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

October 22, 2025
For centuries, private members’ clubs have been a refuge for the wealthy and the well-connected. Traditionally places of sophisticated luxury and aristocratic comfort, they enabled networking, private socializing and sanctuary. Today, you can recreate a similar feel at home. Here’s what to aim for, how to achieve it — and why you might want to. What Exactly is a Members’ Club Vibe? These exclusive establishments — until recently, gentleman-only spaces — evolved from the coffee houses of 17th-century London. They were designed to be somewhere for upper-class men to escape the demands of their household and instead relax, socialize and develop their contacts. Typically housed in beautiful buildings, the interiors blended luxurious, comfortable, timeless elements such as would have been found in the grand stately homes of the landed gentry. Seating was often arranged to facilitate intimate conversation, with small zones for drinking or gambling. The original clubs were a product of their time, but the intent — to be a home from home — still endures. Key Features of Members’ Club Interior Design Today, many clubs have evolved with the times and now feature a more diverse array of styles to suit modern tastes — but there’s something about the classic, aristocratic, Victorian vibe that still appeals to many. Moody Yet Cozy Color Palettes Think deep, saturated colors — timeless burgundy or oxblood, dark greens, rich blues or jewel tones — often paired with warm wood paneling or dark-toned finishes. This creates an enveloping, comforting atmosphere and exudes sophistication. Luxurious Materials and Finishes For textures, the members’ club aesthetic uses an eclectic mix of tactile fabrics and materials. From velvet to leather or mohair, furniture and cushions feel good against the body. In the rest of the room, elegant finishes include marble, polished brass, thick carpeting or rugs, and dark wood. Intimate, Layered Lighting Instead of harsh overhead light, this vibe calls for a layered approach, using a mix of table lamps, floor lamps, sconces and statement lighting pieces to create warm, inviting pools of light. Lighting may arguably be the most psychologically important element of any interior, so this is a key factor to get right. Statement Pieces With Character Traditionally, members’ clubs had iconic furniture, such as wingback chairs and Chesterfield sofas. Mismatched items were fine because each piece was valued in its own right. Rooms would also have been filled with carefully curated art and ornamental pieces, giving a strong sense of personality. 4 Steps to Get the Luxury Members’ Club Look at Home You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the look the world’s wealthiest once coveted. Here are some practical, budget-friendly ways to get started. 1. Anchor the Room With a Rich Color You could paint the whole area in moody tones, but if you want to start small, one wall in a members’ club palette tone can be very impactful. Instead, or as well on other walls, you could use flocked or textured wallpaper in a luxurious, heirloom or damask design. The flooring color is also important. Dark hardwood floors are perfect for this vibe, but if you pair them with dark furniture and walls, it may be too much. Adding some light or bright accent touches elsewhere in the space helps prevent a monotone feel. 2. Choose One “Hero” Piece of Furniture Invest in a single, high-impact item, like a velvet armchair or handsome bar cart, to act as the focal point. Since these establishments traditionally have niches and cozy corners, you don’t even have to transform a whole room. Creating a nook can be a very practical and cost-effective way to get started. If you have two chairs, put them close together and at an angle, for meaningful conversation. 3. Curate Your Clutter The members’ club aesthetic is characterful, so include bookshelves, decorative objects and a curated art collection on the wall. This is a chance to show off your personality — someone should be able to infer something about you from the objects you choose to display. Seeking out second-hand art and photos is a great way to begin building a collection. 4. Perfect the Finishing Touches Think about the small details, such as upgrading your hardware to brass, using plush rugs or adding a signature scent through candles or diffusers. You’ll be surprised by how much impact these little touches can have. Reasons to Embrace the Members’ Club Aesthetic The concept of the “third space” — somewhere that’s neither work nor home but offers the best of both — took root during the pandemic, but historically, members’ clubs fulfilled exactly that purpose. Today, a similar area can help relieve stress and act as a personal sanctuary within your own home. Because this vibe is restorative, comfortable and deeply layered, it’s a character-driven ambience that can grow with you. Every such space will be unique to the person who created it. Whether working on your laptop, chatting, reading or just enjoying a coffee, your atmospheric nook will make the moment feel special. Welcome to the Club Ultimately, the members’ club look is about creating a feeling. By layering rich colors, tactile materials and personal touches, you can craft a sophisticated sanctuary for everyday luxury. It’s your space to relax, connect and feel perfectly at home — no membership required.
