12 Ways Your Home Can Say Happy Derby Day
Add a dash of fresh Kentucky Derby style to your home
Becky Harris
May 3, 2016
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
If you’re a Kentucky Derby fan, you’ve probably hit the haberdashery for an exuberant hat or taken your seersucker to the tailor to get ready for the famous horse race, set for May 7 this year. There’s such a playful style to this Louisville, Kentucky, event that it seems a shame to bring it out just once a year for a race that lasts about two minutes. Polka dots, florals, ginghams, trophies, mint julep cups and red roses — these are just a few ways to bring Derby style home.
Red roses. Planting red roses can make you feel like you’re in the winner’s circle for an entire season.
Big flowers. This artwork resembles the fabulous hats women wear on Derby Day.
Bright florals prints. Many ladies also love to don their brightest floral dresses for the annual racing event. These patterns are back in a big way in home design, whether on a canvas, bedding, an upholstered chair, a tablecloth or, as seen here, a happy headboard.
Mint julep cups. If you own any of these, chances are you may not use them for drinking very often. (I have one that’s full of coins at the moment.) These lovely vessels make great little vases for tulips, lavender, hydrangeas, daisies and more. Many designers use them for small arrangements in powder rooms or on a nightstand.
Natty lids. Fellas, these haute fashion accessories also make great accessories at home. Don’t hide them in the closet — show them off.
Check out more great ways to display hats
Check out more great ways to display hats
Hatboxes. These charming boxes used to be in every woman’s closet. These days, whether they contain the original hat, crafting supplies or your scarf collection, they make wonderful decorative items around the home.
Horses. I love a horsey design that’s more graphic than all-out equestrian-themed. The large horse silhouettes on these blankets and pillows add a playful touch to a tailored guest room.
Blankets: Lalapatoot.com
Blankets: Lalapatoot.com
Polka dots. It wasn’t the Derby, it wasn’t even in Kentucky, and she was far from a socialite, but a lot of us will forever associate horse event fashion with a prostitute’s amazing brown and white polka dot dress she bought during the best shopping movie montage in history. Pretty Woman came out in 1990, but the pattern and colors have held up all these years. They look amazing on wallpaper in this smart room.
Wallpaper: Watermark, Niesha Crosland
Wallpaper: Watermark, Niesha Crosland
Gingham. This checked pattern in a springy color like celery is another favorite for a Derby dress, tie or pants. It looks cheerful and fresh in this preppy bathroom.
Wallpaper: Green Check, Titley & Marr
Wallpaper: Green Check, Titley & Marr
Blue and white stripes. This is the classic color palette of seersucker, a great pick for a gentleman’s Derby ensemble. The stripes add a crisp touch via a shower curtain or bedding.
Vintage trophies. Silver is the color received by the Derby’s winning jockey, trainer and breeder, while the horse’s owner gets the larger gold trophy.
A little harlequin romance. Jockey uniforms are always bold and graphic, whether patterned in checkerboard, polka dots, stripes, stars, even lightning bolts. But my favorite is the harlequin pattern. Seeing it on a desktop is unexpected and a sharp touch in this inviting study.
Share: Are you heading to Churchill Downs or a Derby party? What’s your favorite print or accessory you’ll see there? Please let us know in the Comments.
More: Hosts Pull Out the Stops for Kentucky Derby Parties
Share: Are you heading to Churchill Downs or a Derby party? What’s your favorite print or accessory you’ll see there? Please let us know in the Comments.
More: Hosts Pull Out the Stops for Kentucky Derby Parties
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I love the floral artwork goes with the bedding,great choice Town House Interiors
Oh I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. For the record, I was wrong to say uniform and it's SILKS! Silks does sound so much better and sexier (and of course correct) than uniform — I love it!