Bradley-Hughes

 

Bradley-Hughes, furniture showroom, Atlanta, Georgia.

Michelle Bradley, owner of the design company Bradley-Hughes was recently named to Atlanta Homes magazine "Twenty Under Forty" - their yearly list of the younger movers and shakers in the design field.  What's amazing about Michelle is that she has accomplished all that she has and is STILL under forty!  What an inspiration she is.  The company she started five years ago is multi-faceted:  specializing in furniture design, Bradley-Hughes also works with concrete - there is a line of sinks, countertops and even colored stains for concrete floors.  Then there is the glass division that designs framed mirrors.   Additionally, Bradley-Hughes has patented an acid solution that turns sheets of mirrors into aged, antiqued works of art. 

Michelle Bradley doesn't work alone, though.     Along the way, she has brought artisans under the Bradley-Hughes umbrella:  Heidi Pierce designs hand painted wallpapers that are available in either a texture or a geometric or damask print.  Another artist working with Michelle is Donna Hughes who produces beautiful oil canvases.  At the recent show in High Point, Hughes' art work was totally sold out!  The newest member to the team is Phillip Barlow who brings an edgy, rock n roll feel to Bradley Hughes.  

The showroom is located in Atlanta, Georgia, but things are happening for Bradley-Hughes.  Calls from dealers and showrooms are coming in daily asking for territory rights.   And especially exciting for Texans, the Dallas showroom, I.D. Collection is now representing Bradley-Hughes.   Most fulfilling for Michelle  is the large amount of positive press for Bradley-Hughes, proof that her hard work is finally paying off.

Despite her hectic schedule, Ms. Bradley graciously agreed to sit down for an interview with Cote de Texas:

 

The young and attractive, Michelle Bradley, owner of Bradley-Hughes.

 

1.  Tell us about yourself - where you grew up, where you went to college,  your age (if you dare!) what your early dreams for your life were.

I am originally from New York City and grew up in the nearby suburbs of Connecticut.  ; )  I studied art and design in London and Atlanta and received my Bachelors of Fine Arts from the American College of Fine Arts, majoring in Interior Design with a minor in art history.  I worked for Interior Designers or Interiors showrooms while in high school and college.  During my last two years in college, I worked as an intern with a very talented group of designers and architects in one of Atlanta’s top design firms; our specialty was very high-end commercial spaces with a few high-wealth residences sprinkled in; but mainly prestigious law firms, corporate offices and lobbies. 

Gradually, my home-based business grew to the point where I was forced to hire a few employees and find a space to open a showroom and design center.  In 2003, I opened our first Bradley Hughes showroom on Miami Circle in Atlanta; and since then we have expanded that space twice; this is still the headquarters for Bradley Hughes, but manufacturing and warehousing are done at other locations in metro Atlanta.

2. How did you get into furniture design - what was the road that lead you here?

I love all aspects of interior design, architecture and art, but my passion has always been furniture design.  I view furniture design being part artist, inventor and visionary.   As I worked on design projects over the years, I always looked for opportunities to design and fabricate custom pieces for my clients.  In the early years of Bradley Hughes, I was fortunate to have a couple of very flexible clients that trusted me enough (and had the budget) to let me design one-of-kind pieces for their homes.  I found that for many of my high end projects, the clients were really drawn to the notion of having a custom or a first-of-its-kind furniture piece.  This process worked great for me, since the clients were funding the product development and I already had a sale before cutting any fabric.  As the collection of designs grew, it enabled me to develop a style of my own and manufacture the line on a small scale so I could bring the price point down to a level below high-end custom.

We now have over 100 different pieces in the Bradley Hughes furniture collection, which includes upholstered furniture, occasional tables, concrete products, lighting, mirrors and accessories.  We are also developing a line of case pieces that will have our exclusive pearlized hand-applied lacquer finish that really sets them apart.

3. Tell us about your business - do you own it alone or with partners?  Has the economy been good for Bradley Hughes or is that a concern?

I am the founder and sole owner of Bradley Hughes. But Bradley Hughes is made up of a very dedicated group of people that help us deliver world class furnishings to our customers around the world.  In addition to our full time team of professionals that work in our Atlanta showroom, we also have an eclectic group of artisans and manufacturers that hand-craft all of our products right here in the USA.  Our brand seems to be gaining popularity around the country as we continue to add independent dealers that carry our line in their showrooms in major design centers.  We have recently exhibited at High Point Furniture Market InterHall as well as the HD Boutique Furniture Show in Miami.    I definitely have the typical ‘creative type’ personality, but our rapid growth has forced me to also focus on the other aspects of running a business like: customer relations, accounting, HR and manufacturing.  I tend to work well with other designers, artists, and even people who are linear thinkers (think yin & yang) and I view everyone that I work with as a partner in some way.

