Saddle up! Equestrian chic is a winner with Kentucky homeowners

In Louisville, home of the world-famous Kentucky Derby, equestrian style and tradition run deep.

"People in Kentucky really embrace equestrian influence because for such a long time we have been surrounded by thoroughbred farms and horse racing," said Gretchen Rose, owner of Kentucky Rose Designs. "If you live in the Bluegrass State and take a drive into the countryside, you are bound to run across a horse farm. There is a real cultural influence and people tend to romanticize the equestrian theme."

Creating the warm aesthetic of equestrian chic is not reserved for those who live on horse farms or in country homes. Louisvillians incorporate accents of this comfortable and sophisticated design in every era and style of home.

Commonly featured statement pieces include textured equestrian patterned fabric and artwork, figurines and stable-inspired items such as brass horse bits, buckles, horseshoes and leather accents.

In her own home, Rose decorated the baby nursery with a soft stuffed Chestnut colored rocking horse, and her sitting room is accessorized with a whimsical oil painting of race horses in a pasture.

Louisville residents who don't decorate with horse-influenced décor inside their homes make an exception in the weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby, which is traditionally held the first Saturday in May. As the first daffodils begin to open, homeowners across the city adorn their front door with colorful wooden Kentucky Derby-themed jockey silks, race horses and mint julep decorations. Year-round, restaurants, bars and hotels throughout the city are rich with equestrian memorabilia and décor.

While the equestrian aesthetic is popular in the Derby City, it can easily be overdone. Rose keeps a balance by combining locally sourced antiques in her home designs.

"I love to mix old things in with new," she said. "There are so many antique stores in Kentucky that antiquing has become its own scene. And because there are so many shops across the state, antiques here are reasonably priced."

Even older than the Kentucky Derby is another local tradition ingrained in the lives and homes of people who live in the Bluegrass State. Bourbon was born in the late 1700s in Kentucky. Today, the mint julep, which is made with bourbon, is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.

As a design element, while not as strong as the equestrian influences, bourbon culture is important in Louisville, Rose said.

"Horse racing and bourbon are a natural combination," she said. "It's an old-school and classic vibe. I'd say think of a speakeasy with tufted leather, bookshelves, stained wood and walls in navy, hunter green, smoky charcoal and even red. These are colors that represent the flavor of bourbon."

And yes, Rose has worked with clients who want an entire room designed to feel like a speakeasy, complete with a secret entrance accessed through a bookshelf.

"There is a lot of Kentucky culture, history and pride in Louisville," Rose said." Those traditions are reflected in the design elements Louisvillians choose to surround themselves with in their homes."

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Equestrian inspired home decor is a winner with Derby City homeowners