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We are constantly scouring the digital landscape for our designer features - looking for work that is colorful, bold, exciting, and unique. Honestly, it’s not always easy. A lot of design work that dominates the insta-tik-tok-pinterest sphere can kinda look the same - beautiful but boring. Like a perfectly proportioned personality-less model. It has all the technical attributes of aesthetic appeal, but somehow feels flat. So when we stumble upon designers that champion our same values - and are doing it with panache - we get soooooooo excited! Isabel Ladd is such a designer.
Isabel thrives on creating homes saturated in a kaleidoscope of meticulously layered patterns and colors. She loves collecting pretty things, and dubs her style Hoarder Chic "Curated Maximalism:" an intelligent yet intuitive layering of colorful elements that all relate to and build upon one another.
A Brazilian native, Isabel moved with her family to raise horses in Kentucky. After Fashion School, she found her footing in the thriving Los Angeles fashion world and the maximalist was born! Her work in the fashion and textile industry instilled a love of fabrics and prints, which segued into a love of interiors.
A girl of many mantras, Isabel loves to preach: Beige is not a color. More is More; Less is a Bore. And above all else: Mix. Don’t Match.
Isabel participated in Kip’s Bay Designer Showhouse in Dallas, is included in House Beautiful's “Next Wave Class of 2022", represented Kentucky in Business Of Home's 2021 "50 States Project," and was named a 2021 "New Trad'' in Traditional Home magazine. Her work is regularly featured in design + lifestyle outlets.
What importance do textiles play in your designs?
Textiles are the utmost important thing in my designs. They present color, pattern and texture in one place. I began my career as a Fashion Textile Designer, after studying textiles in college, so they certainly have a special place in my designs.
Where do you take risks in your work?
Absolutely in mixing colors + textiles. In every design I do, after I feel like I got the "pretty" in place, I ask myself, "where's the weird?" and I make sure I bring something risky into the mix. Sometimes that is an unexpected color palette, an odd-shaped chair, or just a crazy combination of textiles. Mix and don't match is one of my go-to mantras.
When should a home-design enthusiast enlist the help of a design pro?
When you feel like you are playing it safe + need a pro to push you out of your comfort zone to help you create something truly unique. Design professionals like myself are always going to trade shows and traveling with an eye out for design, so we see new, upcoming, and really inspiring pieces and ideas that non-designers are not always privy to. Enlisting the help of a design pro can yield really amazing design decisions that may not be garnered if you're just bouncing ideas with friends and family who aren't in the thick of the design industry.
Why make custom goods instead of purchasing "off-the-rack" from retailers?
Custom goods make things truly unique and personally yours in every way! And a way to do both is simply to buy something "off the rack" and give it your own spin. Off-the-rack lamp? Add a custom lampshade. Beige, "regular" headboard? Upholster it in a stunning fabric. And art can be framed in exquisite combinations, so forget simple frames and mats!
How much of being a great designer is innate, and how much is learned?
Every trial + tribulation about the business of design, I learned through the school of hard knocks and google. But design to me is innate: I know when to keep taking the risks and pushing the boundaries of innovative and unique designs, and I know when to stop and how to find the balance. But the learning keeps going and going; I'm a better designer today than I used to be, because I am constantly learning, traveling, experimenting, networking, observing, and taking risks.
To learn more about Isabel and her work visit www.isabelladdinteriors.com
Photo Credits
Top photo: Katie Charlotte
All others: Andrew Kung
According to a recent Architectural Digest article: boucle is OUT, cut velvets and woven tapestries are IN. But before you bemoan the fact that you just found the perfect nubby texture for a custom chair, the fact remains; no matter the passing trends, being true to your taste will always be in style. So just for fun, here are some of the musings we’re hearing about what’s in store for 2023.
The range of available textiles is so vast today, with new innovations and technologies developing constantly. It’s easy to get bogged down by the terminology or forget what exactly is brocade or damask? Here’s a cheat sheet for just a few of the popular terms you may encounter in your decorating journey.