Building a business is never accomplished by one person; I definitely believe in the power of synergy, and utilizing other people’s strengths to compliment mine.  This philosophy has been the reason why Bradley Hughes keeps growing and evolving, even in our turbulent economic times.  We are keeping a cautious eye toward a large slow down in the economy, and specifically the real estate market, which could trickle down and impact the furnishings industry.  But so far, for our company all indications appear to signal more growth and expansion for us this year.

4.  What drew you to specialize in concrete design?

I was drawn to the beauty and versatility of concrete.  Concrete can look either old-world and traditional, or very new, clean and modern.  I was lucky enough to meet a local artisan who developed a concrete blend that could be custom formed into custom slabs and countertops and even bowl shapes for integral kitchen and bath sinks and had an aggregate base. The fabrication of Bradley Hughes concrete is a true art form.

We started with just one sink design in a handful of colors.  As its popularity grew, we continued to add colors to our pallet that we knew would appeal to sophisticated designers, while also improving the quality and durability of the product.   We then introduced the concrete product into our furniture line and architectural products like fireplace surrounds, bath vanities and floor tiles.    More recently we have been placing our concrete products in luxury hotels, restaurants and high rise condominiums.  It’s a huge hit with architects and designers who work in the hospitality and luxury high-rise construction market.

Very soon, we will be launching a nation-wide marketing effort for our water-based concrete floor stain.  Geostain is an environmentally safer alternative to acid based stains and much easier to apply.  We have installed this product recently in larger projects like the W Hotel and other commercial and residential spaces.  We use a certified installer for high profile commercial projects, but we will be offering it as a bottled product for small contractors and DIY projects.

5. I love your upholstery - many of your pieces have an architectural quality to them - is this conscious?   

I agree, our upholstery designs are very clean-lined and orthogonal.  I generally do not like cording or tons of trim on upholstered pieces.  I like my sofas to be sleek, deep, and comfortable.    We want our pieces to have the understated appeal of a classic architectural element, yet be stylish and trendy enough for people to want one (or two) for their home.  I am glad you love them too!

6. You work with a lot of famous designers - can you tell us about that without breaking confidentiality?

I am proud and flattered to work with some of the most talented designers and architectural firms in the country.  Our firm is known for working with young, cutting edge designers like Heidi Pierce, Christy Dillard, and Wendy Blount.   We also supply product to top renowned designers Suzanne Kasler and Susan Ferrier.  It is especially satisfying to see our pieces featured in national magazine articles showcasing their incredible award-winning work.   We view it as a great compliment when top designers call us to bounce around their latest custom design concepts or when they just want to specify one of our standard designs.

7. Your company has gotten a lot of press and seems poised for a big break out - is that exciting or frightening?

I would say our rapid growth has provided many exciting moments and a few sleepless nights. We have received a lot of positive press lately, which I view as an indication that our line is being accepted by designers and clientele nationwide.   Dealers and showrooms are calling us every week to carry our line or to try to get exclusive territory rights in their region.  The most exciting part of this venture for me is being able to share my ideas with other creative people to create stylish furniture and accessories.   Our work helps designers, architects, and homeowners connect to create beautiful living and working environments.

8. And lastly, what do you see for the future of Bradley Hughes - how large do you want to become, what are your future goals, what is left for you to conquer?

As far as future growth, we are constantly working toward improving our company infrastructure, business processes and manufacturing supply chain so that we can continue to offer the same level of style, product quality, and customer service that our customers have become accustom to.   These are the values that got us here, and we plan to do whatever it takes to continue to keep our customers happy and coming back for more! 

Bradley-Hughes as presented at trade shows like High Point.

 

The new Phillip Barlow skull fabric line, which will be showcased at the ID Collection in Dallas.

 

A collection of Bradley-Hughes products.  Heidi Pierce's hand painted wallpaper covers the back wall. 

 

A favorite of mine from the line:   a large, tufted ottoman.

I love the way this chair is upholstered with its loose skirt.

An armchair from Bradley-Hughes.  The spare, clean lines lend a contemporary edge to the traditional wing chair.

This tufted sofa has wonderfully shaped arms and a beautiful curved back.

This dining table on an iron base is topped with concrete and rests on oversized casters which gives it a Belgian feel.

A concrete sink on an iron base makes a unique addition to the bathroom.

