Part of the Blue Horse Estate, The Barn is both a sanctuary and a place of connection. The stables house rescued horses who now live their best lives amidst wide pastures and a grand indoor arena. Beyond being a home for the horses, the estate also hosts retreats and healing sessions: “In partnership with horses, we create transformative experiences that reconnect you to your innate power.”
I was invited to shape the interior design and lighting of the tack spaces, communal lounge areas, and two guest rooms. When I joined, the architectural shell had already been realized in polished grey concrete, complemented by the client’s striking choices—chunky recycled ironwood fencing, bold wooden barn doors, and a deep red rubber-brick grooming floor, a personal dream feature. My task was to weave these strong elements into a cohesive, calm, and welcoming whole.
To balance the raw concrete and bold tones, I introduced crisp white painted brick—adding freshness while grounding the space with a sense of calm. In the communal lounge, I carried through the red-and-brown palette with a deep red cement-tiled floor edged in grey, then layered warmth and comfort with generous sofas, a hanging daybed, and custom chunky-wood side tables. A concrete kitchen island anchors the room, creating a gathering place for long, easy afternoons after time with the horses. In the tack room, I designed dark oiled ironwood cabinetry and a seating bench, carrying the material palette through with quiet strength.
The two guest rooms, however, took a different direction. In deliberate contrast to the barn’s more masculine, industrial character, I created light, tropical havens—bright white concrete shelves, pale woods, rattan baskets, straw lighting, and silvery accents softened by light blue details. A custom hexagonal tile floor in white and silver completed the fresh, airy feel.
The result is a barn that embodies balance: practical yet soulful, robust yet inviting. A place where horses are honored, guests feel embraced, and every detail serves both function and beauty.
Architecture by Jose Vallejo
Photography by Anna Bek
Blue Horse stables can be found HERE
