Maximalist Isabel Ladd Tells How to Evolve Your Home Decor

Isabel Ladd is a mom, an interior designer, and a self-professed maximalist. “I love stuff. More is more; less is a bore,” said Ladd. You can tell by the images on her design company’s website, Isabel Ladd Interiors, that she has a keen eye for bringing together colors and patterns to catch the eye and delight the mind. And when she decorates a space, she wants it to reflect the owner, but remain fluid.

“I passionately believe that your home should be a reflection of who you are now. And it doesn't have to be permanent. You can paint later; you can wallpaper later as your desires change. And that's just a huge takeaway. If I were to teach anybody anything, it's that design doesn't have to be done,” said Ladd.

When many people decorate a home, they find a style they like and attempt to make theirs look the same. Or they try to create a style that’s too finished or perfect and they become paralyzed at the thought of changing any element for fear of messing up the design. And others stick with boring design and neutral colors because they think someday, they may need to sell their home and they’re afraid to have to redo it all to appease potential buyers. When home decorating choices are made for these reasons, the house may never feel like home—it doesn’t reflect what you love or who you really are.

I passionately believe that your home should be a reflection of who you are now. And it doesn't have to be permanent. You can paint later; you can wallpaper later as your desires change. And that's just a huge takeaway. If I were to teach anybody anything, it's that design doesn't have to be done.   
– Isabel Ladd

According to Ladd, “Design is never done, just like you. What you like can always be evolving.” She recommends giving yourself permission to change elements of your home as your personality evolves and as your style and tastes change. That’s also a reason why she loves Café appliances—they lend themselves easily to her “design is never done” philosophy. Said Ladd, “The way that Café appliances fit into the overall style of my kitchen is because the Matte Black is so grounding and it's just a great juxtaposition between like all of the color and patterns. However, I could not do hardware that was just regular old hardware, so I changed it to Brushed Brass.” But in the future, if she ever wants to be “more edgy, more rock-and-roll… I would just change to a Matte Black handle.”  

Just as Café is about self-expression, Isabel Ladd throws her support behind the idea. When you decide you need a home decor change, it doesn’t have to be a total tear-down. “I just dove in and did a no demo reno. I gave my entire kitchen a dramatic makeover,” said Ladd. It’s fine if you only switch out appliances, paint cabinets, and replace some hardware. She only replaced the hardware in key areas like her Brushed Brass handles and matching faucet.
“I've got brass on my cabinet hardware, and that's cabinet hardware that I've had for 11 years. And then I've got the color faucet that's a different brass as well. Even though they're not the exact brass, it's fine. It just goes together. So you just don't have to sweat the small stuff. Just think of the big picture.”

Just be sure the “big picture” reflects you. Whether you choose colors from your favorite blouse or hang a favorite print that you bought on vacation, let it fully tell a story of you. “The things that you hang on your wall don't always have to be the fanciest of artwork. It can be just whatever sparks joy and whatever triggers an emotion or whatever triggers a memory that you're fond of,” said Ladd.

Consider these questions when you’re working on your home design:

• What is your favorite color?
• What mood do you want when you walk into your house?
• What patterns do you prefer?
• What style clothing do you love most?
• What finish of metal is your go-to?

After you answer these questions, start choosing décor based on those responses; other pieces will fall into place. Just try not to overdo it. Said Ladd, “As an expert, I know when to keep going, went to rein it in. That's what makes me good at my job and makes it not feel like hoarder chic.” If you feel like you’ve done too much, take down a few pictures or tone down a color or pattern. It’s ok to evolve. We all do. And so should our homes.

CONTRIBUTOR | INTERIOR DESIGN