Elevated interiors, tailored for Chicago’s finest

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AWARD-WINNING INTERIOR DESIGNER

Meet Anthony Michael

Anthony is regularly named as one of the top interior designers in Chicago and various metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, NYC, Naples, New Buffalo, Scottsdale, Miami, Los Angeles, Belair, Nassau Bahamas and more in addition to numerous other projects in Chicago and the suburbs.


With offices in Chicago and Los Angeles, he works with bicoastal clients. His work has been featured in LUXE as a LUXE Gold Designer, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Modern Luxury and more. 


With over 35 years of experience, Anthony Michael is to interior design what Sir Alec Guinness was to acting— able to handle radically different roles, his talent comfortably manifesting itself behind many faces. While hard to typecast, he dares to cross the lines of convention to try what is visually bold and dramatic , but never jarring.

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FEATURED PROJECTS

We selected Anthony Michael Interior Design for our new city condo. We are more than thrilled with the outcome- from wall coverings to lighting,  furniture & light construction. 

Their edge mixed with classic traditional was exactly what we were looking for. Sophisticated elegance!! Every team member was a compliment to each other.

- Frank Cuomo

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FROM THE BLOG

June 6, 2025
Baby Brutalist is a newer trend in interior design, and it’s getting people raising their brows in the best way. This style is a form of the classic Brutalist style that became popular in the 1960s and ‘70s. However, it offers a new take on this interior design with a twist. If you’re drawn to interiors that feel sculptural and expressive but still cozy, this style may be what you’re looking for inside your home. What Is Baby Brutalist? Baby Brutalist is a fresh design that mixes Brutalism's raw, minimalist style with playful, intricate elements. It unapologetically takes the cold, harsh style and tones it down by integrating lighter curves, warmer neutrals and quirkiness. Brutalism often features concrete, sharp lines and industrial shapes, while neo-Brutalism is softer and more refined. While you’ll still see architectural lines and bold silhouettes, designers soften them with textures like plaster or handcraft finishes. For example, designers like Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph use bold materials like walnut wood and monolithic travertine islands , then layer in softer textures and sculptural vintage pieces. This interior strategy makes the space feel characteristic but still livable by adding warmth and expression. Key Features of Baby Brutalist Interior Style What makes a space feel Baby Brutalist? This style is all about incorporating the following defining features: â—Ź Raw, textured materials: The style includes unfinished concrete, plaster and stone softened with fabrics to balance it out. Figured wood, like wormy maple — which gets its colorful streaks from beetle activity — is one example. Its one-of-a-kind grain pattern adds character and can make for a beautiful table when paired with a neutral throw rug underneath. â—Ź Sculptural furniture: Chunky, bold shapes feel more like art pieces than everyday furniture, such as curved sofas, round pillows and oversized chairs. â—Ź Warm, neutral colors: You’ll see a lot of whites, beiges and creams, with the occasional muted pink, moss green or dusty blue. â—Ź Minimal but expressive: These spaces feel open and uncluttered, but each piece has a purpose. It’s less about filling a room and more about letting the design speak for itself. â—Ź Layered textures over bold colors: Instead of bright hues, Baby Brutalist interiors play with depth through material. For instance, an interior designer might pair rough stucco walls with buttery-soft upholstery to create textural contrast. Creative Ways to Implement Baby Brutalist If you’re ready to mix the old with the new, here are a few ideas for incorporating it into your home. 1. Start With One Sculptural Statement Piece Dip your toes into the Baby Brutalist look by beginning with a furniture piece with a presence. Consider investing in a curvy sofa, a chunky coffee table or a rounded accent chair. You can find exaggerated-looking used furniture on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. You’ll likely discover pieces that offer a sculptural feel online, even if they're on the smaller side. 2. Mix Raw and Soft Materials Contrast is key in Baby Brutalist design. Try pairing sleek concrete planters with a cozy boucle ottoman or a raw wood dining table with soft linen chairs. The goal is to create visual intrigue by layering hard and smooth so the space feels grounded rather than stark. 3. Choose Furniture With Organic Forms Skip the perfectly straight lines and opt for more irregular shapes. Think wavy mirrors, oval tables, blog-inspired shelving or lamps with rounded bases. These pieces add a playful touch to any space, keeping it from feeling too rigid. 