Stoneblossom: October is Breeders' Cup Month!

October always brings back fun and frazzled memories of designing corporate hospitality areas for the annual running of the Breeders' Cup! For 15 years we followed The Race to many horsey locales like Louisville, LA's Santa Anita Racetrack and, of course, New York's Belmont Park.

Below is a Glam example of a tent transformed in two different ways from one year to the next:

To appreciate the scope of what is involved, one needs to remember that this starts as a simple canvas frame tent - set up high atop the stands of the track! Three of the walls are glass for great viewing.
The client's logo color was red, so it was a common theme to work with each year.
For this installation we began our inviting decor by adding hard walls and tightly-stretched fabric to camouflage the canvas ceiling and back wall.

Carefully selected elements were added to create the ambiance of an elegant home as guests enjoy the high-stakes race. Given that many of our clients were the same from year-to-year, we were always on the lookout for new themes, looks, props, color stories that would be perfect for each one!
Antiques from a NY prop house fit the bill for this comfortable Men's Club look. Take it from us, lots of research hours, pounding the pavement and surfing the net - and lots of love - goes into finding the just-right melange!!!

These balance toys on the cocktail tables were a hit for sure!
The addition of floor and table lamps also added an at-home feel.

A popular spot for sure, the bar is always an important focal point. This polished wooden one we found was perfect - with matching tall bar stools.
Side windows were curtained back to decoratively disguise the metal upright poles.

Custom-made faux leather toppers on the cocktails tables continued the red and chocolate palette on the terrace. We selected black astro-turf to make the plywood flooring fade back.

International photographer Daniele Perretta took all these terrific images - including the following prop details...

Another season, and a fresh contemporary style is called for! Lighter walls and carpeting really made the red and orange furniture and streamlined florals POP!