2014: The Year of the Horse

Horses have long held the admiration and imagination of people.

Tomorrow night we’ll say goodbye to 2013 and welcome a New Year full of possibilities and new opportunities.  2014 will also be The Year of the Horse, according to the Chinese Zodiac.  Horses have long held the admiration and imagination of people.  These strong, beautiful animals and their close relationship to mankind throughout history are deservedly admired for their grace and their role in human history.  It’s no wonder that so many artists, including interior and fashion designers, turn to the horse for inspiration.  In the Chinese Zodiac, the horse is known for being warm-hearted, strong, and intelligent.  Incorporating equestrian themed designs into your home or style naturally conveys these same attributes.

I’ve featured some of this photography in the past, but I think it’s worth sharing again.  A stunning piece of horse photography is a dramatic art choice for any room.  Lisa Cueman, Bob Tabor, and Roberto Dutesco are three photographers whose horse images are simply incredible.

Photo by Lisa Cueman
Photo by Lisa Cueman
Robert Dutesco
Roberto Dutesco
Lisa Cueman
Lisa Cueman
Robert Dutesco
Roberto Dutesco
Bob Tabor Images
Bob Tabor Images
Robert Dutesco
Roberto Dutesco

In interior design, using equestrian art or other horse-themed elements can add style to a room without being too overdone.  You can use items such as saddles or stirrups as accents, or go with a more subtle look by incorporating equestrian patterns.  Think of leather, warm tones, natural materials, and elegance.

A room I designed for a client.
A room I designed for a client.
By Leslie Cohen Design
By Leslie Cohen Design
From Elle Decor
From Elle Decor
Design by Mar Silver
Design by Mar Silver
Using equestrian elements as accents.  From Apartment Therapy.
Using equestrian elements as accents. From Apartment Therapy.
Design by Thom Filicia
Design by Thom Filicia
A more subtle equestrian influence.  Design by Patrick Lonn.
A more subtle equestrian influence. Design by Patrik Lonn.

There are also a lot of great ways to add an equestrian flair to your wardrobe.  I love the idea of adding a really cool accessory to give your look just a hint of the equestrian without being over the top.

Iconic Hermes scarf.
Iconic Hermes scarf.
Equestrian belt from Macy's.
Equestrian belt by Ralph Lauren.
Another gorgeous Hermes scarf.
Another gorgeous Hermes scarf.
Hermes Cuff
Hermes Cuff

How would you incorporate an equestrian feel to your home or wardrobe?

Cover photos by Bob Tabor Images.

 

Lisa Cueman Photography

I was at the Samuel Owen Gallery in Greenwich recently where the incredible photography of Lisa Cueman caught my eye.

I was at the Samuel Owen Gallery in Greenwich recently where an incredible photographer caught my eye.  Her name is Lisa Cueman and her photography is centered around her lifelong love of horses.

Lisa Cueman, age 4, at her first horse show.

Cueman grew up on the island of Bermuda, learning to ride and care for horses from a very early age.  She grew through the ranks of the British Pony Club and devoted much of her life to riding and showing horses.  As an adult, Cueman relocated to Ontario, Canada, to focus completely on training and riding.  After several years, Cueman retired from riding and began instead to pursue an interest in photography.  Quite naturaly, her photographic work focuses on the horses she’s loved throughout her life.

Bath Time
Winter Profile
Born to be Wild

I love Lisa Cueman’s equine portraits for the beautiful stories they tell.  Her photos, printed on acrylic, have an almost abstract quality from their slightly askew viewpoint.  They have such a peaceful nature, captured in black and white or sepia, made more appealing through Cueman’s own take on this subject she clearly adores.  I would love to have her photographs in my own office when I renovate!

Eye Contact
Mane Motion
Snow Dance

To learn more about Lisa Cueman or to see more examples of her photography, visit her website and blog or find her on Facebook.