Some tips from Equestrian Interior Designer Mary Cox
Whether you live in a small apartment or a large spacious home you can bring your love of horses home, without bringing your horse home too. For most of us our home is our sanctuary – a place to retreat from life’s stress and re-charge our batteries. A thoughtfully planned interior creates feelings that re-energize us while a poorly planned interior can have us feeling frustrated and stressed.
In riding, when there is harmony between you and your horse you have a wonderful ride. In decorating, the goal is to create that same harmony with your possessions. You want to achieve a look that reflects your passion for horses, without overpowering the space. Some basic design principles and easy design tips will help you tastefully incorporate your favorite animal into your décor.
As an owner of an interior design firm in Seattle, and an avid equestrian, I have had the opportunity to decorate horse farms in historic areas of Kentucky, in Westchester, N Y, and in Washington State. My clients frequently ask “How can I bring my love of horses home without it being too much of a good thing?” I find that many equestrians (ok….I admit it….I’m one of them) have a tendency to acquire too much horse memorabilia and e wind up with an overwhelming space that has seemed to “just happen.” My Mom and grandmother were accomplished artists and I used to find myself constantly trying to fit all of their artwork in my home just because I had it. Eventually I decided to give some of it to eager relatives. That decision not only allowed me to decorate my space with objects I really loved, but all my guilt about not displaying their art in my home was gone. So don’t feel like you have to display that Pink horsehead your friend gave you on your mantle! Remember, there is a difference between creating an original space with continuity and “flow” and overdoing a theme. Themes can become kitschy and tacky and the end result can be a hodge podge leading to what I’d call “horse overload.” Keep your equine theme subtle to prevent your home from looking like a retail outlet for tack!
Start by choosing a few of your favorite pieces and working around them. Find something that your beloved items have in common, like a color or texture, and use that to visually ground your accessories. Rich browns, tans and earth tone colors provide a neutral backdrop for that punch of color in your art and can still make a visual impact without overwhelming the eye.
Treat throw pillows as you would jewelry – a finishing touch that will complement. Something as simple as arranging throw pillows that pick up a color used in your art work or area rug and possibly even adding one small horse themed pillow can bring an equine touch to your space.
Artwork is an important design component. A well-placed equine painting, or that favorite photo of a blue ribbon win, can become the focal point that anchors your room. A common mistake is to use every inch of wall and tabletop just to fill the space. This will make your home feel cluttered and small. I know it’s hard to resist displaying photos of all your favorite horses or horse show memories, so try rotating your art and photos every couple of months. It will keep your space current and refreshed.
Experiment with different arrangements until you get the look and feel you want. With a little planning you can bring your love of horses home.
Mary is a lifelong equestrian and owns a successful interior design firm in Seattle. She recently launched Horse of a Different Color, a classic equestrian home décor line. Feel free to e-mail her with questions or any ideas you would like to share at [email protected] or visit Horse of a Different Color at www.equestrian-interiors.com for creative ways to use the tack you’ve collected over the years!