We’re honored to have the opportunity to share the latest designer to participate in our Tastemaker Tuesday blog series – the brilliant Michael Devine! Not only is Michael an amazingly talented designer, his fabric collection is to die for, and he’s now an author! In fact, we carry Michael’s brand new book, An Invitation to the Garden, at steve mckenzie’s… So be sure to check it out next time you visit the showroom!
Now, we’re thrilled to share Michael’s Tastemaker Tuesday responses with you:
Michael Devine was raised in Illinois, where his passion for all aspects of design was nurtured. He studied art history at the Ecole du Louvre, French at the Sorbonne and cooking at the Ritz Escoffier. It was during his two years of living in Paris that honed his eye and continues to inspire his work. He returned to New York and spent over six years as a style and party editor at HFN Magazine where he covered the glittering design world on both sides of the Atlantic. It was this experience that gave him the drive to create his bespoke fabric collection of modern traditional hand prints, which are known for their desirable chic hand crafted look. Michael left the magazine world in 2006 to pursue his design passion full time. He found a charming property in the upstate village of Kinderhook, New York where he continues to refine his aesthetic and craft in his studio.
1. What are three words that describe your aesthetic?
Layered, contemporary and classic
2. Would you please share a little about your favorite space/project to date?
My favorite project has to be my new book, An Invitation to the Garden. I really enjoyed the entire process, as well as the freedom to be totally creative. It was a rare opportunity to have to have so much latitude, which I owe to my amazing Editor Sandy Gilbert, and publisher Rizzoli International.
3. What’s the source of your inspiration?
My imagination.
4. Name three people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party…
Aerin Lauder, I love her style, Jennifer Boles of The Peak of Chic, her wit and charm make her an ideal guest, and Marion McEvoy, she is a constant inspiration and so much fun.
5. What’s a piece of/type of furniture you couldn’t live without?
A good bed- without a decent nights sleep the next day is a waste.
6. Do you follow a particular set of rules when mixing textures, finishes, etc. – how do they work for you?
No, I just do whatever seems right at the time.
7. Trending… What is something you are currently “into” and something you are “over?”
I am into the very classic, haute French cuisine that nobody does anymore. The complexities of creating it are fascinating.
I am over Kale. Enough already with the kale. It tastes like rubber.
8. How does artwork fit into your designs?
I spend a lot of time in museums and am in constant in awe of the complex color combinations I find in the 17th and 18th century paintings.
9. What would be the one thing you would have if you were stranded on a deserted island?
The complete works of Balzac.
10. Please share a piece of advice you’d offer to someone looking to break into the interior design industry…
Find a mentor. Their support and guidance are invaluable.
We’re so grateful to Michael for taking part in our Tastemaker Tuesday series – we’re sure our readers will find you as fascinating as we do. And to those readers, come in and check out Michael’s new book… The inspiration it provides is absolutely endless!