Brocade fabric is a type of richly decorative, often floral-patterned fabric that is typically made from silk, although it can also be made from other materials such as rayon or polyester. The term "brocade" refers to the weaving technique used to create the fabric, which involves using a loom to create a raised pattern that is embroidered or woven into the fabric. This creates a raised, textured surface that is often embellished with metallic threads, sequins, and other decorative elements.
Chenille fabric has a soft, fuzzy texture. It is made by weaving yarns together and then cutting them to create the characteristic fuzzy pile on the surface of the fabric. The word "chenille" comes from the French word for caterpillar, which refers to the fuzzy texture of the fabric. Chenille fabric can be made from a variety of fibers, including cotton, silk, rayon, and acrylic. It is often used in upholstery, as the soft texture makes it comfortable to sit on.
Damask fabric is a type of ornamental fabric that is known for its elaborate woven patterns. The term "damask" refers to the weaving technique used to create the fabric, which involves creating a pattern of glossy and matte finishes by using different weaves in the same fabric. The patterns on damask fabric are often floral or geometric in design, and can be very intricate. The fabric has a smooth, lustrous surface that gives it a luxurious look and feel.
Jacquard fabric is a type of fabric that is known for its intricate woven patterns. The patterns are created using a Jacquard loom, which uses a system of punched cards to control the movement of the weaving threads. The punched cards determine which threads are raised and which are lowered, allowing the creation of complex patterns and designs. Jacquard fabric is commonly used for upholstery, curtains, tablecloths, and other home decor items.
Performance fabric refers to a type of fabric that is designed to meet specific functional requirements, such as durability, stain resistance, moisture-wicking, and UV protection. These fabrics are often used for outdoor furniture, sportswear, and other applications where high performance is required.
Performance fabrics can be made from a variety of fibers, including polyester, nylon, and spandex, as well as natural fibers such as wool and cotton. These fabrics are treated with special finishes, coatings, or technologies to enhance their performance properties.
For example, some performance fabrics may be treated with a water-repellent coating to resist moisture and stains, while others may have antimicrobial properties to resist odors and bacteria growth.
Stonewashed Linen is a type of linen fabric that has been treated with a special process to give it a softer, more relaxed texture. The fabric is typically washed with small stones or other abrasive materials, which creates a worn-in look and a slightly wrinkled texture.
The stonewashing process also helps to soften the linen fibers, making the fabric more comfortable to wear and more absorbent. The result is a fabric that has a unique, rustic charm that is well-suited for a variety of home decor and clothing applications. The fabric is available in a range of colors, from neutral shades to vibrant hues, and is popular for its versatility and durability.
Ticking fabric is a durable, tightly woven cotton or linen fabric that is commonly used in home decor, particularly for upholstery and drapery. The fabric is typically woven in a simple, two-tone stripe pattern, with a light-colored background and narrow, darker stripes.
Ticking fabric was originally used for covering mattresses and pillows, due to its strength and durability. However, it has since become a popular choice for a wide range of home decor applications. The fabric is often used for slipcovers, curtains, and other home furnishings, as well as for bags, totes, and other accessories.
Ticking fabric is popular for its rustic, homespun look, and is often associated with country or farmhouse decor styles. It is also durable and easy to care for, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas or for households with pets or children.
Toile fabric is a type of cotton or linen fabric that is known for its classic, intricate patterns. The patterns are typically created using a single color, usually a dark shade such as black, blue, or red, on a light-colored background such as white or cream. The patterns often feature scenes from everyday life, such as people, animals, or buildings.
Toile fabric originated in France in the 18th century and was originally known as "toile de Jouy," after the town where it was first produced. Today, toile fabric is still popular for a variety of home decor applications. Toile fabric is often associated with a classic, elegant aesthetic and can add a touch of sophistication to any room or garment.
We hope you enjoyed this month’s designer feature and all our textile talk! Be sure to subscribe for future features and updates. We promise not to inundate your email inbox because let’s be honest, life is waaaaay too busy to always be creating content! But we do love it when you join us here and share in our love of fabric and design. Plus, some special offers just for our insiders are coming soon!
