Known for his “quirky brand of cozy glamour,” Miles Redd hired artist David Kaihoi in 2008, and their firm—Redd Kaihoi—has been a bright spot in the design world ever since. Read on to peek inside their latest projects and shop their Chairish lust list.
SHOP REDD KAIHOI’S CHAIRISH FAVORITES >>>
Shop Redd Kaihoi's Chairish Favorites
Tell us about how you launched your design practice. What brought the two of you together, and how did you decide to create a business? Miles: Way back in the day, when David was a professional picture hanger, and an artist (he still is) I would hire him to install art. I was so impressed with his eye and his way, I asked him if he wanted a job. Lucky for me, he took it—because my life has been immeasurably better since. Decorating is a difficult job, and it takes a village. Having a partner is a gift from the heavens and really makes everything so much more manageable. I asked David to be my partner about 15 years ago—the rest is history.
How would you describe your approach to design, and how has it evolved over time? Our approach is to get the walls and floors right, and build the rest on top of that strong foundation.
We are very object driven and really value lust when it comes to decorating. You must desire it.
Miles Redd & David Kaihoi
How do you like to incorporate vintage into your projects? We love old things, and we love things you can see and touch before you buy. Custom can be tricky—and often you don’t get what was in your imagination. If we’re doing a modern room, we always like one antique thing, to set things off. If we’re doing a more traditional approach, we like one or two modern things to keep it up to date.
You’ve both collaborated on product collections with Schumacher. What are some of your favorite ways to use your fabrics, wallpapers, patterns, etc in your projects? We love to take a print and do the entire room in one print—walls, curtains, and furniture.
Name 3 trends / products / or styles you LOVE and 3 you HATE. We love chocolate brown lacquer, low Chinese and Japanese tables, and tented rooms. Chocolate brown is the chicest color (Babe Paley was chauffeured around in a chocolate brown Bentley). A low table gives a modern, soigné vibe that works almost in any space, and tented rooms speak for themselves—they just make you feel good.
We hate the color “wet hot dog.” I think you know why. Glass tops on tables—where you see your leg (dining) or to protect a skirted table—feels un-luxe to us. Live a little, and get a good dry cleaner. Lastly, massive coffee tables—they just block the flow in a room.
ON CHAIRISH & VINTAGE PIECES
What do you find most compelling about Chairish? We love how Chairish is formatted with clear prices and measurements in the first snapshot. It also really leads you to some interesting finds at reasonable prices.
How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage? You know, a client pointed out that using old things is—in fact—a very high form of recycling, and we have run with it. We like to avoid waste in all capacities.
A FEW DESIGN FAVORITES
Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room? Art, well hung and well placed.
Favorite paint color? White.
Favorite piece of decor in your home? Miles: A drawing of a panther, by a dear old friend.
Favorite style icon? Babe Paley.
Design destination every creative should visit at least once? English Country Houses.
A FEW LIFESTYLE FAVORITES
Favorite historic place to visit? London.
Favorite host (or thank you) gift? A single tree peony in an old mossy pot is the chicest gift ever, but there’s a very short window to give it.
Favorite vacation destination? Round Hill, Jamaica.
Favorite flower? Magnolia.
Favorite entertaining essential? Starched white damask napkins, 28 inches square.
Lead Image: Interiors by Redd Kaihoi, Photography by Trevor Tondro/OTTO.