October 17, 2025
Pumpkins on the porch and pine wreaths on the door are classic, but what if your seasonal décor could feel fresh, stylish and uniquely yours? From chic fall palettes to subtle Halloween touches, there are plenty of ways to make your outdoor space memorable without going over the top. And before you hang that oversized skeleton, remember — homeowners' associations often have rules that affect what’s allowed outside your front door. 1. Autumnal Colors Beyond Orange Pumpkins and bright orange are classic fall staples, but branching out into muted greens, deep plums, burgundy and soft yellows can create a more sophisticated , layered look. Mix these colors in planters, wreaths or even outdoor cushions to give your porch a fresh, updated look. Weatherproof paints and fabrics are essential to keep your décor vibrant through wind and rain. 2. Layered Texture for Cozy Curb Appeal Texture adds depth and warmth to your outdoor space. Combine wicker baskets, wooden crates, metal lanterns and natural fiber rugs to create a rich and inviting display. Layering is key — place a burlap throw over a bench, scatter cushions in complementary tones and include lanterns of varying heights. Protect delicate fabrics with weatherproof sprays or removable covers to keep everything looking fresh, even through the occasional drizzle or early frost. 3. Subtle Halloween Twists Halloween doesn’t have to mean over-the-top scare tactics. Tasteful touches, such as elegant lanterns, miniature pumpkins in muted tones or a few delicate spiderweb accents, can evoke the autumnal season without creating a haunted house vibe. When decorating your outdoor spaces, it’s always best to double-check your community guidelines because HOAs can dictate how you use your property in neighborhoods. The result is a stylish, festive look that neighbors will admire without feeling excessive. 4. Planter Creativity and Outdoor Greenery Seasonal plants are an easy way to refresh your outdoor space. Think beyond traditional mums — ornamental kale, cabbage, grasses and hardy fall flowers bring texture and color to your porch or garden. Get creative with containers, such as wood crates, ceramic pots or vintage urns, to make unique planters that elevate the display. Arrange plants thoughtfully, mixing heights and textures. Choose varieties that can withstand early frost or wind to keep your arrangement looking fresh throughout the season. 5. Outdoor Lighting Magic Lighting transforms your seasonal décor from simple to spectacular. String lights, lanterns and solar-powered path lights add warmth and ambience, highlighting your favorite features and creating a welcoming glow. Mix soft ambient lighting with a few strategically placed spotlights on pumpkins, planters or seasonal statues to create depth. Remember to check HOA restrictions if you live in a community — they sometimes limit brightness or placement to avoid disturbing neighbors. With the right lighting, your outdoor space can look magical even after dark. 6. Functional and Stylish Outdoor Accents Along with being decorative, outdoor décor can serve a purpose. Consider benches with cozy throws, fire pits for chilly evenings or decorative storage for garden tools and seasonal accessories. Neutral tones or metallic accents complement seasonal colors and make your space feel curated rather than cluttered. Protect items from rain and frost with covers or by moving them under shelter when not in use, so they stay beautiful all season long. Functional pieces allow you to enjoy both style and comfort outdoors. Bonus Tip: Keep It Low-Maintenance and Safe Even the most stylish décor won’t be enjoyable if it’s constantly falling apart or creating hazards. Stick to easy-to-maintain items and ensure walkways are clear of leaves, wet planters or decorations that could cause slips and falls. Rotating or storing seasonal items off-season preserves them and keeps your outdoor space tidy throughout the year. A little foresight goes a long way in balancing beauty, practicality and safety. Fall into Style Tasteful seasonal décor is all about balance — celebrating fall with warmth, color and personality without turning your home into a Halloween circus. By layering textures, playing with sophisticated colors, adding functional accents and considering practical factors such as weatherproofing and HOA rules, your outdoor space can wow the neighborhood and remain inviting all season long. With a bit of creativity, you can enjoy a curb appeal that’s cozy, chic and unmistakably you — no pumpkin overload required.