4. Stick to a Muted, Earthy Palette Baby Brutalist interiors often use a soft, neutral color scheme to let texture and form take center stage. Stick with warm whites, beiges and taupes. If you want to add a pop of color, go for a dusty olive green or muted terra cotta. 5. Let Negative Space Work In Your Favor Resist the urge to fill every corner. Baby Brutalist comes alive when you give your space breathing room. If you have a few strong pieces, allow them to stand out by making room. For instance, a curvy chair should sit solo in a reading nook, or the walls should be relatively bare so the architecture speaks for itself. If the furniture is on the larger side, be sure to get its dimensions and measure your living space to see if you’re giving it enough room to stick out. Bring Out the Bolder Side With Baby Brutalist Baby Brutalist is all about making a serious design a little more relaxed by creating a space that feels lived-in. While it still lets raw materials and forms take shape, it tries to balance them out with expressive decorum. The Brutalist style may be “brutally honest” with the property’s architecture, but you can still make it warm and inviting by offering a playfulness for contrast.
May 28, 2025
Thoughtful lighting is getting a resurgence, thanks to the shower lamp TikTok trend. If you’re interested in using illumination to evoke specific moods or want to learn about the newest lighting design styles this year, you’re in for a treat. What Is the TikTok Shower Lamp? The TikTok shower lamp is precisely what the name suggests — a lamp you use in the shower that became viral on TikTok. The trend began with home and lifestyle content creator McKenna Barry, who posted a TikTok of her setting up a wireless lamp in the bathroom before taking a shower. The video soon blew up, gaining millions of views and mainstream attention. McKenna specifically used the WEILALUX Outdoor Battery-Operated Table Lamp, but many other brands offer similar products at the same price. You want a waterproof, cordless table lamp usually designed for outdoor use. Pick one with an LED bulb to save energy , prevent overheating and enjoy your shower safely. Why Are Unconventional Lighting Options So Popular? Recently, much discourse has been going on around avoiding overhead lighting — or the “big light,” as many social media users would call it. Overhead lights are great from a functional perspective but can be overwhelming when they’re the only option. Some prefer the coziness of soft illumination, especially in deeply personal spaces like the bathroom. Warm, soft light from lamps or candles is a staple in spas and retreats due to its calming quality. According to environmental and design psychologist Sally Augustin, warm light supports relaxation and creativity , making it ideal for winding down in the afternoon or evening. 5 Top Lighting Trends to Explore This Year If you want to illuminate more than just your bathroom, consider these five trends to inform your home lighting design project. Artisanal Fixtures Nothing says “statement” more than a custom fixture. Working with an artisan lets you fine-tune the design to match your ideal aesthetic. Lighting trends are fun, but a unique piece from a local artist gives your home a personal touch you can’t find anywhere else. Colorful Lampshades A colorful or intricate shade can transform any lamp into a statement piece. You can also get multiple shades in different colors and styles to match your decor to the season or mood. Multifunctional Smart Lamps Tech has come a long way — now, light fixtures can be stylish and functional. Many modern lamps have multiple functions, such as wireless chargers, Bluetooth speakers and alarm clocks. These pieces are efficient and space-saving, which is perfect for homeowners on the go. Mood Lighting Adaptable mood lighting will continue to take over homes in 2025. More people are embracing options like dimmers and smart lights to shift the ambience to suit any mood or activity. These flexible fixtures allow you to create the perfect atmosphere, whether hosting a dinner party or enjoying a comfy night in. Natural Materials Eco-friendliness is gaining traction in multiple industries, including interior design. A 2024 survey revealed that people are willing to spend more on sustainably sourced products. Fixtures made from natural materials like rattan, bamboo, linen, or stone add a rustic, earthy charm to your spaces and pair well with bohemian, coastal and Scandinavian interiors. Give Your Home a Glow-Up The right lighting can transform your space and make the simplest activities feel special. Whether you’re into the simple shower lamp or want a bold living room chandelier, there’s room for experimentation and a trend for every design sensibility.
May 28, 2025
