Bailey Ward is an Atlanta-based interior designer who brings a fresh, clean aesthetic and contemporary flair to every space she touches. We are delighted to welcome Bailey to The Glam Pad today for a Style Profile Q&A!

At the core of her work is the belief that people deserve to live in homes they’re proud of – ones where they can retreat and enjoy making memories. She believes people shouldn’t have to sacrifice beauty for function, and she makes that delicate intertwining a reality for each of her clients. Bailey’s work can be described as collected, curated, well-styled and chic, and she’s not afraid to incorporate a splash of color among natural fibers and textures. With her, every aspect of a room is intentionally designed to reflect the perfect blend of her perspective and expertise with the client’s unique style.

With nearly a decade of commercial design experience, Bailey has acquired the art of attention to detail, refined craftsmanship and project management skills. She brings a unique understanding of the design process to the table and values the importance of functionality for her clients’ spaces. Bailey holds a degree in interior design from Mississippi State University, CIDA-accredited.

Bailey lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, William, baby girl Maddox, and Golden Retriever, Tako. When she’s not knee-deep in design work for clients, you can probably find her taking Tako for a walk in their cozy neighborhood, whipping up a hearty salad in the kitchen, or preparing her home to entertain friends and family.

Welcome, Bailey!

Q: Tell us a bit about your career path. Did you take a traditional path to becoming an interior designer? 

A:  I have always been a creative and was interested in interiors from a young age. I was constantly asking to redecorate my bedroom and requesting graph paper to sketch out floor plans and house design software when I was probably just learning to type! Most of my core memories contain details of friend’s and family’s homes and experiences had in those homes. I am grateful to have gotten a degree in Interior Design and learned so much of the knowledge and skills that I still use daily. When I got out of school, I didn’t even consider that residential design could be an option and went the “safe” route working at a commercial firm and later in furniture sales. After much encouragement from my husband, I took the leap in 2019 and haven’t looked back!  

Q: What are some style/design elements that you think are distinct or signature to your decorating style? 

A:  I love mixing old and new. Layering traditional interiors with a touch of something fresh and unexpected – such as a fun abstract piece of art or contemporary textile. I also love color and am not afraid to use it! My interiors while traditional always have a relaxed and livable feel to them.

Q: What designers inspire you?

A:  Looking back at some of the greats such as Albert Hadley, Billy Baldwin. I also find myself poring over my books by Ashley Whitaker, Markham Roberts, Thom Scheerer, and Gil Schaffer time and time again.

Q: Do you have any favorite go-to paints, wallpapers, linens, artists, etc.? 

A:  I like to keep things fresh project to project but love Farrow and Ball colors – Hague Blue and Card Room Green are favorites. I love a beautiful floral fabric and a grasscloth wallpaper really adds dimension to a space. Claremont fabrics are a favorite as of late! 

Q: Where do you enjoy sourcing antiques and art? 

A:  We love shopping local antique stores and we are lucky to have Scott’s Antique Market in Atlanta monthly where we do a lot of sourcing for clients. Chairish has also made it easy to shop online for antiques!

Q: What has been the most challenging (and the most rewarding) part of developing your business? 

A:  Starting my business when I did was a blessing but also incredibly challenging. I was just getting up and running in March 2020 when Covid hit. By April, our industry was incredibly busy and I was managing an overwhelming workload and navigating all of the challenges that Covid brought to our industry. I also became a mom of 2 over the past 3 years and figuring out how to juggle it all is tough. 

The most rewarding part of this job is forming relationships with my clients and getting to see how my clients live in their space. I have watched clients become parents, grandparents, and experience loss and joy in their home. I feel honored to get to be a small part of their lives. 

Q: What is one fail-safe design element that every room should have? 

A:  Good lighting! If I were to build a custom home for our family, the only place I would have can lighting is the kitchen and bathrooms. Lamp lighting (with an incandescent bulb) really sets the right mood. And it has been said before but every room should have a place to set your drink!

Q: What are your tips for setting a lovely table? 

A:  Layers and texture! Pretty table linens, fresh florals, and something personal or unexpected. I love using my grandmother’s dinner plates or candlesticks, paired with a more contemporary tablecloth or unique drinking glasses.

Q: Do you have any favorite “movie houses” and how have they inspired you? 

A:  Anything Nancy Meyers but specially “Something’s Gotta Give”. The details in the kitchen and living room make me so happy. I also loved watching the TV show “Anatomy of a Scandal” solely for the interiors. 

Q: Let’s talk about beauty products… What is your favorite splurge and your favorite save?

A:  La Mer Cream – so rich and luxurious, makes your skin so soft! My favorite save has been anything from Merit Beauty. Their Flush Balm in Cheeky is my go-to for lips and cheeks. 

Thank you, Bailey, for joining us today! We are huge fans of your gorgeous style and portfolio!

To learn more, please visit Bailey Ward Interiors and follow @baileywardinteriors on Instagram for ongoing inspiration.