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

FEATURED PRESS

FROM THE BLOG

December 1, 2025
There is nothing more enchanting than when your house is aglow with luxurious satin ribbons, gold ornaments in evergreen boughs and twinkling lights both in and outside. It is your time to shine, so dress your home to impress and give every room a little holiday sparkle. Here are some ways to transform your decor from "bah humbug" to a sight to behold. 1. Start With a Warm Glow When you think of Christmases past, you probably remember vibrant colors and bright lights. Bringing some of that warmth into the present can add glamor and purpose to any home. With around 67% of homeowners planning to decorate with holiday lights, choosing something unique can make you stand out from the other houses on your block. Cool white icicle lights create a draped wintery effect that draws the eye, while warm-toned white light can create a homey, cozy feeling. Colored bulbs can seem more festive and inviting. Use a consistent color scheme to keep it classy. 2. Choose a Glam Color Palette A luxurious holiday home can utilize a color palette of gold, champagne, silver, pewter, deep emerald, or midnight blue. These colors work wonderfully with mirrors and metallics. You do not need to change everything you already own to keep the colors consistent. Small swaps can do the trick. Add metallic-colored candles, garland and ribbons. A few mixed finishes, such as brushed gold and polished silver, keep the space visually interesting without overwhelming it. 3. Let Your Textiles Shine Plush faux-fur throws, velvet cushions and satin stockings provide tactile decadence and ensure comfort and glamour. To add a sumptuous touch, top a dining table with a gold-threaded table runner, or drape a fur throw across the bottom of your bed. These soft pieces add warmth next to metal, softening the shine. Your holiday decor will look both luxurious and inviting. 4. Expand Your Space Impress your visitors by finding extra space for all your holiday guests to roam. A garage serves multiple purposes for many families. You can use it to store and access seasonal decorations, and it can also serve as additional seating for gatherings. Your garage is a convenient place to gain extra space when you need it during the holidays. A satin tablecloth can turn a folding table into an elegant dessert table. Tie huge red and gold ribbons to chair backs for an added festive touch and add a small tree in the corner. 5. Layer Textures for a Luxurious Tree Turn your tree into a focal point by using textures and finishes that make it sparkle and shine from all angles. Use both metallic garland and beaded strands. Add oversized ornaments with two or three finishes in the same family, like frosted glass, gold leaf and mirror. Tuck a few specialty pieces in the branches for added interest. Conversation pieces, such as personalized ornaments, add a unique touch. For minimalists, a monochromatic look in gold or silver remains a striking choice. For maximalists, sequins, crystals and pearl detailing are equally stunning. 6. Create an Eye-Catching Centerpiece Centerpieces anchor a room, setting the scene for your celebration. Glam holiday decorations work exceptionally well with varied heights, layers and reflective surfaces. Some things to add to your table include: Tall candlesticks A metal bowl filled with ornaments Crystal or glass components for sparkle Fresh foliage for the base To tie everything together, repeat the metallic accent elsewhere in your display. 7. Add Sparkle to Unexpected Places Small touches can create a significant impact. Decorate in unexpected spaces like the hallway, bathroom and bedroom. Your guests might enjoy a bowl of silver ornaments on a bedroom nightstand, a strand of fairy lights draped over a hallway mirror, or a wreath tied with satin ribbon near a bathroom sink. The little touches make the transformation to an elegant holiday showpiece feel complete. Sound and scent add another dimension to the festivities and involve all the senses, so consider festive candles and ongoing ambient holiday music. 8. Style Your Mantel Remember your mantel for the perfect glam display. Use metallic candleholders, glittered garlands, or tall glass hurricanes. Stagger the display to let light hit the whole mantel, with ornaments and greenery tucked between the candlesticks and garland. Place a symmetrical vignette of matching candlesticks and a statement mirror above the mantel for a more tailored look. 9. Echo the Glamor Outside Choose warm-white lights, metallic bows, or frosted wreaths to extend the interior sparkle outdoors. Glow up the entryway by lining the front walk with lanterns. Wrap porch railing in satin ribbon and white twinkle lights. Small touches can welcome guests, including an elegant white wreath hanging from your front door. Set the tone before your guests arrive. Build the Sparkle One Day at a Time A hint of glow here, a dusting of metallic there, and suddenly your home is dressed for the holidays. Add the magic one room at a time, layering the look as inspiration strikes. You can achieve elegant decor with a few focal points rather than bling everywhere. With consistent effort, you'll impress visitors and have a home that shines brighter than the star on top of your tree.
