Horseplay: 17 Rooms That Win the Cup
As the nation saddles up to find out who'll take home the Melbourne Cup, we find inspiration in rooms primed to take first place
It’s Melbourne Cup day, and with the world-renowned race about to begin we look at some homes that take the equestrian theme and run with it. Horse lovers jockey for position as their decor celebrates the animal that makes the Spring Racing Carnival happen. Please excuse the horse-related puns in advance!
Okay, so we may not all have the space or budget to set up our own stables, but this home in Spain has to be featured in this collection. It showcases what would be the perfect living quarters for some of the best racehorses currently in Melbourne. Favourites including Fame Game and Trip To Paris would feel right at home relaxing here before the big race.
Just like the first horse to cross the finish line, this little filly’s wall has been decked out with first-place ribbons. The pompom pony sculpture is the finishing touch to make the theme picture perfect. I guess her parents know what she’ll be wanting for her next birthday.
How about some equine-themed wallpaper? If you want to wake up surrounded by a herd of your favourite animals, this wallpaper could be the perfect option. While the pattern is detailed, the monochrome colour scheme makes it less overpowering and ideal for use in a bedroom.
Another elegant way to decorate a bedroom with brumbys and broncos is with themed bedlinen. Neutral tones and natural fibres work best to keep this look well-grounded.
Instead of chucking clothes on a bedroom chair at the end of a long day, this homeowner has repurposed a saddle rack as a neat and innovative alternative for mounting the day’s outfits on.
Who’s bringing home the big prize this year? It’s the question on everyone’s lips. This homeowner in Bowral, NSW is an avid equestrian and has written her own ticket, decorating her home with several key race-themed pieces. These awards hang on her door and let all visitors know she’s in it to win it!
Playing peek-a-boo at the end of the dining table, this pony painting adds a touch of whimsy to an otherwise sophisticated space. Saw you!
These stools sitting in front of a rustic home bar take saddling up to a whole new level. Slinging back a few Kentucky Derby bourbons or perhaps a Horse’s Neck while sitting on these bar stools is sure to transport anyone back to the good old wild west.
Most of us can probably recall the rocking horse as a childhood fixture. This modern kid’s playroom replaces the classic rocking horse with a tall soft toy version, for playtimes that will have future jockeys jostling for their turn.
Don’t feel as though you need to rein it in when decorating with horse-related pieces. The dark horse in this room is an almost floor-to-ceiling artwork that steals the show in the manly living room, shouting out the homeowner’s love of all things horse. Down the end of the hallway, a horse-head sculpture also makes an appearance.
An lone elegant wooden horse has been positioned in this airy living room by interior designer Kim Pearson. He stands, poised and proud, ready to take off at the sound of the bell.
The races are all about the action that takes place when the gates swing open, and keeping your eye on your chosen winner is all part of the excitement. This wall feature captures all the action as the lights move through the frames to show the horses racing towards the finish line.
Wild horses couldn’t drag your attention away from this sepia-toned artwork, which connects this elegantly rustic living room with the world outdoors.
Following a hard work-horse of a day in the office, this homeowner simply grabs a saddle, some riding boots and a hat and jumps on a horse to ride the day away. Now that’s a great way to de-stress and avoid being put out to pasture for a little while longer.
Barn doors don’t just belong in the stables. More and more homes have been using them indoors as a key design element, adding a rustic look to cool contemporary interiors.
From the bathroom to the kitchen, this sliding barn door is on track as a stylish option to both hide the fridge and bring a stable-ising element to the design of the space.
TELL US
How do you celebrate the Melbourne Cup? Let us know in the Comments section.
MORE
101 Things to Do Outdoors
British Houzz: Nose Around an Old Stable Turned Guesthouse
Horsing Around: 10 Ways to Introduce Equine Decor to Great Effect
TELL US
How do you celebrate the Melbourne Cup? Let us know in the Comments section.
MORE
101 Things to Do Outdoors
British Houzz: Nose Around an Old Stable Turned Guesthouse
Horsing Around: 10 Ways to Introduce Equine Decor to Great Effect