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
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Sheffield
Portraits of people from around the globe
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Greenview
Stark beauty of desolate dunes
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FEATURED PRESS
FROM THE BLOG
Imagine the joy of a warm summer breeze, the golden glow of sunset and the sound of laughter as you share a meal on your patio. Al fresco dining turns ordinary dinners into memorable experiences, and creating your perfect outdoor dining space can be fun. With the right shelter, furniture, ambience and design choices, you can transform your space into a year-round gathering spot. 1. Find Top Patio Cover Options for Year-Round Use At the top of your list should be protection from the elements. In some parts of the country, that means shade, shade and more shade. In areas with a continental climate, such as the Midwest, New England and the Rockies, four distinct seasons each bring their own weather challenges. Modern patio covers can handle it all. For example, Colorado homeowners would benefit from aluminum louvered patio covers with vinyl seals for a strong barrier against rain and snow. The Solara Louvered Patio Cover from Colorado Sunroom and Window meets that need in a range of color options. You could also choose a Four Seasons LifeRoom, with retractable fabric screens and LED lighting for year-round cover. 2. Choose Your Ideal Outdoor Dining Furniture The sweet spot lies in balancing durability, maintenance and style. Teak ages beautifully into a silver-gray patina, powder-coated aluminum shrugs off humidity without rusting and all-weather wicker brings texture without upkeep. Think about your local climate. Heavy wrought iron anchors a table on a windy hilltop, while lightweight aluminum makes sense if you like to rearrange. IKEA offers modular outdoor collections like its NÄMMARÖ series that let you mix and match pieces. This range is made from durable acacia wood and features clean, geometric lines that suit any home. 3. Add Warmth and Grill-Potential With a Fire Pit A fire pit becomes the heart of your outdoor room and extends your dining season into cooler evenings. With patio cover options for year-round use, you can relax throughout the seasons. Gas fire pit models offer instant flames while woodburning options bring that irresistible crackling ambience and smoky aroma. Some fire pits pull double duty as grills, letting you sear ribeyes or char vegetables right where your guests gather. Breeo is a trusted brand for smokeless fire pits and also offers popular open fire grills for live-flame cooking. You could even choose a pizza oven extension. If you do cook over your pit, grill grates should be cleaned with soap and water every two to five uses to prevent buildup. 4. Set the Mood with Perfect Outdoor Lighting Once the sun dips below the horizon, thoughtful lighting transforms your space from functional to magical. Think in layers to get it right. Ambient lighting: String lights or lanterns create a soft overall glow that makes everyone look good and feel relaxed. Casually stringing them under a covered patio creates a truly enchanted early-evening ambiance. Task lighting: Path lights guide guests safely to and from the dining area, while spotlights on steps prevent trips and spills. Accent lighting: Uplights on trees or architectural features add drama and visual interest beyond the table. VOLT Lighting specializes in low-voltage LED landscape lighting systems that deliver energy efficiency and long-lasting performance. Its fixtures range from subtle path lights to bold accent pieces that will make a statement. The Benefits of Embracing Al Fresco Dining Eating outdoors offers benefits beyond a change of scenery. Outdoor dining, especially in green spaces, can significantly reduce stress and enhance overall mental well-being since natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythms. Al fresco meals encourage real connection. You put down your phone, tune into conversation, and savor both the food and the company in ways that indoor dining can’t always replicate. Key Steps to Design Your Patio Space Take it step by step to create the perfect al fresco dining spot. Define Your Dining Zone Create a sense of a dedicated room even in an open outdoor space. An outdoor rug in navy stripes or geometric patterns anchors your table and chairs. Large planters filled with lavender or ornamental grasses define boundaries without blocking sightlines. Consider Your Local Climate Your specific weather should drive your choices. If you face scorching sun most of the summer, prioritize shade solutions and fade-resistant fabrics. Frequent rain calls for investing in quick-drying cushion materials. High winds call for heavier furniture and secure umbrella bases. Be Wildlife-Friendly Beautiful lighting shouldn't come at the expense of your local ecosystem. Bright lights and cool-toned bulbs can disrupt nocturnal creatures while contributing to light pollution. To create a more eco-friendly environment, use yellow LED bulbs and keep brightness to the lowest functional level. Pointing lights downward also helps reduce sky glow. Curate a Beautiful Tablescape Choose durable melamine or bamboo-fiber plates, perhaps with botanical or floral designs. Lightweight tablecloths in natural tones make the ideal base. You can add clip-on weights if it’s breezy. Acrylic glasses mimic the elegance of crystal without the potential hazards of broken glass. For serving, a large wooden board is perfect for a fresh, simple menu. Think grilled fish, colorful salads, and hummus and olives, an approach that keeps cooking to a minimum so you can relax with your guests. Lidded pitchers are also a great choice for preventing spills and keeping pests out of your iced tea or cocktails. Choose Your Accessories Finishing touches make the difference between a patio with a table and an outdoor dining destination. Consider weather-resistant cushions in sunset orange or sage green, and citronella candles in vintage metal holders. A long rectangular terracotta planter filled with succulents or cacti makes an interesting, sturdy table centerpiece that won’t blow over. On a practical note, you might want to add some mesh food domes to keep bugs away from your spread. Bring Your Perfect Outdoor Dining Vision to Life Creating an inviting outdoor dining space comes down to three essentials. Patio cover options protect you from the elements. Quality furniture gives durable style for years of gatherings, and thoughtful lighting sets the mood. Start with one element that excites you most and build from there. Your perfect al fresco dining setup is waiting, and summer is the ideal time to bring that vision to life.
