Tastemaker: Reagan Hayes Reinterprets the Classics
Designer gives timeless pieces extra comfort and a youthful elegance
It can sometimes seem like some young designers are so intent with looking forward that they forget to look at the past. But for Reagan Hayes, the past is the best source of inspiration. An interior designer turned product designer, Hayes creates products that aren’t about trends — they’re about updating designs that have proven the test of time. Read on to learn more about this stylish designer’s inspirations and favorite products and her take on the current design climate.
Marion Daybed
The Marion peek-through chaise almost brings to mind a slimmer and more modern version of a Victorian fainting couch. Each end of the chaise is framed in wood and accented with nail heads for an added touch of elegance. Place this piece next to a window for a perfect reading nook.
Q: What kind of changes do you see happening in design today?
A: I think a lot of designers are moving away from trendy and gimmicky designs to a more classic aesthetic. I also think everyone is trying to do more with less — most of our clients have felt some effect of the tough economy, and that put pressure on designers to get creative with providing a wide range of options to clients.
Q: What kind of changes do you see happening in design today?
A: I think a lot of designers are moving away from trendy and gimmicky designs to a more classic aesthetic. I also think everyone is trying to do more with less — most of our clients have felt some effect of the tough economy, and that put pressure on designers to get creative with providing a wide range of options to clients.
Zelia Chair
A slightly updated take on the classic Klismos chair, Hayes' Zelia Dining Chair has the same comfortable silhouette as its inspiration. The upholstered seat is anchored by a single row of nail heads, while the chair's back has a Greek key detail that can be done in silver or gold leafing.
Q: What are you trying to say with your pieces? How would you describe your style?
A: I like to describe my style as “youthful elegance.” Our pieces are based on classic forms that I have updated with crisp details and clean lines to give them a very balanced aesthetic. It’s important to me that each of my pieces can stand on its own and really make a space special — so each of them stand out in their own way.
Q: What are you trying to say with your pieces? How would you describe your style?
A: I like to describe my style as “youthful elegance.” Our pieces are based on classic forms that I have updated with crisp details and clean lines to give them a very balanced aesthetic. It’s important to me that each of my pieces can stand on its own and really make a space special — so each of them stand out in their own way.
Stanley Lounge Chair
Plush upholstery, a high back, and a deep seat make the Stanley Lounge Chair the perfect piece to sink into after a long day. Hayes styled the piece with graduating wings and a single button tuft on the back.
Q: How has your work evolved since you first started? How do you see it evolving in the future?
A: I’ve definitely learned a lot about how important it’s been for us to focus not only on the aesthetic of a piece but also its function. Everyone is always so surprised with how comfortable our pieces are — and that’s a reflection on our commitment to not only make very beautiful furniture, but very livable furniture also.
Q: How has your work evolved since you first started? How do you see it evolving in the future?
A: I’ve definitely learned a lot about how important it’s been for us to focus not only on the aesthetic of a piece but also its function. Everyone is always so surprised with how comfortable our pieces are — and that’s a reflection on our commitment to not only make very beautiful furniture, but very livable furniture also.
Sylvia Sofa
This tailored and chic sofa was scaled down for a more intimate setting, so it has a very petite frame. The high-back silhouette is finished with a pair of bolster pillows for ultimate comfort.
Q: What are some of your favorite new design trends?
A: It’s a trend that’s been around for a while, but I’m still a sucker for the color palette and symmetry that comes through with Moroccan design.
Q: What are some of your new favorite furniture lines?
A: For case goods, I really like Hellman-Chang and have enjoyed seeing their new products. They are great guys in addition to designing great furniture, so what’s not to like?
Q: What are some of your favorite new design trends?
A: It’s a trend that’s been around for a while, but I’m still a sucker for the color palette and symmetry that comes through with Moroccan design.
Q: What are some of your new favorite furniture lines?
A: For case goods, I really like Hellman-Chang and have enjoyed seeing their new products. They are great guys in addition to designing great furniture, so what’s not to like?
Interior and Product Designer Reagan Hayes
Q: What designers (past and present) inspire you?
A: Looking at projects done by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy always gives me a lot of new ideas for balancing the spaces I design for clients and including a lot of special details. In furniture, I really like Jamie Drake’s design — he’s always pushing the envelope in an interesting way.
More Tastemakers:
Meet Reiko Kaneko's Modern China
Jared Rusten
Asaf Weinbroom
Q: What designers (past and present) inspire you?
A: Looking at projects done by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy always gives me a lot of new ideas for balancing the spaces I design for clients and including a lot of special details. In furniture, I really like Jamie Drake’s design — he’s always pushing the envelope in an interesting way.
More Tastemakers:
Meet Reiko Kaneko's Modern China
Jared Rusten
Asaf Weinbroom
Q: How did you get started in product design? What is it about furniture that inspires you?
A: I had been working in interior design for several years and had designed some custom pieces for various clients. Soon after the birth of my first son, Henry, I wanted to find a way to stay involved in the design industry while still spending a significant time as a mother — and that’s when I really dove into designing sofas, lounge chairs, dining chairs and other pieces.
I will always be an interior designer first and foremost, but I really enjoy the reach I’ve gained designing products. There’s only so many hours in the day and so many design projects I can take on at any given time, but my products can be a part of dozens of other designer’s projects at once!