How to Get the Look at Home

Designers follow a few key rules when crafting equestrian-inspired interiors that feel modern and approachable. Here are the top five things to keep in mind if you’re looking to incorporate equestrian style in your home. 

1. Source Vintage Where Possible

Since equestrian interiors are trending right now, mass-produced horse-themed decor is a dime a dozen. However, designers agree that in this traditional style, sticking to authentic, vintage pieces is key to creating a space that feels sophisticated and curated rather than tacky and clichéd. 

“In my opinion, vintage is where equestrian style really shines. Sourcing vintage art, antique prints, or pieces with subtle equestrian references will always feel more authentic than anything overly new or mass-produced,” says Brien.

Remember, less is more in modern equestrian interiors. A single horse-themed painting or a mounted antique horse bit will be more impactful than going overboard with repeated motifs.  

2. Balance Rustic and Modern

Equestrian style naturally invites rustic elements—reclaimed barn boards, patinaed metals, and more—but in modern equestrian elegance, striking a balance between timeworn and tailored is key. As such, designers recommend pairing heritage materials like weathered wood, cognac leather, or aged brass with clean-lined silhouettes and restrained styling. It’s this juxtaposition of old and new that elevates this timeless look into the 21st century in a sophisticated way.  

3. Accent with Leather

Leather is a staple in the equestrian world, yet it doesn’t demand fuss or attention. In modern equestrian interiors, it should be incorporated in much the same way. Small, intentional doses are where leather shines in this style—an accent chair in the corner, a leather catch-all tray on the coffee table, or a throw pillow on the sofa. 

“Other ways to achieve the vibe include touches of leather in unexpected places, like fringe trim on pillows and drapery or as binding on an area rug. Today, you can even find light fixtures and hardware that incorporate leather,” says R. Jane Morgan, owner and founder of R. Jane Morgan Interior + Design.

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4. Embrace Rich Colors

Rich, moody colors instantly give this aesthetic an old-money feel. Deep blues, burgundys, browns, and greens bring the equestrian look out of the barn and into the dressage arena. These tones echo the natural materials associated with equestrian style while adding a sense of polish and drama. 

Try painting a study or dining room in a moody green, incorporating navy through tailored upholstery, or grounding a light living room with a dark wood coffee table and leather accents. When balanced with soft creams and textured linens, these saturated colors feel intentional and timeless rather than heavy, delivering that refined, lived-in look the trend is known for.

5. Avoid a Theme

Most importantly, designers agree that nailing the modern equestrian elegance look is all about keeping things elevated and subtle. Going overboard with decor that’s too literal can leave a space feeling cheap and overdone, which is the antithesis of this sophisticated style. 

“What I would avoid is anything that feels too on-the-nose. Repeating horse imagery, shiny finishes, or décor that leans costume-like can quickly tip the look into themed territory. Equestrian style is at its best when it feels like an undercurrent, not the headline,” says Brien.