By: Travis Laborn/TRT Special
Joshua Ingraham holds himself to the same standard he does his designs-with class, integrity and always a surprise element of fun. He defines his style as ‘Casual Luxury,’ utilizing dark colors over light; classic, bold patterns rather than the safe and subtle; and strong fabrics with unusual textures.
Counted among New York City’s top fifty designers by HousingWorks Design on a Dime for three years in a row, Ingraham encourages clients to make a statement with their surroundings. Nothing is impossible or ever too big. He believes even the budget conscious should crave rich, lush, fabulous things.
“You do not have to be wealthy to enjoy the luxurious things the world has to offer, as long as you follow my lead,” he says.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the out designer realized a knack for design at 14 when his mother allowed him to select his own bedroom paint colors. “I mean, every boy’s dream, right?” he laughs.
Ingraham modeled his room after Sarah Michelle Gellar’s bedroom in Cruel Intentions, painting the walls, doors and ceiling a deep navy blue, and adding a trim of baby blue with silver highlights. “I probably thought if I painted my room the same as hers it would make me more like her. Sadly, my high school experience did not include summer romances with Ryan Phillippe.”
He studied Architecture and Design at Tulsa University where he discovered he appreciated the creative freedom of interior design more. “Once I understood the only limitation I had in interior design were my own ideas, the possibilities became endless for me,” he explains.
Ingraham says walls are meant to be broken down.
“Open up your spaces up as much as possible. It will give you more options as to what you can do with your floor plans and furniture.”
He eschews the current trend of stainless steel kitchens with granite countertops.
“Alone, each material is fine but putting them together could leave your space feeling more outdated than when you began.”
He also shuns the trend of master bathrooms with double sinks.
“There is never a need for two sinks,” he argues. “That second sink rarely gets used. If you truly require two sinks, for design sake, use a deep trough sink with two separate but matching faucets.”
The same goes for separating showers and bath tubs.
“Unless it is a true glass shower and soaking tub, please don’t split these two up. It’s a waste of space.”
How you decorate your home is as important as what you wear, he says.
“When a person looks good, they exude a confidence that inspires others. The same holds true for the home. When the place where you rest your head and entertain your friends reflects you and your personality, it projects power.”
“If everyone hired an interior designer, the world would be a better place,” he laughs.