When the temperature climbs, your fireplace doesn't have to fade into the background. With a few clever design moves, that unused firebox and mantel can become the brightest spot in your summer living room. The best part is that most of these ideas take an afternoon at most, so you can refresh your space without a renovation budget. How Can You Decorate the Fireplace in Summer? Here are five fun ways to give your fireplace a sunny new personality this season. 1. Style the Mantel With Coastal Color Your mantel is prime real estate for seasonal decor, and summer is the perfect excuse to lighten it up. The design team at Spacejoy recommends keeping a neutral base of mirrors, artwork or clean-lined vases, then layering in two or three seasonal accents. For summer, the online interior design service suggests vibrant blues and greens paired with playful touches like seashells or succulents. Because the base stays put year-round, swapping in fresh accents takes only minutes. 2. Fill the Firebox With Greenery or Candles An empty firebox can look like a dark hole in an otherwise cheerful room. Fill it with life instead. A cluster of potted ferns, trailing pothos or a single dramatic monstera turns the opening into a lush mini garden. If plants aren't your thing, arrange pillar candles of varying heights for a soft glow on summer evenings. You get the cozy flicker of a fire without extra heat. 3. Layer In Natural Texture With Reclaimed Wood A reclaimed wood mantel brings instant warmth and character to a summer living room. Dakota Timber Company , which salvages wood from retired buildings and urban trees, notes that every reclaimed piece tells a story. For summer styling, the company suggests dressing the mantel with beach glass, driftwood and lightweight textiles. The weathered grain of the wood plays beautifully against those breezy accents, giving the whole room a relaxed, lived-in feel. 4. Brighten the Surround With Paint or Tile If your fireplace surround feels heavy or dated, a little color goes a long way. Painting brick in crisp white or soft sage instantly modernizes the room and bounces summer light around. For a bolder style, peel-and-stick tile in a Mediterranean pattern can add a vacation vibe without the commitment of mortar. Just remember to use heat-rated products if you plan to burn fires again in the fall. 5. Turn the Hearth Into a Summer Display The fireplace is more than a landing pad for logs. Stack colorful art books, arrange a basket of rolled beach towels or set out a woven tray with citrus and candles. A raised hearth can even double as casual extra seating when you host summer get-togethers. Top it with a couple of outdoor-fabric cushions and your fireplace becomes the social hub of the room all over again. How Do You Know if Your Fireplace Is Safe to Use? Before you commit to any new looks, it's smart to give the fireplace itself a quick checkup. A beautiful design is only as good as the structure behind it. The clearest sign your fireplace is safe to use is a passed annual inspection, so that's the place to start. The fireplace experts at Brick + Ember Outfitters warn that skipping cleanings and inspections means "you are playing with fire." With wide-ranging knowledge of chimneys and fireboxes, the company identifies five essentials for a safe fireplace: The chimney should be swept and inspected annually The firebox walls should be free of cracks The smoke chamber should be smooth and clear of creosote The flue system should be intact The draft should pull smoke fully up and out of the home Creosote deserves special attention because the highly flammable buildup can reignite and spark a chimney fire. How Should You Maintain Your Fireplace Over the Summer? Summer is actually the ideal season for fireplace upkeep because the off-season gives you more time to schedule repairs. Heating equipment, such as fireplaces and furnaces, is responsible for about 52,000 fires each year , and cleaning chimneys is one of the simplest ways to prevent accidents. Book your sweep now, clear out old ashes and check that your damper opens and closes smoothly. Come autumn, you'll be ready to light up worry-free. Enjoy a Fireplace That Works Year-Round Your fireplace can be just as charming in July as it is in January. Style the mantel, fill the firebox and brighten the surround, then back it all up with a professional inspection. With a little creativity and care, the heart of your living room stays vibrant year-round.
