Carson Kressley’s New Home Collection Is Pure English-Country Chic
The exclusive Ballard Designs collection features furniture, lighting, wall decor, rugs, fabrics and more.
Ballard Designs is beloved for its extensive European-inspired furniture, lighting and decor selection, not to mention the many customization options it offers. As if we didn’t already adore the timeless home furnishing brand enough, Ballard Designs teamed up with Bravo TV personality and style icon Carson Kressley for an exclusive collection that’s nothing short of a dream for antiques and equestrians alike. The English country-inspired The Thrill of the Hunt Collection was designed with Carson’s love of horses, antiques and gracious living in mind, and features a mix of charming furniture, decor and items for walls and floors. Ahead, explore our top picks from the sure-to-sell-out Ballard Designs x Carson Kressley collection.
Furniture
The Carson Kressley Cisco Drink Table is a structural delight with its eye-catching stirrup design and easy-to-move weight. "Small tables are fun and practical," Carson notes. "My Cisco Table's lightweight and leather loop handle let you move it around to access seating."
At first glance, the Carson Kressley Colter Coffee Table looks like your average, slim-line brass and glass table. Upon further inspection, though, you'll note the head-turning hooves holding it up. Feet aside, Carson loves the function and form of this table. "Tables made of glass and brass are less bulky and have an airiness that doesn't break your view," he points out.
Bar carts remain a functional home décor staple, and the Carson Kressley Brighton Bar Cart is a stunning fit for folks hoping for Old Hollywood charm paired with equestrian motifs. The antique bronze frame is outfitted with mirrored shelves and rope detailing for a subtle yet unique take on an otherwise classic-looking silhouette.
The Carson Kressley Westbury Bistro Table with Glass marries elegance and ease with its hand-woven rattan base and glass topper. Fun Fact: It's inspired by an antique table Carson fell head over heels for while traveling abroad.
Decor
You'll never want to switch on the big lights again with the Carson Kressley Lancaster Buffet Lamp in your home. The oversized brass lamp is designed to imitate a downturned English hunting horn, subtly referencing equestrian culture from top to bottom. And since it's slim and tall, while remaining relatively lightweight, it's easy to move throughout your home whenever you want to refresh your space. "You can use small, movable lamps in so many places — the dining room, entry or on a console behind the sofa," Carson says.
Say goodbye to the possibility of drink rings by adding the Carson Kressley Boxed Coaster Set to your cart. "I keep pretty lacquered boxes around the house," Carson says. "My boxed coasters have a glamorous 1940s hunt scene vibe — very giftable and perfect for a hostess."
Keep your books upright with a set of these seriously striking Carson Kressley Fox Head Bookends. "The fox design was inspired by a vintage ball mask," Carson reveals. "The brass finish adds a metallic pop to your bookcase or desktop."
Not your typical piece of decor, the Carson Kressley Saddler Toile Fabric by the Yard allows shoppers to create exactly what their heart desires while still embracing the collection. Whether you use it to create curtains, lamp shades, table cloths, napkins or pillows, this classic hunt design is bound to spark conversation. "My Saddler Toile is classic and beautiful," Carson says. "I chose brown on a warm neutral ground for the English hunting scenes because it's softer, more livable, and right on-trend."
Walls and Floors
Forever looking for a place to hang your favorite hats, bags and jackets? The solid brass Carson Kressley Stetson Wall Hook has you covered in the cutest way possible. "It has so much charm and character," Carson marvels. "I love it for towels in the guest bath or coats in the foyer."
Carson isn't merely a horse enthusiast; he's an accomplished World Champion equestrian with a riding history that dates back to his childhood. Naturally, he didn't merely want an equestrian-inspired collection with Ballard Designs; he wanted to include literal horse portraiture to showcase his love of the animals. The Carson Kressley Noble Spirit Art is but one of such pieces.
The Carson Kressley The Wild Crown Art is another piece of horse portraiture from the collection. The style of the framed artwork resembles that of 19th-century England, giving it an undeniably vintage feel.
Dogs play a major role in the hunt and horse scene, so it makes sense that Carson also wanted to incorporate his love of pups into his Ballard Designs collection. "If you love horses, you love dogs," Carson says. The Carson Kressley Dog Party Art feels both classic and playful, making it a standout art feature from the collection. "The Tartan border gives these prints a very English look, even the Queen would love—classic and beautiful with a touch of whimsy," Carson adds.
The world of horse and hunt can be muddy, which is why many classic homes designed in the style feature thick and durable woven rugs built to withstand the lifestyle. Embracing this idea, Carson was sure to include the Carson Kressley Geometric Snaffle Bit Jute Rug in his collection. "The snaffle bit is a classic equestrian motif you see throughout the fashion world," Carson points out in the design.