October 14, 2025
Whether you use them to record podcasts, maintain a fitness routine or awaken your inner artist, hobby spaces can become places where you unwind, develop skills and participate in meaningful activities. What should you consider when creating a dedicated hobby space in your home? 1. Plan According to the Desired Activities Determine features that can increase convenience. For example, using the room for art projects might mean installing laminate flooring rather than carpeting, which makes it easier to clean up spills. Make room for your full setup and comfy furniture when creating a gaming space. Adding more than one chair supports multiplayer activities. Perhaps you’ll use the hobby room to hone your musical skills and eventually record a home album. Soundproofing panels keep the associated noise in your hobby room. Along with blocking exterior noise, sound-dampening curtains can block up to 95% of incoming light , making them ideal for creating a space for processing film. Activity-specific features can foster creativity by providing what you need to flourish during your favorite pastimes. Planning for the necessities ahead of time can reduce stress, rather than beginning to use the hobby room and realizing it needs to be changed. 2. Choose the Best Place Consider the place in your home that best suits your activities. You may not need a home office due to return-to-office mandates, or you may have an extra room because an adult child moved out. If your home has no unused rooms, maximize any additional space. Reading nooks can double as cozy places for drawing, knitting or writing. Garages are ideal for hobbies such as woodworking, furniture restoration, and sprucing up a car or motorcycle if you’re not using the space. Not only do garages allow for larger spaces to engage in your hobby, but they are typically temperature controlled due to wooden or fiberglass doors providing natural insulation , establishing year-round comfort as you work. 3. Channel Your Interior Designer The room’s appearance can go a long way toward getting your creative juices flowing and making you love spending time in it. Decide whether to have a clear theme or embrace randomness. When selecting colors, designers recommend devoting 60% of the room to a dominant hue. Reserving 30% for a secondary option and the last 10% for accent shades completes the look. Prioritize decorating with things that make you smile despite life’s stresses and distractions. That might mean giving a few action figures or stuffed animals places of honor on a bookshelf or building a gallery wall featuring travel photos. 4. Allow Space for Shared Activities Some of the most meaningful creative endeavors happen with others. You might host a podcast, strengthen your ping-pong skills or paint on canvases with your best friend. Feedback from those you trust can also validate your ideas or illuminate new avenues to explore. It’s wise to plan the hobby space with the intention of spending more time with others. A 2025 survey from arts and crafts retailer Michaels found that 88% of shoppers said crafting increases their quality time with loved ones. To maximize seating in your hobby space, consider stools, benches, and ottomans. Desks that fold into the wall also make the space enjoyable and productive. 5. Simplify Storage to Prevent Clutter If a hobby room becomes cluttered, it is less useful overall, especially if you spend too much time searching for items that enrich the activities. Devise organizational strategies that work for you and what you plan to do in the space. For example, your fitness or yoga routine may need boxes to fit foam blocks, weights and straps, while artists benefit from ample drawers that hold pens, markers, paints and scrapbooking supplies. Storage products that can be moved are ideal if your hobby space occupies part of a larger room. It’s then easier to stow them out of the way to accommodate guests. One expert suggested using a wheeled cart to keep hobby-related items accessible and mobile. Peg boards and over-the-door organizers allow you to store items vertically, leaving more floor space open. Enjoy the Flexible Space For Your Hobbies An adaptable hobby space stays valuable as you continue to pursue activities. Consider the room’s layout, potential for hosting friends and decoration style. Utilize storage systems and move lesser-used items out of the way. Creating an ideal hobby space can allow you to enjoy it for years to come.
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