Guest Blog by Lindsay Hunter of Hunter Design
Photos by: Allison Elefante
For equestrian enthusiasts, the rustic charm of the stable is more than just a place to house horses; it represents a lifestyle, a second home, and even a sanctuary. Bringing that sense of warmth and tradition into your home is not only a tribute to your love for horses but also a great way to infuse your interiors with natural textures, cozy elements, and timeless appeal. By using natural materials like wood, leather, and metal, and incorporating tack and stable-inspired accessories, you can create a beautiful equestrian aesthetic that blends seamlessly with modern living.
Wood: The Foundation of Rustic Equestrian Style
One of the hallmarks of stable-inspired design is the use of wood. Think of the rich, weathered tones of barn walls and tack rooms. Bringing these elements indoors can create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Reclaimed Barn Wood: One of the best ways to achieve an authentic stable look is by incorporating reclaimed barn wood into your home. Whether it’s a feature wall in the living room or hardwood floors throughout, this rustic material adds texture and depth to any space.
- Wooden Beams: Exposed wooden beams on ceilings can instantly evoke the charm of a country barn. Paired with neutral colors and soft lighting, they can make a room feel cozy and grounded.
- Furniture: Wooden furniture that has a weathered or distressed look can make a piece feel like it has character and history.
Leather: Soft, Luxurious, and Timeless
Leather is another key material in equestrian design, often seen in saddles, bridles, and other tack. When used in home decor, leather adds a luxurious, yet rugged feel, perfectly balancing the rustic elements of wood and metal.
- Leather Sofas and Armchairs: A classic leather sofa or armchair can become the centerpiece of your living room. Choose deep brown tones or warm cognac shades that mirror the colors of well-worn tack.
- Leather Nightstands: Leather in unexpected places can be a fun surprise. Here, a leather wrapped nightstand is an interesting substitute for the traditional wood table.
- Leather Accents: Incorporate leather through smaller accents such as throw pillows, poufs, or even leather-wrapped door handles. These subtle touches will enhance the equestrian theme without overpowering the space.
Metal: The Finishing Touch for Stable-Inspired Design
Metal is essential in stable settings, from the sturdy iron used in horse stalls to the shiny brass buckles on saddles. Introducing metal elements into your home adds strength and a stall-like vibe, complementing the natural warmth of wood and leather.
- Metal finishes: Using metal lampshades rather than fabric ones mimics the look of exterior barn lights. Metal beds are a great way to incorporate an iron frame into the room without feeling overpowering. And if you don’t have any equestrian trophies of your own, you can find a plethora of antique options on Ebay, Chairish, Etsy, or even a local antique shop.
- Metallic Accessories: Small metal touches, like iron curtain rods, brass drawer pulls, or decorative horseshoes or stirrups, are simple yet effective ways to bring a stable vibe into your home.
Incorporating Saddle Racks and Stable-Inspired Decor
Bringing used tack into the home is one of the easiest ways to repurpose your equestrian gear.
- Saddle as decor: Display an old saddle on a standing rack, wall rack or simply laid on the back of a chair. Simplify the look by removing the stirrup leathers and irons.
- Tack Room-Inspired Storage: Use wooden crates or trunks to store blankets, magazines, or other essentials. These storage solutions echo the practical, rustic charm of a tack room while keeping your space organized and stylish.
- Vintage Tack as Decor: Repurpose old tack, like bridles, halters and polo mallets, as wall art. These items can create a subtle nod to your equestrian passions without overwhelming the room.
Stable-Inspired Accessories: The Final Touch
Accessories are where you can have fun and truly personalize your equestrian-inspired space. Here are a few ideas for adding finishing touches that bring the stable indoors:
- Equestrian Artwork: Large-scale equestrian prints, paintings of horses, or vintage racing posters are perfect for creating a focal point in any room.
- Horse-Themed Decor: Subtle, horse-themed touches like equine-shaped bookends, horse head sculptures, or even horseshoe hooks for coats can bring personality to your space.
- Throw Blankets and Rugs: Use wool or plaid throw blankets on sofas and armchairs to evoke the coziness of a horse barn. Rugs in neutral, earthy tones can anchor the room and add warmth. Tartan, tweed and houndstooth are always in style.
- Wallpaper: When using a bold or busy pattern, opt for a single feature wall rather than the entire room.
Conclusion: Blending the Stable with Your Home
Bringing the stable indoors doesn’t mean your home has to feel like an actual barn. The key to achieving a cozy, rustic equestrian style is to balance sturdy materials like wood, leather, and metal with more refined touches like wool and cashmere, creating a space that feels both welcoming and sophisticated.
By carefully choosing furniture, accessories, and textures that reflect the equestrian lifestyle, you can create a home that resonates with the charm of the stable while remaining a comfortable, modern living space. Whether you incorporate a few vintage tack pieces or go all out with saddle barstools and barn wood accents, your equestrian-inspired home will be a stylish tribute to your love for horses.
Do you have any questions on this article or simply need help with your upcoming project? You can reach us at sales@americanstalls.com or a call at (855) 957-5571. Alternatively, you can also complete a Contact Us Form. We also encourage you to visit Hunter Design for more information and to get in touch with Lindsay Hunter for your facility's design needs.
About Lindsay Hunter:
LINDSAY HUNTER, CEO & Principal Interior Designer
Lindsay Hunter is an accomplished interior designer known for blending her passion for equestrian life with a refined approach to creating intentional, inspiring spaces.
Based in San Diego, CA, Lindsay holds a Bachelor’s in Art History from UCSB and an Interior Design certification from Santa Barbara City College. Her unique “Modern Equestrian” style stems from years of collaboration with top Santa Barbara architects and designers such as Harrison Design Associates, Lori Smyth Design, Randy Franks Studio, and Peter Becker, AIA
With her growing portfolio of nationwide clients, she established Hunter Design in November 2010 and bears the distinction of being certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification.
When she’s not researching a design or pursuing the perfect finishing touches for her latest project, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her husband, her two children, and her horse, Remington.
