Monday, April 30, 2012

The Question of Ruffles


What do we think about Miles Redd's fascination with ruffled curtains? Do we really love the look or do we love it because Miles is doing it? I have been pondering this question because I have been working on an upcoming series on whether certain things just seem dated period - ruffled curtains, needlepoint, brass beds, and botanicals, for example, or does it depend entirely on the piece and how it is being used? Thoughts? (All ruffled rooms below are by Miles Redd).








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13 comments:

  1. GretchenApril 30, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    I was just looking at Mr. Redd's portfolio yesterday and wondering what his fascination was with the ruffles!! The only ones I like are those in the dining room you shared...they are more p,eats than ruffles, it looks like, which is why they aren't so ridiculous. Let's leave the 80s back where they belong. As for the needlepoint et al, a very judicious edit is needed. All of that stuff combined becomes de trop. And not in a good way.

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  2. Kim@ChattafabulousApril 30, 2012 at 12:16 PM

    I love the ruffles - I think they look so lush on a simple solid silk curtain panel. Not a fan of the heavy valances combined with ruffles - it's a little too much look for me.

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  3. The Pink PagodaApril 30, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    I was noticing them, too, recently and was struck by how I didn't mind them. One of these images is a little too much for me, but the others are so clean that the ruffle detail looks more like an interesting juxtaposition. Generally, I like an unembellished look, but I think it's working for him.

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  4. Heather PetersonApril 30, 2012 at 12:37 PM

    Love it--but I think a ruffle can go wrong, fast. I especially love the black and white striped room--the ruffle is such a perfect feminine counterpoint to all the masculine elements, and such a soft contrast to the strong stripe.

    Heather
    loveyourspace.blogspot.com

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  5. Linda {Calling it Home}April 30, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    I like the way Oprah had hers done here http://pinterest.com/pin/214765475950500289/
    They are crystal pleats that are gathered into ruffles. There was a close-up somewhere...now I can'f find it.

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  6. SheilaApril 30, 2012 at 3:30 PM

    Where are ruffles in room with kelley green drapes?

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  7. Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid SassApril 30, 2012 at 4:03 PM

    I love Miles Redd's work, but I am not blinded into loving everything that he does.
    I AM GOING TO BE HONEST. I DETEST RUFFLES ON CURTAINS UNLESS THEY ARE IN AND BABY OR CHILD'S ROOM.
    I can't necessarily see the ruffles without looking very close in a couple of these rooms. In that case don't mind.
    Excuse the text here. Accident.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  8. Beth ConnollyApril 30, 2012 at 4:03 PM

    Sheila - Can't really tell if they are tiny ruffles
    or tiny pleats.

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  9. home before darkApril 30, 2012 at 4:06 PM

    I agree that in his hands, the ruffles look like pleats and look rather architectural. I think, however, we who love Miles Redd's work, are always impressed by the way he pulls a room together.

    On the mediation of what is in/out, I find myself leaning more in the direction of WOI than say House Beautiful. I prefer rooms where the owner has a sense of she/he likes and collects rather than decorates. The requirement for our abodes be trendy is just too much to contemplate!

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  10. seenthatfacebeforeMay 1, 2012 at 7:31 AM

    I adore the ruffles in the first room---and think they are what makes that room so fabulous.
    The next room's are more like pleats, somewhat heavy handed and not as appealing. The bedroom ruffles look good but the black and white cascading ruffles on that horrible swag type structure look hideous.
    As for needlepoint, it unfailingly looks awful, dated and dowdy.
    But I see nothing wrong with brass beds!

    So I don't think it's a question of what is dated or not--it's whether something is done beautifully or not.

    Except needlepoint! Is there anyone who ever thought needlepoint was beautiful?

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  11. Virginia Country HouseMay 1, 2012 at 8:50 AM

    You know, sometimes I'm just in the mood for a good ruffle or two. And he does it so beautifully... N.G.

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  12. JunellMay 1, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    Being a child of the 70's some of the curtains remind me of my Prom Date Sr. year when all the tux's were pastel & ruffled. My opinion they do seem to take some of these rooms into the Over Done category as opposed to the Well Done category.... just saying.

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  13. NicoleMay 1, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    Has anyone seen Trina Turk's needlepoint pillows? She has some adorable, chic, modern ones.

    http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/393-green-pink-shanghai-links-needle-point-pillow.html

    Also, although it's not my personal preference, I thought Lauren Leiss of Pure Style Home has a beautiful naster bedroom featuring a vintage brass bed.

    http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=91440&currentPage=0&index=0&relatedPhotoId=

    Love your blog, BTW!

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