I’ve read a couple of posts from some of my favorite blog sites indicating a return to the popularity of equine accessories in the home. This is welcome news to me. I have always enjoyed the country house look that a nice hunt scene etching or re-strike gives a room.
via – Sir Raymond Greene by Alfred James Munnings (1919)
Our home used to be filled with hunt scene art and horse paraphernalia…which created interest from our youngest son’s friend years ago. Steven {Kevin’s friend} asked me, after looking around our family room, if I owned a horse. LOL! I did ride horses as a teen and my aunt owned a horse but a pony was the one gift Santa never brought me!
It truly baffles me as to why I enjoy the “look” but I guess it may remind me of my youth, coupled with the romance I’ve imagined tied to English manor houses and hunts and feasts in the forest while out of doors, i.e. Gosford Park. I know, I’ve been watching too many English period-series and movies! Downton Abbey, is the latest addiction.
Ralph Lauren has always included country accessories that often included equestrian details.
5th and State
Diamond Baratta Design via Dovecote
Hollister Hovey
For me, the touches of equestrian art and accessories are classic and timeless, but I do remember seeing a commercial recently that implied that the look might be akin to grandma’s overly sweet nicknacks. I say, if you love it and don’t over do it, go for it, make it yours! 😉
(above) Amanda Nisbit design
William Hodgins design via
I love the painting above. This room is inviting and calming to me…the glow of the fire and button tuck upholstered pieces speaks of comfort and relaxation.
And if you prefer to keep your love of horses to accessories only, there’s always a Hermes scarf and pair of riding boots! At the end of the long day you can place your Scotch/rocks or your cup of tea on these thoroughbred coasters.
The chair above, with the stirrup adornment was at a recent design market…the chair looks comfortable, doesn’t it? Too much?
Hope you’ve had fun with the horses and me…anybody up for a ride on a carousel?
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/equestrian-deco-156082
dog under table
Garden, Home & Party 
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
This was great. I’ve always loved your equestrian accessories and I’m happy to hear that they’re popular again. That carousel horse at the end of the post was especially wonderful. Remember how I used to want one for my Balboa Island apartment? I’d seen the one in my landlord’s living room and wanted one for myself.
Karen said:
Linda,
I do remember…we were always on the hunt for something fun in those days…we still are!
Thanks for the visit, you know how much I appreciate your comments and your friendship.
Karen
Kathy said:
I never knew it was out haha. Your photos are proof it’s actually a very rich warm look. For people that are into the stark all grey look I guess it doesn’t appeal. I say variety is what makes life interesting. I have seen this look when it comes off kind of cheesy. The new made in China just doesn’t compare with the the old lodge or estate pieces. I love going to old inns just to wander around and soak up that atmosphere. It makes me want to smell cherry tobacco from years of men smoking pipes, the scent off old leather and beautiful antique books that are works of art on themselves. I’ll take this atmosphere any day over the very stark baren look. I live in a grey cold climate we need color and warmth around here. My opinion is home decor should be kind of like your wardrobe. You wouldn’t wear a sundress in the snow. It may be a beautiful dress but it just doesn’t fit. That’s my humble opinion haha. Now I’m going to go back to stare at these lovely photos again.
Kathy
Karen said:
Kathy,
You said it perfectly, variety is what makes life interesting…if we all decorated/dressed the same it would be boring. I have truly always been attracted to warm, inviting decor over the a more streamlined, modern esthetic. The winter months only confirm how welcoming the lodge look can be.
Thanks for stopping by, it was fun chatting with you. I hope you’ll visit again.
Karen