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Questrian
Riding Institution and Stable Yard Concept
overview
Challenge
This project was a small design task for a professional equestrian yard. The goal was to create a design concept inspired by the aesthetics of traditional riding schools, specifically drawing from late 1800s design principles. Researching and identifying these historical design principles presented a unique challenge, particularly when translating them into a modern website format. Key elements, such as attention to intricate details and incorporating features like arched stable windows, were crucial in capturing the essence of the era while ensuring the design felt contemporary and functional.
Goal
The primary objective of this project was to blend tradition with modernity by creating a design that honored the heritage of traditional riding schools while appealing to a contemporary audience. The design needed to capture the equestrian yard’s professional identity while evoking the charm and authenticity of late 1800s aesthetics. The goal was not only to showcase the yard’s commitment to tradition but also to create a visually engaging and user-friendly website that seamlessly bridges historical inspiration with modern web design standards.
Result
I am pleased with the overall outcome of this concept design. While there is room to incorporate additional features to further enhance the 1800s aesthetic, the project successfully captures the essence of the era while remaining functional and visually appealing. As a concept rather than a full website, this project provided valuable learning opportunities. I gained insights into blending historical design principles with modern web standards and plan to implement these techniques in future projects. This design demonstrates the potential to create unique, era-inspired websites that resonate with their intended audience.
The Process
Case Study
Below you can see my thought process of how I helped my client achieve their new website.
Case Study
The objective was to create a visually engaging concept for a professional equestrian yard that paid homage to the traditions of late 1800s riding schools. The challenge was to unearth and interpret historical design principles, blending them with modern website aesthetics to create a concept that was both functional and evocative of the era.
Anonymous
I started with extensive research into traditional riding schools and late 1800s design elements. This included studying architectural features, color schemes, and decorative patterns used in stables and equestrian settings of the time. These insights shaped the foundation of the project. I then translated these inspirations into a modern website design using:
Sketches and wireframes for structure.
Prototyping tools to refine interactive elements.
Careful selection of typography, imagery, and color palettes to align with the historical theme.
Case Study
The design drew inspiration from several historical elements:
Arched Windows: A signature feature of 19th-century stables, these served as a motif for design consistency across the site.
Intricate Details: Subtle textures mimicking wooden panels and wrought iron were incorporated to evoke the craftsmanship of the era.
Muted Color Palette: Deep greens, rich browns, and warm neutrals were chosen to represent the natural tones of stables and equestrian settings while maintaining elegance.
Typography: A mix of serif fonts for headings (evoking traditional signage) and clean sans-serif fonts for body text to ensure readability and balance.
The overall idea was to create a sense of timeless sophistication while still being easy to navigate for the modern user.
Anonymous
The execution phase revolved around translating these historical inspirations into a cohesive and interactive web design. Here’s how each element was brought to life:
Structure and Layout: The layout was designed to be intuitive, with generous white space to create a clean and uncluttered feel, allowing the historical design elements to stand out.
Color Palette: The chosen colors reflect the earthy tones of traditional stables while maintaining a polished and professional appearance. Accent colors, such as gold or cream, were added to enhance the luxurious feel.
Typography: Fonts were selected carefully. For the headings, I chose a serif typeface inspired by Victorian signage to add authenticity. A modern sans-serif font was used for body text to ensure clarity and contrast.
Imagery: High-quality images of horses, stables, and riding equipment were chosen to evoke emotion and reinforce the equestrian theme. Where possible, images with arched windows and natural lighting were prioritized.
Interactive Elements: Subtle hover effects and smooth transitions were added to make the site feel dynamic while keeping it true to its historical roots.
Case Study
The final design concept successfully captured the elegance and heritage of late 1800s equestrian culture while offering a clean and modern user experience. Though additional features, like decorative borders or subtle textures, could enhance the historical aesthetic further, the concept provided a solid foundation for future projects.
Beyond the design itself, this project served as a valuable learning experience in balancing historical inspiration with modern web design standards. The research process deepened my understanding of historical design principles and provided techniques that I can carry into other projects.
Conclusion
Conclusion
This project reinforced the importance of thoughtful research and the role of historical context in design. Every decision—from the color palette to the choice of fonts and images—was guided by a commitment to authenticity and usability.
Key takeaways from the project include:
The value of deep research in uncovering design principles from specific historical periods.
The importance of balancing historical inspiration with modern usability for a seamless user experience.
How subtle details, like typography and imagery, can evoke the desired narrative and emotional response.
The need to iterate and refine designs based on feedback and further exploration.
This concept has been a stepping stone for future projects, equipping me with a deeper understanding of how to weave narrative and emotion into design. I look forward to refining these techniques and applying them to full-scale websites that combine historical depth with modern functionality.
Credits
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