Adventures of equestrian design! This Florida home by Aamir Khandwala is a serene retreat for its horse-loving dweller

On a wall, a sizeable photograph reveals the pristinely braided mane of a horse bowing down with a sensuous curve. For an onlooker, this is a gripping first visual, which cements the quintessential theme of this home in Wellington, Florida. Placid with convincing cues of an equestrian design style. Aamir Khandwala

A secondary dwelling that belongs to an avid horse rider who practises dressage, this home is the result of creative pursuits by Aamir Khandwala Interior Design. Basking at the intersection of soft sophistication and love for horses, the spaces here appear rested yet experimental, thanks to the montage of materials used. From dark wood and ceramics to rattan and leather. 

Having designed multiple abodes for the homeowner in the past, the New York-based principal Aamir informs, “The client uses her home in Florida from January to March to practise her sport. Her brief to me was — I’d like a space that is serene, calming and ideally without colour. So, I can focus on my riding. And bring in elements of Florida and NYC fused with the feeling of a luxury hacienda.”

White is colourful too

Wrapped in a commanding character of all-white walls and ceiling, Aamir’s perceptive palette also draws accents of blues and organic browns in between. A crucial intervention of modern Spanish design within a warm equestrian mould — clean lines and splashes of minimalism blanket the overall layout of around 2,100 sq ft. Then culminates a sense of tactile vibrancy with textures of wood, terracotta, bronze, woven leather and rattan, becoming the supporting cast around the triumphing protagonist — tranquil hues inside the bungalow-style home.

Poetics of equestrian 

One step inside and the rustling echoes of silence surround you, only to be interrupted with yet another glimpse of horse prints stamped on the walls around by acclaimed photographer Drew Doggett from Saatchi Art. A cowboy hat, tall rider boots and cane baskets find their pride of place, too. With this competes the scenic stillness of the green outdoors that is framed by large, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows. Sightings of certain decorations and furniture finds establish an elevated portrayal of rustic-vintage luxuries — think a hand-carved vintage African bench, sisal rug, woven copper orb lantern, bespoke hammered bronze side table, Velasco leather bench amongst other curious statements. “These pieces have been thoughtfully selected through collaborations with small businesses and artists,” states Aamir.

Departing from the confines of signature styles and recurring concepts, Aamir believes in drawing parallels to the dweller’s personality and everyday routines. But with triumphs come its own share of challenges. The designer informs, “The most challenging aspect of the project was the schedule, as we did a complete renovation in two stages. Stage one was to make the home feel as comfortable as possible with new furnishings in a tight time frame. After the homeowner left her home in March 2023, we started the second stage by renovating all bathrooms and extensive work on the exterior landscaping.” With multitude of shapes, forms and materials layering up the space, what lingers on in the memory is not the imagery of a single object or a corner, rather a snug sentiment that the home’s vast volumes exude. 

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