November 21, 2025
The scent of pine, the warm glow of lights and the comfort of enjoying a warm cup of cocoa by the fire — there’s nothing quite like the holidays. Decorating your home is a great way to welcome the season, but the pressure to capture that festive spirit can be overwhelming. To avoid going overboard and making your space look cluttered, consider going for a sophisticated yuletide look. Make intentional, curated choices to create a warm, personal and elegant look with these decorating tips. 1. Define Your Classic Holiday Theme and Color Palette A defined theme and color scheme can serve as a filter for every other decorating decision, ensuring a cohesive look and preventing impulse buys that don’t fit the concept. Consider these style examples: Nordic winter: Focus on minimalism, natural wood tones and simple greenery paired with a white, black and cream palette Old world Christmas: Incorporates deep, rich colors like burgundy and forest green, vintage-style ornaments and elegant metallic accents in gold or bronze Rustic farmhouse: Includes lots of natural textures, such as burlap and plaid, galvanized metals and simple pine greener y When creating a palette, choose a primary color, a secondary color and an accent metal. For example, use forest green for most of your main decor, contrast it with cream and decorate with gold decor. Let your palette guide your choices for ornaments, textiles, ribbons and even gift wrappers. 2. Layer Natural Greenery and Cozy Textiles Bring the outside in for a lush, timeless feel. Greenery and other natural elements add life, texture and classic scents that artificial decorations can never fully replicate. Go beyond pine. Eucalyptus has a pleasant smell and modern look, while cedar drapes beautifully. Decorate with boxwood for a traditional feel or magnolia leaves to bring a touch of Southern elegance to your space. Learn how to keep your greenery fresh throughout the season, eliminating the need for regular replacements. Consider these placement ideas: Drape garlands down a staircase banister, across large mirrors or along a mantelpiece. Place sprigs or single branches in vases. Incorporate greenery into your dining table centerpiece. Use textiles to add softness and reduce sound in your space, creating a cozier environment. Swap out everyday throw pillows for covers made of velvet, cable-knit wool or faux fur. Use a chunky knit blanket as a tree skirt for a modern twist. 3. Engage the Senses with Holiday Scents Scent is strongly tied to emotions and memories. Integrating it into your holiday setup is a powerful way to establish a festive atmosphere. Here are subtle ways to infuse yuletide scents into your home: Simmer pot: Combine water, orange slices, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves into a small pot on low heat. Dried citrus ornaments: Bake orange slices at 250℉ for three hours to dehydrate them and hang them on your Christmas tree. Essential oil diffuser: Diffuse blends like fir and cedarwood for a “Christmas tree” scent or orange, clove and cinnamon for a “spiced” scent. Scented candles: Light candles with complex, natural scents, such as balsam and spiced cranberry. 4. Light Up Your Home’s Exterior Your outdoor decor sets the first impression of your home, so ensure it reflects the sophisticated holiday look of your interior. Consider these stylish decor ideas: Stick to warm, white lights for a timeless look. Highlight one or two outdoor features, such as a large tree in your front yard or the architectural lines of your roof, instead of covering everything with decor. Line the walkway with simple stake lights. Hang a large, evergreen wreath on your front door. Before putting up holiday lights, make sure your home’s exterior is clean and well-maintained. Ensure roof gutters are clean, intact and clear of leaves and other debris to prevent water damage during the colder months. Double-check any exterior outlets and extension cords for issues before plugging anything. 5. Decorate Planters for a Festive Facade Use potted plants on the porch or your home’s window boxes to create a stylish holiday look that ties the entire front of your home together. Get creative with the plants and decor you place in it. Here are some ideas: For height, place tall elements in the center or back, such as red dogwood twigs, tall birch branches and dwarf evergreens. For volume, opt for lush greenery. Mix different textures, such as fir, pine, cedar and boxwood branches. For variety, add elements that hang over the edge to soften the lines, such as draping eucalyptus and trailing ivy. For a touch of nighttime magic, nestle a string of warm white fairy lights among the greenery. Choose lights with high IP ratings to ensure they can withstand the elements, including harsh winter weather conditions. Cheers to a Season of Festive Elegance Create a classic holiday look with a clear theme and intentional decor choice. Go for a design that engages all your senses. Remember that the ultimate goal isn’t to achieve the “perfect” holiday setup. It’s to create a warm, inviting home that’s brimming with holiday cheer while also reflecting your personal style. So, go for the sophisticated decoration tips that resonate with you to create a beautiful atmosphere that you’d love to share with your loved ones.
