Prepare yourselves for a sensual feast.
Take a deep breath.
If you are like me, your pulse will soon quicken
as images from this designer's portfolio render you woozy.
M I C H A E L D E L P I E R O
creates harmonious and nuanced spaces
for discerning clients.
I've admired her work for years so it was
so lovely of her to take time out to chat
for
...AN INSPIRED LIFE.
Many of the images posted here are from her Chicago boutique.
See additional interiors here.
I asked Michael how she captures so much
depth and tactile interest without introducing clutter.
"This is my specialty!
I love things with impact and texture.
If you use too many, you lose impact.
If you use to few, you lose interest.
I work hard to accomplish just the right
balance to create depth, interest, and serenity."
Del Piero employs "A specific color palette, oversized art and objects, and simple fabrics which scream with texture and not pattern help to create the look!"
Spaces designed by Michael reflect such thoughtfulness
and creativity, yet she is quick to graciously point out
how she honors it in others.
"I believe creativity shows up all around us everyday!
I see it in places where one might think it doesn't
exist such as the office of my accountant and my electrician.
The work they perform on my behalf is always surprisingly
creative and contributes to my life greatly!"
The Chicago-based designer is drawn to "Things that lean in just the right way"
for their artistic interest and beauty.
A few years ago, photos of one of Michael's projects grabbed me, and I immediately thought
"this designer has genuine spiritual depth."
"I am a spiritual person and believe we as humans
have been created by a higher power.
What could be more creative and inspiring?
We are a masterpiece!"
Del Piero travels the world, collecting art and objects
but she doesn't seek perfection.
"I seek out the imperfect!
I have always found the irregular, bumpy,
discolored, oddly shaped, worn and unusual
the most beautiful.
The look and feel of something created by hand,
found, used and weathered is unmatched in its
perfection to that which is clean, shiny and even."
I asked the designer about how she uses contrasts.
"I love the mix of warm with cool.
I think this is not an easy task to get this to work.
The muted gray with the toned down gold is a favorite."
Michael has not always worked in interior design.
It is inspiring to learn of her background
in the corporate world as an executive coach.
"The transition has been what I refer to as 'in the flow.'
I started doing what I loved, coaching others to have
what they wanted in their professional life.
The transition to have what I wanted in mine happened easily.
I began purchasing cool things at the flea markets
around the world, selling them and ultimately placing
them in the homes of the owners.
I'm still helping folks have what they want
in their lives in a different format!"
Michael's idea of the PERFECT CLIENT?
"Confident, open minded, trusting.
If they have taste, I pray for the budget to match.
If they have a good budget, I pray for taste."
There are some incredible artists with works
represented at Good Design...can you tell us about them?
"I am a huge fan of Lucy Slivinski, Joe Boudreau,
Connie Noyes and Michael Thompson.
I rank them right up there with my all time
favorites Willem de Kooning and Jean DuBuffet."
Tip for editing your stuff:
"Keep what you love! If you have more than one closet
or storage locker full of stuff you are not using, PURGE."
What inspires this brilliant creative soul at the moment?
1.
A GREAT SMILE.
2.
GOOD, CLEAN, INTERESTING
INTERIOR DESIGN. THE KIND
THAT REACHES OUT, GRABS YOU,
AND THEN TAKES YOUR BREATH AWAY.
3.
THE LOOKBOOK ON THE
ALLSAINTS SPITAFIELDS WEBSITE!
This vignette makes me SMILE!
Does humor play a significant role in your work or life?
"Humor is VERY important in my life.
I work on large scale projects, and it is
impossible for an entire project to complete without
numerous 'issues.' If I couldn't laugh about the
mishaps, I'd be in BIG trouble!
Humor lightens the serious, negative and
down right mean."
Good Design
What pure pleasure to learn more
about this globally successful designstar!
In Chicago now through December 15,
you can view the room
in The Merchandise Mart.
