A Little Therapy
Heather's post about the Kips Bay Decorator Show House had me thinking of Brad Ford's delicious designs this week. Even though I've blogged about him before, I couldn't contain myself.
Isn't his work just yummy? He turns four spare walls into a respite from the world. Your own private retreat. Isn't that what home should be? The answer is yes.
I want my spaces to inspire great thought. They should welcome you home but encourage you to be an adventurer. An artistic canvas for your own great story.
If you look closely, it seems Brad's secret is neutral background elements (walls, furnishings, etc) and vibrant transient objects. Think how easily you could swap out those silk pillows and flowers and adjust the room for seasons or changing color palettes.
And he's clearly a designer who understands that the art you've invested in should be allowed to assume center stage. The furnishings never outshine the art. That, and his use of fresh floral arrangements gives it a warm "I had no idea you were coming with a camera crew" appeal. LOL.
I'm on to your wise ways, Brad. I'm definitely on to you. I hope you're still hip to decorate my next home. It wouldn't be the same without you! Be sure to check out his blog Design Therapy.
I love these images and the way you describe the rooms and his work is perfect...
Posted by: Chessa! | April 16, 2009 at 11:50 AM
love that first shot... AND the fireplace - so very cool! my approach is similar - neutral palette to easily switch out colors when i get bored. and, of course, a colorful floral arrangement never hurts! those tulips are just perfect.
Posted by: cassandra | April 16, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Cassandra, me too. I love the flexibility of swapping smaller items out. I grow tired of things too quickly to ever invest in a bright pink sofa...but pillows? Bring 'em on!
Thanks, Chessa! His work is so beautiful I had two share!
Posted by: franki durbin | April 16, 2009 at 12:25 PM
I LOVE every photo! Stunning!!!
Posted by: all the best | April 16, 2009 at 01:19 PM
Those tulips are to die for! I am loving them; they really pull the room together.
Posted by: Dawn | April 16, 2009 at 03:30 PM
All the Best, me too. The color and light are just so rich.
Dawn, you know.... normally I am not a tulip girl. But seeing them here makes them seem so modern. Funny how I never gave them a second look before. Yet now I want them.
Posted by: franki durbin | April 16, 2009 at 03:38 PM
Wow, he has an amazing sense of color.... so subtle. Amazing sometimes neutral backgrounds can go so bland, he really has a wonderful sense of just the right amount of color to add to awaken the space. Love the art and fireplace!
Posted by: Live In Full Color | April 18, 2009 at 05:55 AM
He really does. It's exciting but not overwhelming. I've seen these images in other seasons, and somehow they seem just as appropriate. So even though they seem perfect for spring, I know they'd feel refreshing in the dead of winter. Just pop in some seasonal plants and voila!
Posted by: franki durbin | April 18, 2009 at 01:20 PM
well.. it's like I thought!
Posted by: GALIGARD | May 23, 2009 at 12:43 AM