Bradley-Hughes:   concrete mantle, interior design work of Suzzanne Williams of Atlanta.

Above this fireplace, panes of mirror are treated with Bradley-Hughes' acid solution which gives the mirror an antiqued appearance.    Picture:  Interior design by Wendy Blount of Atlanta.

An atmospheric oil canvas by Donna Hughes can be seen behind the armchair.   Examples of Hughes art work, along with all Bradley-Hughes product can be seen on it's web site here.

 

If you want information on how to contact Bradley-Hughes, please visit their web site for the information.   I hope you've enjoyed  learning about this exciting company and it's dynamic owner.  And thanks especially to Michelle for agreeing to share her thoughts with Cote de Texas readers!

Cote de Texas Top Ten Designers - #9

The second installment of Cote de Texas' Top Ten Designers names Michael S. Smith, interior designer to the stars in space #9.  Smith hails from California and  has become the darling of the Hollywood set counting Stephen Spielberg, Rob  Reiner,  and Cindy Crawford among his clients.  Other big name clients include Rupert Murdoch and Evelyn de Rothschild - who said of Smith he was the only designer who ever listened to what he said.  Murdoch's wife Wendi said of Smith, "He has beautiful taste and is so much fun to be around!  He's like a wife's best friend." 

Smith first worked for interior design's cream de la cream, John Saladino.  He opened his own business in 1991 and has been enormously successful ever since. Smith's style is laid-back, not fancy or frou frou.   To place a label on his work would be hard, but English-influenced would probably come the closest to defining his "look."   Besides the English influence, his interiors tend to lean on the masculine side.  He uses lots of dark woods, ethnic fabrics, English antiques, and oriental accents.  Smith is also credited with single handedly starting the current suzani craze which has now reached epic proportions.  He has a penchant for glorious hand painted wallpapers for his dining rooms and lavish four poster beds for the sleeping quarters.   Wonderful antique Persian rugs covers his hardwood  floors, while silk covers the windows.   Smith has probably designed more Malibu beach houses than any one person working today.  He loves checks and linens and tree of life patterns whose casualness helps to tone down the interiors of the mansions he furnishes.

Besides designing houses, Michael Smith has been busy with other lucrative pursuits.  He has a line of furniture, Jasper, which sells in the toniest showrooms across America.  His fabric line was introduced a few years ago and it's muted blues, browns and greens on linen make his prints a much sought after commodity.   Smith also designs a pricey line of bath furnishings and faucets for Kallista.   And recently he debuted a line of tiles for Ann Sacks.  And that's not all!   There are the rugs he's designed for Mansour and there's the line of lighting fixtures with his name on them for Houston's Visual Comfort aka Circa Lighting.   Plus, he now has his signature scents available through Agraria.  Whew (as Betty Rae would say!)   Smith is one busy and in demand designer.

You would also need to add "author" to the list of  Smith's accomplishments.  A few years ago, he wrote "Elements of Style" which quickly became a highly respected best seller in the design book field.    Filled with page after page of his beautiful interiors, it becomes apparent that Smith's look is indeed hard to define.  Varied and inventive, each design is tailored to his client rather than the other way around.   It's impossible to say,  "Oh, Michael Smith did that," so personal are his interiors.   Still in his forties, it's obvious to those in the field, that Michael S. Smith has a long and illustrious career ahead of him. 

The best seller book that introduced Michael S. Smith to the public.

This living room is  a favorite of mine.  The striking saffron silk curtains are fabulous.  Smith paired the drapery's bold color with cool, creamy colors - yet - in the back, he introduced a bold red and cream striped fabric on the chairs.  Stunning!

Another view of the above living room, this time showing the fireplace flanked by green velvet French chairs.

 

For this house on Martha's Vineyard, Smith mixes American and English antiques to perfection.

The Martha Vineyard house kitchen - all in shades of green.

The dining room on Martha's Vineyard features a table designed by Smith.

The screened in porch on Martha's Vineyard.

This Malibu beach house by Smith features an early trademark:  blue and white linen checks.  Smith mixes the checks with floral draperies and a painted antique coffee table.  The garden seat is often repeated in his interiors.  This house put Smith on the map - published in Architectural Digest, Hollywood power players loved this low-key look.

Another view of the beautiful Malibu beach house.

A mix of textural antique furniture in the Malibu beach house.  Smith travels all over the globe to find just the perfect piece for each job - these accent pieces are what separates an inspired interior from a "showroom" interior.

