MILES REDD FOR BALLARD DESIGNS
Photos courtesy of Ballard Designs
The debut collection from inspired New York based interior designer Miles Redd for Ballard Designs is here! The 29 piece collection, a synthesis of the designers traditional American and European sensibility rooted in classicism with a dose of old Hollywood glamour spans crisply tailored case goods, clean-lined upholstery, classic art, a bit of lighting and antique-inspired accessories. Known for using primary colors with touches of black and white (and a dose of fun) against beautifully classic backdrops, his collection is everything I thought it would be and more. From statement making pieces to quietly elegant additions, these pieces are easy to use well. The partnership comes on the heels of one of his early mentors, Bunny Williams, whose successful Ballard collections include from tabletop to useful accessories. Both designers reinterpret the classics for today, and Miles pieces have an extremely usable scale, something collaborations don't always get right. I can already say which pieces will be designers go-to favorites. The Art Deco Standing Lamp is pitch perfect, and the Scalloped Urn has already been Instagrammed by design world cognoscenti. This is not the first collection the Atlanta bred designer has created, and it captures his distinct point of view while mixing periods and styles. Ahead, step into Miles's world.
The living room is 100% Miles: blue and green with touches of black and elegant accessories, symmetry to balance pieces used in pairs, and clean forms in good proportion, all rooted in the classics. The bookcases, inspired by those owned by Billy Baldwin and Cole Porter, are based on custom ones MIles had made. The tailored curved-arm low slung Samuel Sofa has 3 tufted back cushions and one long seat cushion that will always look pulled together. Paired with a linear coffee table that doesn't engulf, there is a spot for a drink to be placed, and a pervasive calm.
The metal bamboo legs on the oval ebony dining table with brass banded edge add a delicate detail to this pretty piece that can seat 10 with the leaves in
A console is the point piece in an entryway or a room that needs a main focus. The wavy Waterfall console, which comes in black or white also has a bench that coordinates, or can be used in a hall that needs a spot filled. The Diamond Dining Chair with open fretwork back and Greek key detail is one of the most Miles-y pieces, inspired by his love of Chinese Chippendale.
In a corner, the sleek black lacquer Tuxedo Chest with marble top and concave front adds a glam deco and Chinoiserie touch. The Buckley Swivel Glider upholstered chair has a curvy silhouette and kicky skirt for added whimsy.
Miles loves a good shell console. The Shell Console he designed here is beautifully executed in a chalk white finish with a wave motif, and scaled up from the original version he owns. I am surprised he didn't style this as a bar-- he is great at setting a welcoming bar on a show-stopping piece, and this is one of those instances.
So much love for this glamorous little Diamond Coffee Table. Made of steel with a gold finish and reverse painted kelly green glass, this gem adds old school sophistication.
Matching elements tie a room together. The customizable Alberta Headboard with covered buttons and contrasting trim detail coordinate with the curvaceous glider chair in the corner of this bedroom
A room covered entirely in the same ditzy print is one of the most charming things that can make a space feel cozy, and Miles knows that well. The Channeled Slipper Chair with bullion fringe makes a bedroom corner chair an easy decision.
Maidenhair ferns and faux finish columns, just a few of Miles's favorite things! The Scagliola Pedestal with the urn on top seems like a match made in classic design heaven.
A soon to be designer favorite, the nickel finish telescoping Deco Floor Lamp with a t-bar base and metal shade is sheer lighting perfection.
I grew up with a pair of marble lamps just like this, and they too had custom pleated silk green shades on them. Mom knows. So does MIles, he was inspired from visits to great British country houses.
Made from one piece of resin and fiber, the Scalloped Urn looks great in pairs
I am so tempted by this little stand, the Chinese Lacquer Riser - I would use it as a tray on my sofa to hold a drink. It's like having a mini coffee table at arms length
A simple glass firescreen with curved corners and gutsy hardware and hinges, yes please