We are huge advocates for clean lines and modern silhouettes here at Forma Decora. But we also know the danger of going too modern: your living room starts to look like a showroom, not a home.
The secret to those viral, Pinterest-worthy interiors isn’t sticking to one era—it’s the mix. It’s pairing a sleek, low-profile sofa with a textured, centuries-old inspired rug. It’s hanging an ornate, gilded mirror above a minimal console table.
That juxtaposition is what designers call “Transitional Style,” and there is one brand we consistently turn to when we need to inject that layer of timeless, European soul into a space: Ballard Designs.
If you thought Ballard was just for traditionalists, think again. Here is why they are currently the top bookmark in our browser for high-impact home upgrades.
The “Custom” Hack
Usually, if you want a chair in a specific performance velvet or a playful print, you’re looking at a 6-month lead time and a custom furniture markup.
Ballard Designs creates a loophole. Their Custom+ Program allows you to upholster hundreds of frames in their curated fabrics (or your own!). This is the closest you can get to a bespoke designer piece without the trade-only hassle.
- The Editor’s Pick: We are loving their spool chairs and banquettes upholstered in high-contrast stripes or moody velvets to break up neutral modern spaces.
The “Old World” Anchor Pieces
A room full of brand-new furniture can feel flat. You need something that feels like it has a history. Ballard excels at “Antiques of the Future”—pieces inspired by French and Italian flea market finds but built for modern durability.
- The Mirror Trick: Their collection of architectural and archival mirrors is unmatched. Leaning a large, arched window-pane mirror against a wall instantly expands a small apartment and adds architectural interest where there was none.
Outdoor Living, Elevated
With the lines between indoor and outdoor living blurring, Ballard Designs is dominating the exterior game. We aren’t talking about flimsy lawn chairs; we’re talking about fully upholstered, cast aluminum collections that look good enough to be in your living room but can withstand a rainstorm.
Why Now?
Here is the reality of the furniture market: shipping costs are up, and inventory is low. Ballard Designs has managed to keep a robust “In Stock” inventory compared to competitors. Plus, their promotional calendar is aggressive.
We track pricing daily, and right now, Ballard is offering significant value on categories that usually rarely see markdowns.
The Forma Decora Edit
We combed through hundreds of SKUs to find the pieces that bridge the gap between modern cool and classic warmth.
1. The Statement Rug: Hand-knotted wool styles that ground a modern room.
2. The Task Lighting: Brass pharmacy lamps that add instant sophistication to a work-from-home setup.
3. The Dining Update: Performance fabric dining chairs that are kid-proof but dinner-party ready.
Ready to break out of the “Basic Modern” box?
[SHOP THE BALLARD DESIGNS COLLECTION]
