In the world of high-end interior design, where style trends ebb and flow, few names command as much respect and admiration as Anthony Michael. For more than three decades, Michael has been transforming spaces into refined expressions of individuality and sophistication—earning his place as one of Chicago’s most distinguished design talents and a trusted creative force for clients around the globe.
A Journey Shaped by Culture and Curiosity
Anthony Michael’s story begins not in the halls of commercial studios, but in the vibrant design capitals of New York City and Paris—places where art, architecture, and culture collide. It was in these environments that Michael honed a uniquely versatile design sensibility, blending classical principles with a bold willingness to explore the unexpected. This early immersion into diverse styles continues to inform his work, enabling him to adapt effortlessly to different tastes, contexts, and architectural narratives.
Chicago may serve as his creative home base, but Michael’s influence extends far beyond. With offices in both Chicago and Los Angeles, his firm, Anthony Michael Interior Design, serves an array of clients from metropolitan hubs like New York and Miami to luxury enclaves such as Naples, Scottsdale, and the Bahamas.
Mastering the Art of Visual Storytelling
At the heart of Michael’s approach is a belief that design is less about following trends and more about storytelling—visual narratives that resonate with how his clients live, feel, and aspire. His interiors are timeless yet dynamic, comfortable yet refined, and always deeply personal. Whether the project is a luxury residence, a specialty restaurant, a private yacht, or even an aircraft interior, Michael tackles each assignment with a signature blend of spatial intelligence, exuberant creativity, and meticulous attention to detail.
Clients are drawn to his skillful use of color and texture, and to the way he orchestrates materials and light to shape unforgettable environments. “Anthony is to interior design what Sir Alec Guinness was to acting,” reads one description of his work—an apt metaphor that captures both his range and depth. Like a master performer, Michael effortlessly moves between different stylistic “roles,” embracing bold moments without ever letting them feel out of place.
Awards and Accolades
Michael’s design acumen hasn’t gone unnoticed. His firm has been repeatedly recognized by the influential home design community Houzz, winning the Best of Houzz Award in multiple years for both design excellence and outstanding customer satisfaction—a distinction bestowed by a community of design professionals and homeowners alike. His projects have also appeared in prestigious publications including House Beautiful, Traditional Home, LUXE Interiors + Design, Modern Luxury, and The Wall Street Journal. These features highlight not only his aesthetic vision but also his ability to craft spaces that elevate everyday living into an art form.
Design Philosophy: Balance with Bravery
What sets Anthony Michael apart in a crowded field of talented professionals is his fearless yet thoughtful design philosophy. He understands that great design requires balance—between form and function, boldness and restraint, classic sensibilities and contemporary needs. He doesn’t shy away from striking juxtapositions, but every bold choice is grounded in purpose and harmony. A hallmark of Michael’s interiors is their ability to feel comfortable yet luxurious, expressive yet timeless. His projects often feature rich palettes, layered textures, and layered lighting schemes that invite exploration and experience, not just admiration. Whether it’s a grand penthouse or an intimate family home, each space is curated with a sense of rhythm and narrative that feels both elegantly considered and joyfully lived-in.
Collaboration and Client Experience
For Michael, design is inherently collaborative. He works closely with clients from concept to completion, ensuring that each design reflects the client’s personality and lifestyle. His process is both engaging and meticulous, built on clear communication, deep listening, and a genuine partnership that encourages clients to be active participants in shaping their environment. It’s this commitment to partnership that often results in spaces that are not only beautiful but deeply meaningful. Testimonials from clients describe the experience as transformative—where every detail, from wall coverings to custom lighting, contributes to a sense of living in a space that feels uniquely theirs.
Beyond Interiors: Thought Leadership and Influence
Michael’s influence isn’t confined to built spaces. Through his blog and industry insights, he explores future trends, design principles, and the evolving role of technology in shaping interiors. His commentary on the intersection of tradition and innovation positions him not just as a creator of spaces, but as a thought leader contributing to the broader conversation about design’s role in modern life.
Designing for Legacy
After more than 35 years in the industry, Anthony Michael continues to push creative boundaries while staying true to the foundational values that first inspired him: passion, curiosity, and a deep respect for the art of design. His work proves that interiors are not merely decor—but carefully composed environments that shape how people live, connect, and thrive. For those seeking a designer who combines craftsmanship with vision, and sophistication with heart, Anthony Michael stands as a paragon of timeless elegance and transformative design.
“My job is to take what [clients] have, to take what their tastes are and clearly define, refine and put it in a setting that makes sense.”
“Fortune favors the bold.”