Destination Style
Q&A
with Michael Del Piero By Laura Malloy
Home and Décor caught up with MICHAEL DEL PIERO principal of Chicago-based Michael Del Piero Good Design to see what it took to create the luxurious rooms featured in Visions of Design. Through their harmonious and sophisticated interiors, Michael and her team have earned acclaim from high-end clients in New York, Chicago and Buenos Aires.
Where did you draw inspiration from when decorating this home? My inspiration came from the client’s description of what they wanted blended with my love of beautiful objects and furnishings. They asked for a friendly, comfortable space styled in traditional contemporary with a worldly sophistication! What is your favourite element in this project? My favourite element in the home is the antique rug in the living room. It is soft and luxurious yet very simple and unusual. It really makes the space come together. 50
Home Décor and Renovations | November 2010
How do your designs bring a home together? It is a priority for me in my work to bring a home together with the colour palette. This does not mean a boring, non-descript palette! I prefer to use neutrals yet I like to mix them in unusual ways. In this project, I use the combination of warm and cool neutrals throughout. The space is then splashed with mid-toned colours such as teal and gold. What tips can you offer readers who want to decorate their homes for the holidays? Since I tend to work with organic and natural elements, I always use natural products for holiday decorating. I love oversized bowls filled to the brim with huge pinecones and glass spheres. Using white lights and masses of greens with magnolia leaves works in my designs as I love the “wrong” side on the magnolia leaf as it dries. This deep amber colour really brings the holiday greens to life.
[ Photos courtesy of Janet Mesic Mackie, featured in Visions of Design by Panache Partners ]
I tend to work with organic and natural elements, I always use natural products for holiday decorating. 51