane.com/
https://www.etsy.com/
http://www.thesurreysaddlery.com/
The Sunroom
Our sunroom depicts splashes of modern gold Art Deco pieces with equestrian oil paintings. We went for a similar vibe – a touch more modern but still cozy and inviting.
A nod to my 4-H Poultry Club days. I raised Speckled Sussex chickens and annually showed them in the local fair.
Outdoor Decor
This particular piece we purchased from Back in the Saddle. Here are some similar items:
Personal
My lucky horseshoe created by Grace + Hudson. The horseshoe is a symbol that is believed to protect against any form of evil and bring good luck. We have an old horseshoe from one of my horses that hangs above our door to protect our home, keep out negative energy, as well as promote good luck. The older the shoe, the better!