Podcast Summary: How to Decorate - Ep. 420: The Secrets of Timeless Design with Miles Redd

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 420 of How to Decorate, hosted by Caroline and Liz from the Ballard Designs team, the spotlight shines on the illustrious interior designer Miles Redd. With accolades including being an Elfcore A-list designer and the bestselling author of The Big Book of Chic, Miles brings a wealth of experience and a unique design perspective to the conversation.

1. Welcome and Guest Introduction (00:34 - 01:12)

Caroline opens the episode by enthusiastically introducing Miles Redd, highlighting his partnership with David Kahi and his flair for creating "interiors that are bold, fantastical, and undeniably Chicago." Miles expresses his excitement about collaborating with Ballard Designs, praising their exceptional quality and fabulous price points.

Miles Redd (01:12): "Ballard could not be a better partner. You'll make such exceptional things and such beautiful quality. It's such fabulous price points. I'm just always floored."

2. Signature Pieces and Their Impact (02:00 - 03:03)

The conversation delves into Miles' favorite products from Ballard Designs, particularly the bullseye and Regency mirrors. Miles emphasizes the importance of scale and design nuances that blend organic and geometric qualities, making these pieces both functional and statement-making.

Miles Redd (02:24): "A 60-inch round will just get the job done. You don't need to do anything else."

3. Design Philosophy: Traditional Meets Modern (03:35 - 04:54)

Miles discusses his passion for blending traditional elements with a fresh, modern twist. He highlights his appreciation for "brown furniture, your grandmother's furniture," transforming them with techniques like chalky white paint to breathe new life into timeless pieces.

Miles Redd (03:53): "I'm always looking backwards to look forward, if you will... there's really nothing new under the sun in a way, and it's just how we all put it together."

4. Sourcing Inspiration: The Thrill of the Hunt (05:07 - 05:48)

Exploring his creative process, Miles shares how auction houses and the thrill of discovering unique antiques fuel his inspiration. He likens the experience to "dumpster diving," where uncovering hidden gems leads to distinctive design elements.

Miles Redd (05:48): "It's the hunt... it's like the hunting of antiques. You're almost like dumpsters diving, if you will."

5. Ahead of Its Time: Pattern and Color (06:03 - 07:27)

Caroline and Miles reminisce about his early work featuring bold patterns like the pink and white buffalo check. They discuss how these styles were pioneering at the time and have since influenced current design trends, such as color and pattern drenching.

Miles Redd (06:47): "I was glad to hear that I'm catching on after 10 years."

6. Cinematic Design: Creating Memorable Spaces (08:00 - 09:04)

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Miles' aspiration to create "cinematic" interiors—spaces that evoke memorable feelings akin to scenes from beloved films. He references classics like Howards End and Something's Gotta Give to illustrate his vision of warmth, light, and welcoming atmospheres.

Miles Redd (09:15): "Cinematic means memorable... the feeling of the light and the warmth and home."

7. Signature Pieces and Upcoming Collections (21:05 - 24:23)

Miles highlights several key pieces from his collection that are making a comeback, including the Regency mirror, shell console, and telescoping tables. He also teases a new outdoor rattan collection slated for release in 2026, showcasing his continuous evolution in design.

Miles Redd (21:13): "We've got an entrance hall done. We have the two little drinks tables, the black and silver one, which everybody wants."

8. Notable Projects and Client Stories (25:20 - 31:16)

Miles shares anecdotes from his recent projects in Dallas, Texas, and other locations. He recounts working with a client who aspired to live surrounded by "sumptuous beauty," leading to a stunning transformation of an international style house into a haven of elegance and comfort.

Miles Redd (25:27): "They wanted to decorate this house the way we've always wanted it and just live in sumptuous beauty for the last gasp of our lives."

9. Embracing Design Trends: Grand Millennial Style (28:54 - 30:47)

The discussion shifts to current design trends, specifically the "Grand Millennial" style. Miles reflects on the resurgence of traditional elements like skirts and chintz, emphasizing their enduring appeal and the personality they bring to spaces.

Miles Redd (30:21): "For me, it is always the auction houses where I get all my inspiration."

10. Miles’ Approach to Client Projects (32:30 - 35:00)

Miles elaborates on his meticulous approach to client projects, especially when dealing with minimalistic aesthetics. He underscores the importance of careful selection and arrangement of each piece to achieve a cohesive and personalized space.

Miles Redd (33:15): "It's all about trusting your gut and knowing when it can be better."

11. Decorating Dilemma: Floor Transition (37:56 - 42:59)

In the final segment, Miles addresses a listener's decorating dilemma concerning transitioning floors in a home with cherry wood cabinets. He offers creative solutions, including painted wood floors and strategic color choices to complement the existing cabinetry.

Miles Redd (38:00): "If she could paint the floor... it's so fun. And it's actually cheaper to paint your floors than it is to stain them."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Miles expressing his gratitude and excitement about future collaborations with Ballard Designs. Caroline and Liz encourage listeners to engage with the podcast by submitting their decorating questions and following their social media channels.

Miles Redd (43:10): "I'm always happy to do it. It's always fun to see you gals."

Notable Quotes:

• Miles Redd (01:12): "Ballard could not be a better partner. You'll make such exceptional things and such beautiful quality. It's such fabulous price points. I'm just always floored."

• Miles Redd (03:53): "I'm always looking backwards to look forward, if you will... there's really nothing new under the sun in a way, and it's just how we all put it together."

• Miles Redd (09:15): "Cinematic means memorable... the feeling of the light and the warmth and home."

Key Takeaways:

• Timeless Design: Blending traditional elements with modern aesthetics creates spaces that are both nostalgic and fresh.
• Sourcing Inspiration: Authentic design often stems from the hunt for unique pieces in auction houses and personal collections.
• Cinematic Interiors: Designing spaces that evoke memorable emotions and narratives akin to cinematic experiences.
• Attention to Detail: Every piece and arrangement contributes to the overall harmony and personality of a room.
• Embracing Trends: Incorporating enduring trends like the Grand Millennial style can add warmth and character to contemporary spaces.

Whether you're an aspiring decorator or a seasoned enthusiast, Miles Redd's insights offer valuable guidance on creating timeless, personalized interiors.