November 14, 2025
Your home is more than a place to sleep or store your belongings. It can be a safe environment that resets your mind and body after a tedious day. A peaceful, well-designed space grounds you, slows your mind and makes everyday life just a bit lighter. Whether renovating or simply refreshing your favorite room, utilize these design elements to transform your residence into a serene retreat. Why a Peaceful Home Is Your Secret to Wellness Your environment shapes how you feel. Studies show that clutter, harsh lighting and noisy surroundings can increase stress levels , while natural light, soft color palettes and order can lower anxiety and promote calm. A peaceful living space helps you think clearly, rest more deeply and feel balanced while looking beautiful. When your residence is your sanctuary, it supports your overall well-being. That might mean more focus during the day, better sleep at night and a steady sense of comfort in between. 6 Serene Tips to Transform Your Home You can create a serene home environment that suits your needs and makes you feel at ease. These effective strategies will help you create a living space that nourishes your mind, body and spirit. 1. Build a Soothing Color Foundation Color has a powerful effect on mood. A calm interior often starts with muted, balanced tones that evoke a sense of peace. Think earthy greens, sandy neutrals, soft blues and warm grays. As a general rule for creating a cohesive palette, balance three core tones across elements of your home — the main “field” for architectural details, a secondary “trim” color and a subtle “accent” shade to add depth. This approach ensures harmony between materials and finishes, whether you’re choosing wall paint or exterior details. Balance the three colors using the 60-30-10 rule , also known as the golden ratio, to achieve the optimal balance for managing your pigment palette. Essentially, 60% of surface area is reserved for the dominant tone, while 30% of surface space is painted in secondary hues and the remaining 10% adds interest with accents. Ensure harmony with soft matte finishes for the main colors and tone down brightness or limit accent colors to reflect light more naturally. 2. Maximize Natural Light and Airflow Light instantly affects your mood. Bright, airy rooms may feel larger, cleaner and more uplifting. Keep window spaces clear and use sheer curtains. Hang mirrors opposite windows to bounce light throughout the room. Air circulation matters too. Open windows when possible to let in fresh air, as doing so improves indoor air quality and refreshes your mind as much as your lungs. Fresh, clean air is a subtle way to keep your space balanced and serene. 3. Layer Your Evening Lighting As evening falls, harsh overhead lighting can disrupt your sense of calm. Layered lighting — which combines light source types — creates ambience and flexibility. Opt for warm bulbs instead of cool white ones and install dimmers to adjust brightness throughout the evening for a peaceful effect. Table and floor lamps can replace ceiling fixtures to create a cozier, more serene atmosphere. Combine the following types for the best effect: Ambient light: Use smaller light sources for general illumination. Task lights: Focus on functional beams for reading or cooking to make tasks easier. Accent lighting: Highlight artwork or architectural details for a soothing effect. 4. Declutter for a Clearer Mind Your surroundings mirror your thoughts. When your home is cluttered, your mind feels crowded, and you may begin to feel the effects of cortisol and depression. Decluttering restores mental clarity and creates breathing room. Stylish baskets, lidded boxes or built-in shelving can hide everyday items while keeping everything accessible. Adopting a “less is more” mindset allows you to appreciate the items you truly love and quiets the visual noise that adds to stress. 5. Weave in Natural Elements Nature’s materials instantly add depth and warmth. Incorporate wood, stone or woven accents to ground your space. Consider furniture and finishes in rattan, oak and marble. Textiles that breathe, like linen, cotton and wool, increase comfort, and a splash of greenery from houseplants introduces biophilic design. 6. Carve out a Relaxation Zone You don’t need a whole spa room to unwind — a peaceful corner will do just fine. Designate a low-traffic area and style it intentionally to be a relaxing space. Add a cozy armchair with a reading lamp, a floor cushion with a meditation mat or a small bistro table near a sunny window. The key is to keep this zone free from screens, work and clutter. When you sit here, your body will know it’s time to slow down. This is a space of silence, where you come to reflect and evaluate your day. The quiet is vital to mental well-being , and you can return to it daily in this designated spot.  Your Reimagined Home A serene residence is built through thoughtful layers of color, texture, light and intention. When each detail supports calm, your space becomes more than a backdrop for daily life. It becomes the place where you recharge and reconnect with yourself.
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