Art Deco’s geometric nature and luxurious materials have resurged with a modern twist. Today, New Deco blends yesterday’s glamor and opulence in a liveable and comfortable fashion. Think of a jewel-toned, curved sofa with a wallpapered backdrop. Another example is a dining room table with angled legs and plush upholstered chairs. As you consider the fundamental features of the New Deco trend for your home, allow this guide to help you create the ultimate sanctuary. What Is New Deco Interior Design? Art Deco holds different meanings to people. After the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts officially introduced the style in Paris in 1925, it helped define metropolitan areas like New York City, Miami and Chicago. The original design theme incorporated originality and innovation, making it one of history's most important design eras. A blend of geometric patterns and refined cultural charm is the hallmark of Art Deco, with its bold elegance delivering an air of nostalgia and recollections of Jay Gatsby’s lavish gatherings. However, the style is no longer in fashion like before, and New Deco seeks to capture its spirit by borrowing elements and epitomizing the principles. Key features of New Deco include the following: Geometric shapes like zigzags , triangles, trapezoids, sunbursts and chevrons Rich, jewel-toned palettes with metallic accents and contrasting neutral hues Ornate florals, botanical motifs and graphic prints Lavish textiles, such as velvet, satin and silk Wood, glass, crystal and mirrored surfaces Sleek silhouettes and rounded edges Upholstery with tufting and channel stitching Modern or opulent lighting fixtures Mirrored decor and trays Artistic sculptures, bowls and vases Geometric or abstract artwork How to Style Your Home With New Deco If you’re interested in revamping your home decor to something classy with a hint of flash or have always been passionate about old extravagance, New Deco could be the perfect interior design choice without going overboard. Here’s how to style each room with simple elegance. 1) Living Room A living room presents numerous styling opportunities for New Deco. For instance, you might purchase a velvety emerald green or sapphire blue sofa over a geometric-patterned rug with printed decorative pillows. Warm, neutral walls will also help you maintain a tranquil and understated atmosphere that you can easily switch up over time. Hanging statement artwork on the walls, a crystal chandelier and decorations over a mirrored coffee table are other ways to incorporate the style. 2) Kitchen If you’re like most people, you probably spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Dramatic color palettes often work great in these spaces, such as contrasting dark and light upper and lower cabinets, black-and-white checkerboard or herringbone floor tiles, stainless steel appliances, metallic hardware, and granite countertops. Customizable cabinetry and backsplashes, a floral runner rug and bright green plants are an excellent way to create even more personalization and pops of color within the space. 3) Dining Room A New Deco-style dining room table might have a sleek, modern base with more grand, upholstered chairs for greater comfort. Wallpaper with bold patterns and metallic details, iconic motifs and sumptuous textures is another way to enhance the dining space. Look for peel-and-stick wallpaper formats for easier installation. 4) Bedroom Your bedroom overall should make a grand statement by embracing New Deco. Consider a velvet, tufted headboard with geometric-patterned bedding and throw pillows in various shapes and sizes. Matching nightstands and lamps, large artwork above the bed, floor lamps and wall sconces are additional features you can use to create a symmetrical, streamlined appearance. Curtains with bold colors and unique prints can also tie the look together. 5) Bathroom Whether revamping your ensuite or a small powder room, a New Deco bathroom makeover functions beautifully. Integrate floral wallpaper, chevron-patterned floor and backsplash tiles, polished chrome light fixtures, and a claw-foot tub. A sleek vanity with a quartz countertop also exudes luxury. Quartz is scratch and stain resistant for durability and easy maintenance. Tips for a Modern Take on New Deco The key to embracing any interior design is balance. Although New Deco embraces the luxurious elegance of Art Deco, using too many geometric elements, metallic accents and excessive glamor can leave the space looking gaudy and more like a movie set than a comfortable living area. Likewise, filling every corner with decorative items may eventually feel cluttered and decrease functionality. You might want to start by integrating New Deco with another interior style to create a unique presentation. According to designer Audrey Scheck, the midcentury modern look's organic structures and minor embellishments allow you to seamlessly integrate vintage and contemporary arrangements. Your best chance of achieving the New Deco style is to invest in high-quality furniture, decor and materials and build around those pieces. Personal touches — like photographs and family heirlooms — will further enhance the space’s uniqueness and make it your own. Sophistication and Glamour for Every Home The New Deco interior design is a great way to elevate your style and create a beautiful and comfortable living area. Experimenting with different elements is key to mastering this look and determining what feels best. Take the best parts of vintage glam and modernize them with this refreshed appearance.
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