Atlanta-based Interior Designer Ryan Austin Hagood champions the maximalist design philosophy, guided by the belief that “more is more, not less”. This ethos led him to transform his personal residence, Bismark, in Atlanta, into a beautiful showcase of maximalist design. Through strategic structural alterations and meticulous interior modifications, Hagood made Bismark into a maximalist manifesto that narrates his professional expertise and personal aesthetic in every detail.
To truly understand a designer’s expertise, one step inside his or her home can be an inspiring telltale. For Hagood, founder and principal designer of r.a.d. Interiors, his Bismark residence serves as a living portfolio of his distinct, maximalist style that embraces a mindful mix of patterns, colors, textures, shapes and forms.
While Hagood’s style is rooted in traditional maximalism, his partner’s modern tastes gave rise to a collaborative dynamic to the home, balancing Hagood’s preferences with contemporary leanings. This stylistic interplay has created a captivating environment exemplifying what can be thought of as modern maximalism.
Architectural Transformation with a Personal Touch
The Bismark home, initially conceptualized by Hedgewood Homes as part of a European village-inspired enclave and named for the street, was identified by Hagood while working on another project within the same development. Discovering it was the last available lot and having already selected finishes for his client’s homesite, he was inspired and well-prepared to reimagine the design to better reflect his maximalist vision.
Hagood did not initially inform the builder of his intent to alter the plans before purchasing the property; the idea for the changes emerged during discussions with the builder’s agent while Hagood was working at the other homesite nearby. Despite this, the builder and in-house architectural team were quick to embrace Hagood’s vision, facilitating a remarkably swift blueprint revision process. In just 2 to 3 weeks from contract to approval, Hagood, working closely with the builder, brought his vision closer to reality.
Hagood’s modifications included restructuring the floor plans, altering room layouts and ceiling heights, and incorporating strategically placed windows. One standout alteration was the addition of floor-to-ceiling windows, which not only invites ample natural light but also expands the visual space, blurring the indoor-outdoor boundaries.
“My architectural changes were aimed at enhancing the overall living experience through a maximalist lens,” Hagood remarks. By adding large, paned windows on the front and sides of the home, he maximized a sense of grandeur interiorly while aligning the house with the community’s European-village concept.
Outdoor Living, Maximalist Style
One of the most ambitious alterations was converting the fourth-floor attic and small, adjoining rooftop space into a full-roof terrace. This revision distinguished Bismark from other neighboring homes and maximized its outdoor living space, offering an open-air sanctuary with panoramic views.
The full-roof terrace, described by Hagood as a “lush oasis” and “the crown jewel of Bismark” features more than 30 unique plant varieties nestled in acid-washed planters. It includes a covered living area with a fireplace, ideal for year-round entertainment or peaceful solitude. The understated seating and elegant dining arrangement provide a welcome juxtaposition and yet blend with rich textures and colors to complement the surrounding greenery.
The rooftop fireplace offers a good example of how Hagood and the builder worked together on specifications. The firebox, which was provided by the builder, was chosen based on specifications laid out by the architect. The exterior of the fireplace, which is a brick veneer, was selected during the design phase. After construction was completed and the property was closed, the final color of the brick veneer was chosen and applied by Hagood.
Similarly, each space of the home was customized with bespoke furniture and lighting, richly layered wallpapers and carefully curated artwork—decisions personally made by Hagood to optimize functionality and maximalist charm. However, certain elements, like lighting and wallpapers, were not installed by the builder during the construction phase. For example, Hagood prepared a detailed Reflected Ceiling Plan in advance, outlining lighting specifications that aligned with his furniture layout and fixture requirements. This plan was continually checked for accuracy and compatibility throughout the construction process.
Once the main construction was completed, Hagood spent the next year finalizing the interior finishes, transforming the Bismark residence into a maximalist showcase. All decorative finishes, including backsplash tile, wallpaper and plaster, were installed by Hagood’s chosen subcontractors. This strategy allowed him to oversee every detail, ensuring that each element perfectly matched his vision for a maximalist aesthetic.
