CLASSIC EQUESTRIAN ELEGANCE

Article by Ashley Hutcheson, Photography by Allison Elefante 

Warm and unassuming, Lindsay Hunter is the interior designer you’d design for yourself - client-focused, creative, attentive, and genuine with a touch of refreshing humor. An avid equestrian from a young age, Lindsay wanted to be a designer her entire life. 

1. Even the thought of hiring a designer can be daunting. Please can you walk us through how you can help, and best times to bring you into a project?
I think from the inside out, and quickly realized designing was my niche. I look at the layout of the space. I get very personal and learn how you and your family live and function. In a kitchen design, Who cooks? Who cuts veggies and where? Where are the cutting boards going to go? When that person is cooking, who is over on the couch? How will they communicate? And there is always something we can do – even with the smallest parameters, “yes, there is a way.”

2. What does equestrian design mean? And can I hire you if I don’t ride horses?
For me, it's an extension of the way I feel at the barn and I want to continue that feeling. I use lots of greens, browns, blacks, saddles, and boots. I like to layer and create the layers that occur in nature with grasses and trees. Being an interior designer for almost 20 years, it wasn’t until 2019 that I chose to combine my two passions. And most importantly, yes, I’m happy to work with anyone. Riding horses is not required!

3. For those of us not familiar with equine, can you give us some fun insight?
Horses spend a lot of their time in a mediative state. Often, they will only connect when you meet them with an energy that makes them feel safe. Horses have an amazing way of giving you what you need. Alice, the horse I had from age 16-36 took my energy and absorbed it, like a mother. My current horse, Remi, reflects my behavior and energy back to me like a mirror, teaching me to be mindful and present.

4. Can you give us a few design tips?
- Invest in quality pieces. Don’t cut back on quality to finish a room - cut back on scope temporarily.
- Choose things you love. If you really love something it doesn’t matter if its trendy or not, chances are you will love it in five years.
- Paint. Biggest bang for your buck, period.

5. What is one of your favorite projects or spaces?
My bedroom. I was able to bring my passion for the equestrian lifestyle into my home and share my personal journey with horses. I connect with people because I bring my passion into my design and I help others bring their passion into their homes. I believe it sets me apart and the equestrian community has really connected with that.

Lindsay focuses on more than making a “pretty room.” Her clients really benefit from her unique talent expressing their passions and telling their story in the design. Happy to take her work outside of the home, she’s the perfect person for custom tack room and other equine needs. Follow Lindsay on Instagram at @lindsayhunterdesign.

Originally published in Franklin Lifestyle March 2022.