Miles Redd is one of the few decorators we can think of who concerns himself with the substance of things, actively experimenting with new textures and materials. In the forthcoming holiday issue of Domino, due on stands next week, Redd runs down a list of 10 lessons applicable in any space, and we thought we'd share a few of our favorites after the jump...
Fake architecture with wallpaper
The paper in the room above was actually crafted using tree bark, and was applied in square panels, which "gives the feeling of limestone" according to Redd. We love the idea of questioning not if a wall needs paper, or even what print might work, but what the paper itself is made of.
Granted, most of us don't have access to anything this high-end, so it's the idea that's of importance; why not apply the same method to interestingly textured wrapping paper? Or inexpensive cloth? The bedroom below is "papered" in blue felt.
Make paint your friend
The kitchen below, like most kitchens, came with run-of-the-mill cupboards that "resembled cardboard" (we think ours may actually be made of cardboard). Redd covered them in several coats of high-gloss emerald green. Adding shine against a matte background is great way to create drama in a space, and we're firm believers paint as a cure for nearly everything.
Say yes to animal print
It could be the Madeline Castaing kick we've been on lately, but we're loving this 'animal prints as neutrals' moment. The floor below, reminiscent of Castaing's own salon, should completely overwhelm the room, but instead manages to anchor it. Animal prints are a good way to keep a room from becoming too modern and cold.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
First off, he looks so douchey in the top photo that I can't even stand it.
Second, the felt walls seem like a terribly impractical idea.
Third, I LOVE that the stripes in the kitchen are reflected on the cabinets. At first glance, I thought the cabinets had tone-on-tone stripes mimicking the walls -- which would be brilliant, and is basically achieved without painting the cabinets. It's a great-looking kitchen!
view fabframes's profile
The living room seems ok, but the rest would drive me crazy. Especially the striped kitchen; really overwhelming. Also, I´m not always sure with myself when it comes to decorating, but I know I say NO to animal prints. I just find this so ugly, no matter which animal it is.
view jjanul's profile
That's alotta look...
...but this guy has made some basic decorating errors:
The rug isn't anchored by the sofa, and the wallpaper isn't added "Architecture" - it's just "texture". Architecture would be the addition of mouldings to the walls - which this room needs desperately.
The bedside table is at knee level for a bed that's at waist height - very difficult and uncomfortable to use.
The striped kitchen looks like a jail cell - and the stripes reflect off the uber-glossy cabinets in the worst possible way.
view bepsf's profile
He should stop worrying about the substance of his spaces and focus on the aesthetic. I couldn't picture myself wanting to spend time in any of these room least of which the kitchen. I think it's giving me a migraine from here.
I'm with jjnaul, Please just say no to animal print.
view buffalogirl's profile
"Please just say no to animal print"
Huh?
It's not enough for us to give up real fur, now you don't want us using faux fur and animal print designs???
Is it no longer PC to give kids stuffed Teddy Bears? Is PETA going to picket me when I wear my Lilly Pulitzer blazer w/ pink giraffes on it?
Gimme a break already...
view bepsf's profile
Oh please respect the name of Madeleine Castaing!!!!!
view MadameBidule's profile
There is absolutely nothing new and fresh with any of these ideas. Every single tip has been recycled. Boring! Miles.. your 15 minutes has expired.
view n2denim's profile
n2denim > Your comment > me ^-^ !
Poor Miles maybe he could to find his own personality now...
view MadameBidule's profile
Wow, he's supposed to be such a hot designer...and this is what we get? Many garden-variety AT readers have more interesting and well-put-together homes than this. And I do mean "garden variety" as a compliment.
And BTW, I like a little animal print now and then. It's gotta be faux, though.
view madsarah's profile
Concerning the animal print, I was refering only to design and decorating. No ethics icluded :-). I just hate the look of it, that´s all.
view jjanul's profile
If you go to the actual article, you can see he spent $9,000 on a coffee table (that looks like it came from IKEA) and $2,000 on a lamp. OUCH!
view thumbelina2's profile
Geez, You guys are all so negative. I agree he looks douchey in the photo, but in the four rooms pictured he has created four distinctly different looks, and his combinations of color and texture are both experimental and skillful.
I cant believe someone is recommending adding mouldings- hah- you should have your license to comment revoked!
view NoJudgement's profile