A few years ago, designer Ryan Austin Hagood and his partner bought one of the last lots in the Hedgewood Homes design-build community in Atlanta. With his background, Hagood, the principal designer at r.a.d. Interiors, was able to work with the builder and architect to customize the home to his and his partner’s specific needs.
“We took an approved floor plan and jumbled it around a bit, and I was able to do quite a bit of the buildout myself,” said Hagood.
The homeowners wanted 12-foot ceilings in the kitchen, so they had to forgo an elevator to accommodate this wish. They also added windows and doorways and even a dog run on one side of the house. It took almost a year to layer in all the finishes to the level they desired.
“For our home, we wanted something warm and comfortable,” said Hagood. “I host clients here and use it as a showroom – even as a sales tool – to demonstrate how similar elements could work in their homes.”
Setting Project Goals
Hagood says he usually proposes several design options for his clients, but since he and his partner were the clients in this project, they were able to narrow things down quickly. Hagood earmarked and ordered many selections ahead of time and kept those in storage until needed. He said it was a less-involved process since he already knew his palette and did not have to get buy in from anyone else but his partner.
“He gave me a lot of flexibility and freedom, but he did provide feedback,” said Hagood. “He questioned certain elements, and I reassured him those would work out in the finished project.”
For example, the designer’s partner was on the fence regarding the scullery wallpaper, which features a subtle, textured strips. He thought it would be too bold, but it works well with the ceiling height and brings cohesion to the artwork layered in. He was also nervous about using unlacquered brass finishes but loves how those have aged over time.
Making Product Selections
Hagood said he chose certain vendors with which he has worked since they could give him a trade discount. Since he knew what he wanted going into the project, he did not have to visit showrooms and touch and feel products.
Having access to so many choices was a blessing rather than a curse for the designer, as he is decisive – and was even more so during his own project. He chose a blend of offerings from his tried-and-true brands and went with some classic elements like brass hardware, and he also branched out to other vendors for elements like the decorative lighting.
Overcoming Challenges & Lessons Learned
General construction delays impede most projects, and this one was no exception. Hagood also said it was challenging at times to develop a good balance with his partner on the project goals.
“I can be stubborn, and I had to acknowledge that we share this home and remind myself to respect his ideas,” he added. “I accept this he is not sold on using stair runners, but I do want to go darker with some of the paint colors moving forward.”
The self-taught designer said he is always learning along the way – with every project – and learning from his mistakes has built his confidence throughout his career.
SOURCES
Designer: Ryan Austin Hagood, r.a.d. Interiors
Photographer: Kristin Karch
KITCHEN
Backsplash, Faucet: Waterworks; Banquette Chairs & Table: Noir Furniture; Cabinets & Hood: Gopherwood Cabinetry (Custom); Coffee Maker: Breville; Dishwasher & Steam Oven: KitchenAid; Hardware: Classic Brass; Island Stools: Alder & Tweed; Lighting: Hudson Valley; Range: Wolf; Refrigeration: Dacor; Sink: Blanco; Wallpaper: Phillip Jeffries
OUTDOOR SPACE
Cabinetry: Urban Bonfire; Furniture: Restoration Hardware; Grill: Artisan; Heaters: Bromic; Refrigeration: U-Line
POWDER ROOM
Faucet & Sink/Vanity: Waterworks; Sconces: Workstead; Toilet: Kohler; Wallpaper: Kravet, Kelly Wearstler
PRIMARY BATH
Faucets, Floor Tile, Shower Fixtures & Sinks: Waterworks; Hardware: Classic Brass; Mirrors: Amazon; Sconces: Cedar & Moss; Shower Tile: Zia Tile; Vanities: Gopherwood Cabinetry (Custom); Wallpaper: Phillip Jeffries