Remember when high-gloss finishes felt a little too 1980s? That era has officially ended. Glossy surfaces are making a major comeback in interior design, appearing in both nostalgic retro schemes and sleek modern spaces. The trend offers something for everyone, whether you want to channel old Hollywood glamour or create a minimalist sanctuary. The best part about high gloss is how good it looks while making your rooms feel larger and more luxurious with surprisingly little effort. The Enduring Allure of High-Gloss Finishes The appeal of glossy surfaces isn't exactly new. For centuries, shiny finishes have symbolized extravagance and exceptional craftsmanship in homes around the world. This history explains why designers and homeowners keep returning to high gloss for drama and elegance. A Brief History of Lacquer and Shine Lacquer first captured European imaginations when trade routes opened between Asia and the West. The original material came from the sap of the toxicodendron vernicifluum tree, which produced a finish unlike anything European artisans had seen before. The resin was incredibly valuable because the key ingredients derived from East Asia had a hard time surviving the long sea journey intact. This scarcity created intense demand, as craftspeople spent decades trying to replicate the glossy finish using local materials. Their experiments eventually led to the development of shellac and other Western lacquer options, making the look more accessible. From Art Deco to Hollywood Regency High-gloss finishes exploded in popularity during the 20th century, particularly in art deco and Hollywood regency interiors. With bold statements and theatrical flair, these styles layered opulent materials, mirrored surfaces, metallic accents and vibrant colors to create rooms that felt like movie sets. Glossy surfaces became a cornerstone of Hollywood regency design because they amplified light and added instant drama. Black lacquered furniture and high-shine cabinetry turned ordinary rooms into spaces worthy of celebration. Today, the maximalist approach to shine continues to inspire modern interpretations of the trend. Modern Ways to Embrace the High-Gloss Trend You don't need to commit to a full Hollywood regency makeover to enjoy high-gloss finishes in your home. Contemporary designers have found fresh ways to incorporate shine that work beautifully in minimalist and traditional designs alike. Make Small Rooms Feel More Expansive Paint sheen can dramatically affect how spacious a room feels. Higher sheen finishes like satin or semigloss bounce light around the space instead of absorbing it. Its reflective quality tricks the eye into seeing more depth. Using glossy paint in a compact powder room or narrow hallway also creates a more expansive atmosphere, making the space feel bigger and less cramped. The technique works particularly well when paired with adequate lighting and lighter colors. Find and Highlight Your Home's Natural Shine You might already own glossy elements without realizing it. Rather than adding new materials, take inventory of the reflective surfaces you currently have to attempt the trend without changing what exists. Identify Existing High-Gloss Materials Walk through your rooms and notice which surfaces naturally catch the light. Your kitchen or bathroom may already have polished stone countertops that provide a subtle shine. Metallic light fixtures, cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures further contribute reflective moments throughout your home. Even certain types of flooring, like polished concrete or sealed hardwood, offer a gentle sheen. By simply keeping these surfaces clean and well-maintained, you highlight their glossy qualities without spending money on renovations. Consider Your Home's Exterior Elements The high-gloss aesthetic extends beyond your interior walls to your home's exterior features, including steel, which also offers practical benefits outside of the sleek design. For instance, garage doors made from this material are highly durable and require less maintenance than those made from alternatives. With their subtle shine, steel surfaces complement the clean lines that define modern architecture. They add visual interest to your home's facade without overwhelming the overall design, delivering both durability and good looks. How to Balance Glossy and Matte Finishes The secret to sophisticated design lies in contrast. Pairing high-gloss elements with matte surfaces, such as natural wood, linen textiles or flat-finish walls, prevents your space from feeling one-dimensional. This balance ultimately lets each texture stand out on its own. Consider painting your entry door in high-gloss black or navy for a stunning focal point, creating a sense of luxury against the surrounding dull walls and organic flooring. This single choice makes a big statement without costing much. Professional designers use this push-and-pull between textures to direct the eye and create visual interest. You can apply the same principle by selecting just one or two statement pieces with high shine and keeping everything else relatively subdued. Your Guide to a More Glamorous Home High gloss works with practically any design vision, bringing historical richness, creating the illusion of more space and adding instant luxury to your rooms. Start small by highlighting the glossy materials you already own, and then experiment with painted surfaces or new fixtures to add drama where you want it. Make it your home’s time to shine.
