Isabel Ladd on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Isabel Ladd. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Isabel , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I NEVER stop working. I am a WORKAHOLIC. I am never not designing whether its in my office or in my head. When one design project is installed and completed I always ask my COO whats next? However this past summer and fall I have fallen under the spell of Mahjong. I love that it creates a space for social interactions, provides mental challenges, and of course the designer in me could never not mention the design aesthetic. The beautiful tiles and the creative atmosphere keep me truly inspired and bring me so much joy even when “I am not working.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I thrive on creating homes saturated in a kaleidoscope of meticulously layered patterns and colors. I love collecting pretty things and as a ride-or-die Maximalist, I embrace an intelligent yet, intuitive layering of colorful elements that all build upon one another. I am a Brazilian native, residing in Kentucky. I have attained a cult following throughout the years with my unapologetic style of Curated Maximalism.

I am a girl of many mantras. Beige is not a color. More is more; Less is a Bore. And above all else: MIX. Don’t Match.

I have participated in both Kips Bay Designer Showhouse and House Beautiful Whole Home Showhouse. I also won the Luxe Magazine Red Award “Interior Design Best of the Rest” and also a House Beautiful “Next Wave” Designer, represented Kentucky in Business of Home’s “50 States Project,” and was named a “New Trad” in Traditional Home magazine. You can find me on design podcasts, LTK + Shop MY. My work is regularly featured in design + lifestyle outlets.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I was younger even in middle school I always had the urge to have my own business and be my own boss.
I started designing clothes and sewing these, I also always loved color from the beginning so I would paint furniture and sell in high school. I always knew what kind of woman and leader I wanted to be in this world and that made me feel powerful even at a young age.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
What can I learn from this? I always turn an obstacle into an opportunity.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely…. 100 percent. What you see on social media and design panels is completely authentic. I love to add color and joy to my followers lives and I think that comes across on all social platforms. For the past three months we have been giving our followers a glimpse into my Maximalist Dream home series. I think my true design aesthetic comes through this series. I always preach to anyone who will listen to design for you not resale. Do whatever brings you joy, dont follow the rules or trends. Life is way too short not to love the space you live in everyday.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I am back home in Brazil. We try to go back once a year during the summer. Being close to family and my beloved homeland brings me so much peace. The colors and culture inspire me. So much of my design aesthetic is inspired by Brazil.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Head shot/Personal Photo of Isabel on the couch- Nick Mele

Photo 1- Yellow Kitchen- Andrew Kung
Photo2- Bathroom- Andrew Kung
Photo 3-Bedroom straight on – Kevin Miyazaki
Photo 4-Pink Sitting Room-Kevin Miyazaki
Photo 5- Floral Vignette- Kevin Miyazaki
Photo 6- Game room-Heather Talbert
Photo 7 -Great Room-Andrew Kung
Photo 8-Attic Powder Room – Andrew Kung

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