BY JUDY CARMACK BROSS
A doctor, a lawyer, and a social media executive recently turned to Anthony Michael, highly regarded for his high-end luxury design, to create new lifestyles in living. Anthony explained:
“There are many young men coming to Chicago in the last year due to the influx of technology companies, many of whom are bachelors. Even though they might be thirty-plus, their apartments have continued to look like college dorms, with milk crates, build-it-yourself pieces, and hand-me-down furniture as staples of their décor. Each was ready for a more sophisticated style and turned to us.”
Anthony Michael.
Bachelor Number One, who works for a large social media firm, contacted Anthony when he purchased a two-story Lakeview condominium. A West Point and Harvard graduate, he visited the newly restored Chicago Athletic Association and that look really resonated with him.
“He wanted something cozy and masculine—but not too masculine that a potential girl friend would immediately feel uncomfortable and be compelled to change everything. Mementos from his West Point days—his cadet uniform, framed pennants, medals, and a military sword—are part of the décor. His favorite spot is probably the game room, which is accented with large playing cards.”
Very tailored tweeds and plaids are used in addition to men’s suiting fabric, one in gray flannel, on sofas and chairs. Anthony described the overall look as cozy, dark, and almost moody.
“We added interesting color contrasts with walls and moldings, black with white trim on one floor, the reverse on the other. Old foundry forms and antique boxes placed on top of each other work well in the décor.”
Bachelor Number Two, a partner at a major Chicago law firm, loves to entertain and requested a bold look for the restoration of his Lakeview condominium. The day after he moved in was Halloween, and Anthony and Kurt Miller, the firm’s marketing director, whipped everything together in time for a packed party. “Our bachelor was looking for the ‘wow factor,’ for which Anthony is a master,” Kurt said.
Anthony described how the “wow factor” plays out:
“As you walk in to his home, there are two five-feet-tall lamps on a long table—quite a dramatic look. We used black and white stripes and little three-dimensional figures climbing up walls. Accent pieces include a gold tree trunk console with custom bronzed mirrored top.”
Bachelor Number Three is a doctor and a minister:
“When he bought a new two-level condominium in Andersonville, he confessed that he was ready to get rid of the hodgepodge of hand-me-down and over-used furniture. It is now very grown up, polished, and gender neutral. The new look is reflected in the moody blue velvet used on a custom-made sofa, the original art, a striking alabaster piece, and religious artifacts.”
Bachelor Number Three recently participated in a progressive dinner for residents of his apartment building, with guests arriving at his place for dessert. Like other Anthony Michael’s designs, everyone said they wished their apartments looked like his bachelor pad.
