Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
An inside look at Birmingham’s go-to home designers (+ their services are free!)
Reading time: 4 minutes
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As you walk downtown Birmingham’s Rotary Trail, you’ll pass beautiful landscapes and locals riding their bikes, but if you keep going, you’ll find a growing design hub.
Earlier this year, we gave you an inside look at Ballard Designs. Last week, I went back to Ballard’s showroom to learn more about the services they offer.
Did you know Ballard’s designers can visit your home (for free!), give you advice for your space and mock up your dream home in a 3D room planner?
Here’s the scoop.
First, get to know Ballard Designs
You’ll find Ballard Designs nestled in the 110-year-old Hardwick Building. It’s a furniture and home decor retailer with an expert team, and its 40+ years as a leading design spot proves it.
Ballard Designs opened in Birmingham in fall of 2024, and judging by the buzz it’s received, they’ve settled into the Magic City perfectly.
I wanted to see the designers in action, so I visited the showroom and spoke with Annette and Anna Kathryn—who created the cutest mood boards that gave me a glimpse into the type of decorators they are (and gave me great inspo)!
Meet Annette + Anna Kathryn, 2 Ballard Designs consultants
If you walk around Ballard Designs’ showroom, you’ll see mood boards in little nooks across the store. These are created by the design team and offer another way to make the space your own. Plus, it’s fun for the design consultants, too!
Anna Kathryn’s (L) and Annette’s (R) mood boards (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Naturally, I asked for their top advice.
- Annette: Keep at least one thing consistent. Invest in a piece you love, and plan other design choices around it.
- Anna Kathryn: Rome wasn’t built in a day! Take your time curating your space and fall in love with the process.
Get expert (+ free) design services right here in Birmingham
The face you make when you design your dream space! (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
When I asked one thing Annette and Anna Kathryn wished more people knew, they both said the same thing: Ballard Designs offers free in-home consultations.
“It’s very important to see the whole space. Sometimes, what you see in a photo is not really reflective of the entire space. It’s a free service, so why not?”
Annette, Senior Designer
Anna Kathryn echoed Annette, saying that the in-home consultations give you and the Ballard team a better chance to curate your dream home.
“There are little nuances of how a person lives, like specific photos or frames that could inspire a specific piece. It’s just so much easier to see it in person.”
Anna Kathryn, Design Consultant
If this piques your interest like it did mine, here’s what to know:
- You can book a 1 hour in-home or in-store consultation with a professional designer.
- You’ll work with a designer to mock up your dream living space with their 3D Room Planner.
- They have 300+ pieces you can customize from finish to fabric.
- Don’t worry! There are no sales pressure or hidden fees.
Visit Ballard Designs in downtown Birmingham
I’m in awe every time I walk through Ballard Designs’ doors. The showroom boasts dozens of displays, each tastefully curated by Ballard’s team.
Now that I know the team offers tons of design services to help me create my dream home, good luck keeping me away.
The best part? You get these expert design services with a fully localized experience. They know what’s trending nationally, but they love designing to Birmingham’s unique vibe. It’s the best of both worlds!
Plan your visit today:
- Address: 2308 1st Ave S Suite 106, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10AM-6PM | Sunday, Noon-5PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Need help with your home re-do? Head to Ballard Designs + let the experts help you bring your dream to life!
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