Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Miles Redd loves velvet sofas...and so do I
Most designers tend to have a few favorite things (be it a particular color, pattern or even piece of furniture) that they use over and over again in their work. And sometimes that repetition can become a designer's trademark, their personal signature on a space. For Miles Redd, there are a number of elements that the New York based designer returns to again and again: bold color on the walls (often in high gloss), animal print and Chinoiserie all immediately leap to mind. But one thing I hadn't noticed until today was Redd's penchant for rich velvet sofas, often in bold jewel-tone hues. And like Miles, I can't seem to get enough.
Why velvet? Well you'd have to ask Miles himself; however, in my opinion, velvet has the perhaps unique ability to feel at once incredibly luxurious, but also incredibly comfortable and inviting. I can never keep my hands off of it -- and it's this gorgeous textural experience that I suspect keeps Redd coming back. Besides that, velvet works anywhere, from a TV room or study to a more formal salon or living room. It's unquestionably the star that plays so beautifully with Redd's maximalist style.
Is there anything sexier than red velvet? Maybe just red velvet set against pink walls. I love how Redd sets these feminine colors off against the serious artwork and otherwise more masculine feel of the room.
The rich olive green is a nice visual rest from the bold patterns of the rug and pillows. By repeating the wall color in the center of the large room, it also helps ground the floating seating group and keeps the space from feeling too expansive.
A rich chocolate brown velvet feels positively decadent, especially when played off against bold stripes and cheetah print chairs. The ruffled taffeta curtains in the icy blue bring in some coolness to the otherwise very warm space.
The shape of this sofa (enhanced all the more with the nailhead detailing) is absolutely to die for. The green is a nice counterpoint to the rich reds in elsewhere in the room. And those Elkins chairs? Love!
More red velvet, this time with a fringe skirt. The black and white fabrics and art are such a great balance, lending this room a decidedly modern edge despite the traditional furniture and layout.
When I think of orange velvet, I think of this hideous orange chair from the '70s that Dave had when I first met him in Austin. And yet somehow, this orange velvet seems to work. If I were that little girl though, I'd be napping on it rather than on the floor.
More olive green velvet! Such a rich pairing with the deep teals and oranges in the room. This has to be one of my all-time favorite rooms of Redd's.
So what do you think of velvet sofas? Love 'em, too, or hate 'em?
So what do you think of velvet sofas? Love 'em, too, or hate 'em?
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10 comments:
I grew up with a velvet sofa and I have to say it still looks good after all these years. Velvet is the most durable fabric there is.It will last for ever and always look great.
Love the velvet sofas! I wonder how they wear with dogs and kids? Great job for noticing the recurring theme! Very interesting.
I love velvet sofas! I was just looking at the Miles sofa from Z-Gallerie today! I just need to get to a "Z" to sit in one before I make a final decision. The olive one above is yummy!
What a fabulous round-up. Miles Redd is just so, so good. Great post! I am totally on board with velvet sofas. I have 2 in my house and they are cozy and wonderful.
Impressed that you're finding the time for such lengthy, thoughtful posts!
I've been coveting a navy blue velvet sofa for years. Someday when the kids are gone and we no longer have a dog...
Love'em! When we were buying sofas for our house I wanted one, but for some reason my mom talked me out of it - I think she said it would be too hot in the summer. Huh? Anyhoo, I think they're gorgeous!
I'm really not a fan of Miles Redd, but velvet couches are one thing we can agree on. My parents' first ever purchase together was an extra long camel-colored velvet couch, which they still have. Over time it's been moved to lesser-used rooms, but it's still my favorite spot to read.
I have been contemplating a rich brown velvet for our living room (on chairs). Love it...but of course the type of velvet plays into the look and the price. I am in love with the feel of silk velvet but of course that often makes it a budget buster. Very perceptive post!
I walked into West Elm a few days ago and took a look at their stodgy Henry sofa. It was unrecognizable in a pearly grey velvet. So, I'd say velvet can work wonders.
Thanks for posting this! I love velvet too - it's probably a mix of the fabric being so soft and rich - but also it's a throwback to my childhood. What little girl didn't feel like a princess when dressed in velvet? I had several black velvet (and lace) dresses - pink velvet, red velvet and green velvet dresses when I was a little girl. I dressed my own two girls in velvet very often too. I suggest velvet all the time - especially to my female clients. I think that we all have "love of velvet" deep within our souls!
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