Interior Designer Interview: MICHAEL DEL PIERO

An Interview With Interior Designer: MICHAEL DEL PIERO will introduce us to the work and process of this innovative and exceptionally gifted Chicago-based tastemaker.

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!”

Isn’t this wall treatment amazing? Also went nuts for her Winnetka Classic interior.

Del Piero travels the world, collecting art and objects for her boutique Good Design and clients…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.”

Check out her English Colonial in Wilmette too!

Michael has not always worked in interior design. It is inspiring to learn of her backgroundin 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 our 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, INTERESTINGnINTERIOR DESIGN. THE KIND THAT REACHES OUT, GRABS YOU, AND THEN TAKES YOUR BREATH AWAY.

3. THE LOOKBOOK ON THE ALLSAINTS SPITAFIELDS WEBSITE!

This vignette (above) 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.”

What pure pleasure to learn more about this globally successful designstar!

In Chicago now through December 15, you can view the room Michael Del Piero designed for Chicago’s Dreamhome in The Merchandise Mart.

Peace to you right where you are.

michele