Decorator Download: Brad Ford

Interior designer Brad Ford's story is one dreams are made of: Bright-eyed college graduate from Arkansas decides to buy a house in his home state. He then redecorates it during his off-hours as a computer programmer. Upon completion of his first masterpiece, the young man realizes that the design world is the perfect fit for him. So, he gets himself accepted into the Fashion Institute of Technology, hones his skills working for legendary New York designers Thad Hayes and Jed Johnson, and the rest, they say is design history.

As the principal of Brad Ford I.D., a design firm he established in 1998, Ford, 41, has been featured as one of "10 New York Designers to Watch" in both New York Spaces magazine and New York magazine, and was named one of America's Top Young Designers by House Beautiful. He was further recognized as one of the Rising Stars of Interior Design by the International Furnishings and Design Association.

While Ford focuses primarily on designing residential spaces for private clients, he is also considering product development. He'd like to design furniture, lighting and even textiles, though his dream job would be to join an older, established brand as creative director and "blow the dust off" of some of its products.

Ford feels strongly that growing up in rural Arkansas plays into his love of injecting natural elements—like a clean-lined wooden table littered with naturally occuring imperfections or a hand-woven rattan rug—into his otherwise modern rooms. And although that first home in Arkansas incorporated this same style, he feels his aesthetic, which he describes as "soulful," has evolved from purely rustic to more contemporary in the intervening years.

The Inside Source: So we’ve heard all about that first home in Arkansas. Do you still own it?

Brad Ford: No, I did that house when I was 23. It was really adorable and part of me wishes I had kept it! It was where I started my career and I have some great memories from putting it together.

TIS: Wow, 23. That is so young! And then you moved to New York with the dream of becoming an interior designer?

BF: It’s funny, because at the time I thought, “I can’t believe I am sooo old! What am I doing making this huge leap?” Which was incredibly silly! Now I celebrate change. I encourage people to follow their passion no matter what their age is. There is no race, no finish line to get to.

Various interiors designed by Brad Ford. Images provided by Ford.

TIS: Did the house in Arkansas match what your aesthetic is now?

BF: You know, no, not anymore. My aesthetic now is much cleaner and simpler. However, I love going home to the natural elements in Arkansas, which is nicknamed “the natural state.” We have the Ozark Mountains, lots of lakes, lush greenery, and just the most incredible vistas. I love the feeling of being in a calming, organic environment. And because of this, I think my aesthetic is very warm and inviting with a sophisticated undertone.

TIS: Do you help your family design their places when you go home?

BF: My mom always says that asking me to design when I go home for a family visit is like "asking the postman to walk on Sunday.”

TIS: What has been the craziest space you have ever designed?

BF: About three years ago, I was asked to do this showroom in the Hamptons. They gave me the smallest room in the house, the mudroom, and I just thought, "You know what? If I’m going to do this, I’ve got to make it worth my while." I started with the concept of the mudroom being a portal to the nature outside. So, I worked with this artist who made me hand silk-screened wallpaper with 18th century sketches of insects formed into circles. Around each circle, I pinned real insects into the wallpaper (pictured below). I literally had thousands and thousands of insects hand-shipped from Wisconsin. I thought a lot about Loretta Lynn’s famous quotation on success when designing the mudroom: “You’ve either got to be first, best or different.” I knew I could be different and kicked it up a notch. I let my imagination go; like, wouldn’t it be fun if all the bugs came to life when no one was around and had their own cocktail party? And when someone came in they all went back into place? It’s moments like that when it all comes together, and the room ended up being a smash hit.

TIS: What kind of design advice would you give to our readers?

BF: I think it is important to buy smart and slowly instead of buying everything [at once] just to finish a room. I always encourage clients to buy one thing first to carry with them; even it means you can’t have something else just yet. What’s the rush? I have clients I have worked with for years and we are still looking for items that give meaning to a room.

TIS: We have been told you like to collect, especially wooden bowls and ceramic pieces. Could you tell us a little bit about that?

BF: Oh I love to collect and it’s bad. My friends make fun of me! Especially, for the wooden bowls. I just love the shape and I have always loved wood. I can look at each one and know the story behind where I was when I bought it. I love things with a great patina, and things that are a little off and ambiguous. I have such a strong appreciation for mid-century modern design, but I just always love coming across a piece from the era whose maker you can’t quite identify.

TIS: Do you ever shop for these items one eBay?

BF: Absolutely. I love eBay. Well, I love eBay and I hate eBay. Once you get started, it is so hard to stop! I love the "Buy It Now" feature. My favorite purchase is a beautiful chair by Finn Juhl, one of my favorite designers. The shape of the chair is so beautiful.

TIS: Finally, if you weren’t a designer what would you be doing?

BF: I think I’d own a bar!  I am not a big drinker, but I love a good bar. It would be more of a lounge. But, I’d have someone else run it.

TIS: So you just want to be the great host?

BF: Exactly! I feel very comfortable in a bar stool, let me tell you.

Ford's eBay picks add a soothing, organic touch to any room:

Roll over items for details

Finn Juhl Danish Modern Rosewood Lounge Chair Eames

"These chairs are so sculptural, I would almost consider them to be art. I love the wood, the detailing and the subtle curves. You could put these in any room and instantly add interest and warmth to the space."

(buy it now price, $3,200)

Danish Modern Mid-Century Designer Probber Dining Table

"I'm wild about the strong graphic statement this table makes. Again, very simple and somewhat straightforward, but the design proves that sometimes less really is more."

(buy it now price, $2,450)

Carl Aubock Paperweight Hagenauer Era

"Carl Aubock is one of my favorites and I'm always searching for his designs on eBay. I especially liked this paper weight for its irony, intentional or not. I know I often feel chained to my desk so I might as well have a handsome memento to show for it!"

(buy it now price, $165.99)

Rare Gerald Thurston Desk Lamp By Lightolier McCobb Era

"I really like the simplicity of this lamp and the shade's geometric form. It's quite modern, but the natural material used on the shade gives it a real earthiness."

(buy it now price, $695)

Vintage Walnut Jens Risom Settee Sofa Couch Lounge

"I've always been a huge fan of Jens Risom and this settee represents his work beautifully. He's a genius when it comes to scale and proportion. The back of this piece and the wood detailing are stunning."

(buy it now price, $2,495)