Elevated interiors, tailored for Chicago’s finest
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.
FEATURED PROJECTS
Buckingham Place
Breathtaking colors of our planet
View project
Sheffield
Portraits of people from around the globe
View project
Greenview
Stark beauty of desolate dunes
View project
FEATURED PRESS
FROM THE BLOG
Updating your home’s color scheme is a great way to welcome the new year, and what better way is there to tackle this project than to take inspiration from the 2026 colors of the year? Most of these hues are earthy and sophisticated with a strong connection to nature. Grounding and restorative, they reflect a strong desire for serene sanctuaries. If you’re interested in welcoming the new year with a palette refresh, the following combinations bring out the best in these shades. 1. Benjamin Moore's Silhouette: Sophisticated and Graceful Benjamin Moore’s 2026 color of the year is a deep, luxurious brown with a soft charcoal undertone, giving it a sense of refined elegance. Silhouette is perfect for creating an intimate, cozy and high-end atmosphere. Consider painting this on walls for a dramatic, enveloping feel. Use creamy off-whites for trims, ceilings or a large area rug to provide contrast and keep the space from feeling too dark. Accent the pairing with soft, dusty pinks through velvet pillows, throws or artwork for a touch of warmth and romance. Complete the look with polished brass or gold hardware and dark walnut wood furniture. 2. Behr's Hidden Gem: Elegant and Modern Hidden Gem is a smoky, jewel-toned jade with blue undertones. It’s muted enough to feel elegant and versatile without overpowering, making it ideal for modern-organic and midcentury modern aesthetics. Use Behr’s 2026 color of the year on kitchen cabinets, a living room accent wall or a vanity in a bathroom. Complement it with light wood tones like white oak or maple for flooring and furniture to keep the room feeling bright and modern. Ground the look with sharp black accents in light fixtures, side tables and wall decor. Finally, add texture and color with rich brown leather furnishings, woven natural fiber rugs and green indoor plants. 3. Valspar's Warm Eucalyptus: Earthy and Serene Valspar’s 2026 color of the year is a mid-tone green with a gentle warmth. With its strong connection to nature, this biophilic hue promotes a sense of peace and well-being. Warm Eucalyptus goes well on the walls of a bedroom or bathroom. Pair it with sandy beige through linen curtains or a comfortable armchair. Lean into its earthy tones with pops of muted terracotta color in mugs, planters or patterned textiles. Complete the look with natural textures like rattan or wicker baskets, jute rugs, and unglazed pottery. 4. Sherwin-Williams' Universal Khaki: Comforting and Timeless Universal Khaki is a mid-tone beige with warm undertones that never goes out of style. It has a “chameleon” quality, as it can feel modern or traditional, depending on what it’s paired with. Paint Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 color of the year on the walls of a large, open-concept space to unify the area. Pair it with a classic, crisp white for trims and doors, then add dusty blues and olive greens to the palette through decor, textiles and art. Opt for materials like brushed nickel, aged brass and traditional wood furniture for a classic look. 5. Pantone's Cloud Dancer: Tranquil and Airy Pantone’s 2026 color of the year is a soft, billowy off-white with minimal undertones, representing a desire for simplicity. While Cloud Dancer can serve as a quiet, peaceful canvas for any palette, it looks stunning in Scandinavian and coastal-inspired looks. Paint walls with this shade to maximize light and create an open, airy feeling. Layer the palette with other light neutrals — like a soft, pale gray sofa or bedding — and accent the look with textures instead of color. Use materials like light, weathered wood, natural linen and chunky knit wool throws. Enhance the setup’s comforting atmosphere with boucle fabrics, sheer linen curtains and light-toned flooring. How to Choose and Use the 2026 Colors in Your Home To plan the perfect palette for your space, think of these big-picture considerations before picking up a brush or shopping for decor: Consider the room’s purpose: Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus is ideal for bedrooms because it’s a soothing shade of green , while a more dramatic hue like Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette is perfect for dining rooms. Factor in lighting: How much light a room gets and from what direction can affect color quality , so assess your space’s lighting conditions at different times of day. Create energy with complementary colors: Combine shades on the opposite sides of the color chart — such as turquoise and cream — to create powerful, high contrast combinations. Start small when integrating color palettes: Consider low-commitment ideas, such as painting an accent wall or the back of a built-in bookshelf, getting new duvet covers, or finding area rugs and artwork that feature the palette. Refresh Your Home’s Palette for 2026 These color trends and palettes are a great source of inspiration. There are no hard rules for how to use them, so feel free to create your own combinations or find what blends well with your current scheme. Find the perfect palette to express your style for the year ahead.
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.
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.