Scullery Nook
The Scullery Nook, originally marked as a laundry area, was reimagined as a cozy, multifunctional nook for dining and work. This area now features a compact dining set under a stunning pendant light, surrounded by artwork and photography set against textured wallpaper.
The area includes a round table tucked next to a plush, green corner banquette-bench and two cane-backed chairs. This combination of elements creates a vibrant space that is practical for everyday use and stylistically bold.
Kitchen
The kitchen, considered the heart of any home, plays a central role in the Bismark residence. Combining open comfort with functional practicality, Hagood embarked on a series of enhancements to the original kitchen specs, starting with enlarging the kitchen island and supporting it with sleek steel legs.
An overall neutral palette was chosen for the kitchen, including various shades of gray for the marble countertops and geometric tile backsplash, accompanied by wood-stained flooring and unlacquered brass fixtures.
Living Room
The living room, seamlessly interacting with the kitchen and nook areas through the open-plan layout, is another quintessential example of modern maximalism in Bismark. Here, Hagood incorporated a diverse range of plants, artwork, wallpaper and lighting to create a richly layered living space.
A giant Apparatus Cloud light fixture fills the volume of the raised ceilings and extended windows, providing functional illumination and serving as a decorative element. “Every element in the room serves a purpose, either for function or as a style statement,” Hagood remarks, reflecting the maximalist belief in optimizing aesthetic appeal and practicality of space.
Primary Bedroom
In the primary bedroom, Hagood employs layered textures, rich color contrasts and curated decor elements for a nuanced interpretation of modern maximalism. The plush bedding, textured throw and tufted headboard add depth and a tactile quality central to maximalist interiors. Deep-green drapes contrast with the neutral tones of the walls and bedding, drawing attention and adding a powerful element to the space.
Eclectic Curation
Hagood and his partner meticulously selected furnishings that marry comfort with style, blending traditional and modern designs. This fusion is fundamental to Bismark’s maximalist ethos, evident not only in the furniture but also in the art, accents and décor.
In the joint office and lounge space, Hagood’s expertise in visual merchandising is evident. The room features carefully arranged shelving holding a diverse array of objects—books, sculptures and decorative boxes—each chosen for its unique story and visual value. This collection, while rich and varied, is arranged to avoid clutter, supporting the maximalist favor of thoughtful abundance.
The artwork in Bismark is deeply personal, influenced by Hagood and his partner’s experiences and pieces collected from around the world over two decades. By harmonizing influences from various eras and aesthetics, they have created a cohesive and visually compelling environment.
Bismark showcases the bold beauty of maximalist design through attention to large and small elements. The home features dramatic architectural changes, like heightened ceilings and an expansive full-roof terrace. Inside, a blend of layered textures, rich colors, and thoughtfully chosen décor visually tells a personal story about Hagood and his partner, rooted in a celebration of modern maximalism.
PHOTOS: Kristin Karch, courtesy r.a.d. Interiors
Retrofit Team
Interior Designer, Architectural Alterations and Select Custom Furnishings: Ryan Austin Hagood, principal designer of r.a.d. Interiors
Developer, Architect, Builder: Hedgewood Homes
Materials
Floor-to-ceiling Windows: Pella Windows and Doors
Exterior Furnishings: Restoration Hardware
Exterior Planters: JAM’n Designs
Brutalist Pendant Light: Arteriors
Nook Pendant Light: Schoolhouse
Nook Wallpaper: Phillip Jeffries Woven Textile
Kitchen Cabinet Hardware: Classic Brass
Kitchen Wall Tile and Select Plumbing Fixtures: Waterworks
Dual-fuel Range: Wolf
Cloud Chandelier Light: Apparatus
Bedroom Bench and Bookcases: Noir
Porcelain Skull: L’Objet
Water Closet Wallpaper: Kelly Wearstler
Custom Throw Pillows’ Linen: Westbury
