In May of 2023, Design Holmen was asked to design a brand identity for Silverwood Stables, a new equestrian facility in Erin, Ontario. In visiting the facility and the grounds surrounding the barn it was clear that this place had a particular sprinkle of magic. Located in an old bank barn, the land surrounding the stables were littered with apple trees, meadows full of wild flowers and an enchanted cedar forest.
Karin Rathgerber, the head coach and owner of Silverwood wanted the identity to capture the beauty and magic of the place while also creating something that spoke to learning, connection and most importantly felt like home.
With a clear design brief and a visually compelling name, Design Holmen crafted a logo that spoke to the magical elements of the name showcasing a horse fluidly intertwined with nature. The wordmark complimented the icon with an elegant serif typeface and a custom ligature between “r” and “w” that spoke to connection. This sensibility was also brought into a custom monogram: SWS.
The palette leaned into the idea of cooler silver tones with colours that all seemed to feel at home together. These colours were translated into saddle pads, shirts, hats and other equestrian swag.
I will confess to reliving my childhood equestrian days in the process of this project.
Collaborators: Karin Rathgeber, Amanda Langford (Photography)