Groom Your Rooms With Kentucky Derby Decor
by Lisa Frederick · 11 photos · 13 comments
Drive through Kentucky and you'll see miles of simple plank fences like this one, marking the boundaries of the thoroughbred farms that blanket the countryside. Fun fact: Traditionally, fences painted white signified wealth — they sent a subtle message that the farm's owners could afford to repaint every year or two. Natural wood or brown-painted fences were considered a cut below. Who knew?
by RTA Studio
This split-rail fence is a rustic relative of the plank version. Its rough-hewn profile marries perfectly with the stone barn in the background.
by Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.
When they're not filled with crushed ice and bourbon, silver julep cups — the cocktail vehicle of choice at Derby time — turn into household workhorses (yikes, that pun came from nowhere). This trio holds petite bouquets, but you'll see julep cups used as pencil holders, jewelry catchalls and decorative displays. Bonus points if they bear your monogram in a well-mannered script.
Cottage on Rosewood Hall Bathroom
OK, so it's from a horse show and not a race, but this loving cup certainly belongs in Derby-inspired decor. The julep cup is a small but vital supporting player in the little group of vessels.
by The Old Painted Cottage
When the horses have run for the roses and the lucky winner is draped with the garland, rose bouquets tucked around your house will add to the festive air. This one looks right at home amid a formal china cabinet.
by BROWN DAVIS INTERIORS, INC. 
Besides bluegrass, Kentucky is known for one other big B: bourbon. The walls and floors in this space are cloaked in salvaged whisky barrels (just pretend they bear a Wild Turkey or Woodford Reserve logo). Who could get enough of that rich, mellow sheen?
by McKay Flooring Ltd
Here's a gorgeous detail from the whisky barrel wood above. Each plank has its own unique character, so you're guaranteed a one-of-a-kind look.
by McKay Flooring Ltd
What's the Kentucky Derby without hats? This sweetly simple pink number transitions from head to wall when the race is run. It won't be the most flamboyant topper in the crowd, but it won't look garish hanging on the hook, either.
by Rough Linen
A collection of straw bonnets perched on this rack feels sprightly and spring-fresh enough for Derby day and beyond.
Lakeshore Cottage Living
And finally, the star of the show: equestrian accents. A well-weathered saddle and horse blanket perch beneath barn-inspired ceiling beams, so striking that they read as a single piece of sculpture.
See the rest of this home
by Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc
See the rest of this home
In a more conventional home, these would be hunting prints. Horse images make for a pleasant surprise and add a note of gentleman's-farm chic to this grand foyer.
More:
Equestrian Chic
Trend Alert: A Horse Is a Horse, Of Course
by Anthony Baratta LLC
More:
Equestrian Chic
Trend Alert: A Horse Is a Horse, Of Course
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