In the Malibu beach house master bedroom - Smith mixes florals and stripes to cozy up the large space.  Antique painted coffee table and side table again add that unique touch to this interior.

The bamboo bed, painted black, is dressed in white sheets and a French boutis.

 

Michael Smith's own kitchen and breakfast room in his newly remodeled home.  The galley kitchen is saved from boredom by the wonderful ceiling treatment.

The curtain fabric, Moghul Panels in hemp, is from Smith's own Jasper line, as is the lantern.   Table and chairs are dark wood, English antiques - a look Smith prefers.

Side cabinets in Smith's breakfast room showcase blue and white plates from OKA Direct, a favorite of Smith's.  Smith likes to use blue and white as accents in his designs - whether the color comes from fabrics or accessories matters little to him.

Smith's breakfast room is housed in an octagonal addition - french doors provide ease to the outdoor patio.

 

For this Malibu beach house, owned by a film producer, Smith uses light colored upholstery and mixes in his usual antique accent pieces - here a coffee table and an oversized pedestal.

In the family room of the Malibu beach house, Bennison linen is used for the sofa.  Again, Smith mixes florals and stripes for a cozy and warm environment.

The Malibu beach house guest bedroom is tented with his Moghul Panel fabric.  Four poster English bed is dressed in an antique textile.

For the Malibu beach house dining room, a dark wood English table is paired with painted English chairs, and blue and white striped fabric.  The oversized lantern becomes the focal point even overshadowing the large antique armoire.

In the bathroom of the Malibu beach house, a fabulous new mirror shaped like a pocket watch, brings a touch of whimsy to the small area. 

The master bedroom in the Malibu beach house has all the traditional Smith elements:  four poster bed,  antique textile bed covering, floral curtains, creamy walls, and ceiling fixture.  Ceiling fans are a rarity in a Smith interior. 

In this Californian home, Portuguese tiles were famously used extensively throughout the property.   Here in the living room, the tiles are used as a wainscot.   Gorgeous antique console holds an interesting assortment of accessories - another Smith trademark are his tablescapes.

(these pictures are courtesy of Stylecourt.)

 

In this view of the above living room, a casual white linen slipcover is a surprising element amongst all the rare and valuable antiques, which is of course, intended.

Another shot of the blue tiled living room - antique mirror hangs above the antique fireplace mantel.  I love how the red damask chair provides just the right pop of color.   Here you can see that there actually are two antique Brazilian secretaries flanking the large oil painting shown in the photograph above this.

 

This is another favorite room of mine designed by Michael Smith.  For this guesthouse, he bought hundreds of inexpensive Indian bedspreads from Urban Outfitters and covered the walls, upholstered the sofa, and tailored the draperies out of them.   He mixes in a linen stripe on the chairs.   A large lantern lights the room.

Again in Malibu, this time for the model Cindy Crawford - here the entry hall sets the tone for the rest of the beach house.

The dark dining room furniture and floors are offset by the creamy stucco walls in Crawford's beach house.  I love the large antique globe in the right corner.

Crawford's family room with it's navy upholstery and famous Madeline Weinrib pillow that was seen everywhere for awhile.  Here too is a rare Smith ceiling fan!

Crawford's bedroom has the trademark white sheets and antique textile in place of the ubiquitous duvet.  Creamy wool drapes blend into the walls and pop off the dark window frames.

Crawford's Malibu guest room:  the famous Moghul Panel draperies mix with a short four poster bed.

For yet another Malibu home (I told you he's designed a lot of Malibu houses!)  Smith uses a Syrian trunk for a coffee table.  A rare Venetian mirror hangs over the antique marble mantel.

 

The other side of the living room has a matching Smith designed slipcovered sofa.  Antique chairs mix with an antique ottoman from John Rosselli.

The dining room in this Malibu beach house pairs caramel colored leather chairs with a table of the same hue.  Aqua vases give the only pop of color.

In the Malibu master bedroom - one sitting area is filled with this unusual antique chaise.  The wallpaper is hand painted.  The mirror reflects the bright turquoise colored lamp next to the bed.

 

In this Los  Angeles home, the large entry hall is potentially dressy with it's marble topped console table.  To infuse some informality into the space, Smith adds a modern, leather stool, casual seagrass matting, and accessories.

In the living room of the same Los Angeles home, Smith mixes an assortment of fabrics and leathers and silks along with pieces of antique accent furniture.  The antique rug is layered over the seagrass matting.

In the corner of the same living room, a green and cream silk striped banquette sits in a corner.  The beautiful green silk drapes are lined in blue silk.

A close up of the fireplace from the same Los Angles home.  Here Smith mixes contemporary art with antiques and traditional furniture. 

In this living room, apricot colored stucco walls make the antique marble fireplace stand out.  Embroidered fabric is on the sofa.  Here - a rarity  - trim is added to the sofa skirt.  Coffee table is a unique antique. 

In this dining room, Smith used handpainted wallpaper with a gilded antique console.  Smith is quite adept at creating one of a kind tablescapes.  This gorgeous photograph became the cover of his book.

This vignette brings together a diverse group of accessories and showcases Smith's tablescape abilities.  The antique mirror is a show stopper.

For this vignette, Smith used a panel of handpainted wallpaper along with books, sculpture, and vases.

Handpainted wallpaper sets the tone in this living room.  A simple cotton stripe keeps the mood casual.

In this magnificent living room, Smith used antique limed boiserie on the walls.  The upholstery fabrics blends in with the paneling creating a soothing effect.  Antique accent pieces and fine accessories make this room a more elegant than usual Smith interior. 

An elegant mirror and crystal chandelier add glitter to this dining room.  Smith used blue and white striped slipcovers on the English chairs.

In this bedroom, Smith used floral linens and stripes with white bedding. Here, the antique mirrors is the focal point of the room. 

For this Hollywood movie producer and his wife, Smith found an unusual four poster wood bed.    Smith used this Moroccan rug long before it became the hot trend it is today.

For model Cindy Crawford's New York apartment, Smith paired a beautiful antique screen with the causal Suzani bed covering.  Smith is credited with starting the current suzani trend.  Suzanis, long unknown by the masses are now being copied at Urban Outfitters.

Smith uses a flowery linen print to cozy up this bedroom.  White sheeting and four poster beds - both trademarks of Smith's.

This pagoda styled bed is a copy of one found in the Victoria and Albert museum in London.  Quite dramatic, this bedroom shows off Smith's ability to create any kind of interior - without injecting his own personal style into the mix.

Another angle from the above bedroom shows a vignette styled with pagodas and an Oriental portrait, further playing up the Pagoda styled bed.

An early bedroom of Smith's - showing the antique suzani, long before the trend.

Smith was asked to decorate the penthouse suite of the Lowell Hotel in New York City.  Here, the sitting area of the large suite.

The main bedroom at the Lowell suite.  Handpainted wallpaper was used along with a gorgeous patterned carpet.

 

The second bedroom has a tent effect using the Moghul panel from the Jasper fabric line of Michael S. Smith, Inc.

White marble was used extensively in the Lowell bathroom.

A James Nare painting hangs above the writing desk at the Lowell. 

Another hotel that was completely redesigned and styled by Michael Smith is Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, California.  One of the more popular hotels on the west coast, Smith designed the guest rooms in his own personal style:  four poster beds, white sheeting, unique accent pieces.

At Shutters on the Beach - each room has Smith's famous blue and white checked fabric on the chairs and his favorite garden seat.  Another California hotel just received the Michael Smith touch - which I'll soon profile!

Smith also does contemporary.  Recently,  Architectural Digest published his work on this period art deco home in California for a movie producer (of course! who else can afford his prices?)  Gorgeous caramel colored leather mixes with a Donald Deskey table in this total remodel of a classic Moderne Style house.                                                     

The dining room in the Moderne house:  contemporary at it's finest.

The bedroom with it's 1930 Adnet torchère and Enoc Perez’s 2005 oil Normandie sports green walls - a huge departure for Smith - as is the Moderne style.  

Michael S. Smith's Jasper Furniture line is designed by Smith with an eye to the classics.  Here, a favorite sofa of mine from the line.

A sconce from the Jasper line.

A French inspired tole lantern - one of my favorites of his lighting fixtures.

 

Smith also designs bath and kitchen fittings for Kallista.  Here a wood encased bathtub of Smith's design.

 

And a toilet from his line - could there be a more gorgeous toilet ever!??

Smith designs rugs for Mansour - the above is one of his designs that I particularly like.  It is available in different colorways.

Another favorite rug design from Smith.

Finally, Michael Smith just launched a lighting line with Houston's own Visual Comfort aka Circa Lighting.  This wonderful lamp is part of the line.

 

AND TO ANYONE STILL READING THIS:

All these wonderful pictures came from either Smith's web site or the many publications he has been featured in, along with some borrowed from the blog Stylecourt (thank you Courtney!)  I hope you've enjoyed my Cote de Texas Top Ten  Designers #9.  Please watch for the rest of the list shortly, as soon I get my energy back after this post!!!