If you follow steve mckenzie’s on other social media sites, you may have seen us mention Michelle Workman, a phenomenal interior designer, based out of Los Angeles and Chattanooga. Steve was recently commissioned to custom paint the walls in her space for the Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles 2016 Holiday House and we’ve been fortunate enough to get to know Michelle and her work over the last year and she’s an absolute talent! We hope you enjoy getting to know Michelle in this latest installment of our Tastemaker series…
Born in Los Angeles, California, Michelle’s penchant for the craft was almost immediately apparent. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of her mother chauffeuring her about the neighborhoods to take in the endless array of visually arresting homes. As a budding young designer, Michelle frequently took pleasure in envisioning and fashioning her very own custom designed forts.
Described by those who know her as an “easygoing perfectionist,” Michelle’s philosophy is that interior design should embody the spirit and architectural style of the individual whose home is being transformed – literally, a physical manifestation of the client’s most inherent attributes. Michelle’s signature style is a mingling of the modern and vintage. And her engaging personality, calming demeanor and exquisite attention-to-detail continually instill confidence in her clients as she brings into being for them their one-of-a-kind dream home.
1. Three words that describe your aesthetic?
Elegant, Glamorous, Exuberant
2. Would you please share a little about your favorite space/project to date?
Hmmmm. Not sure I have a favorite, each project is so unique and a new adventure, they all have aspects to them that are favored!
3. What’s the source(s) of your inspiration?
Usually the client is the inspiration, but when I do a showhouse or exhibition I make up a person that I want as a client and I design for them.
4. Name three people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party…
Marie Antoinette, I have so many questions for her, politically, but also she was a revolutionary when it came to style. Ginger Rogers, she seems like not only talented but down to earth and bubbly and wise.. I bet she would have great stories about old Hollywood. Alexa Hampton, she’s a great designer but is also very well read and knows everything about design and design history, and she’s one of the funniest people in our industry. I think that would be a lively dinner party!
5. A piece of/type of furniture you couldn’t live without?
A chair. and another chair, and two more chairs, and then one more chair. I like chairs… oh and lamps too.
6. Do you follow a particular set of rules when mixing textures, finishes, etc. – how do they work for you?
I work very hard to bring disparate elements into harmony, the overriding rule is balance.
7. Trending… What is something you are currently “into” and something you are “over?”
Into… ART DECO. Over… gray and beige and taupe, drab, drab, drab.
8. How does artwork fit into your designs?
I try to use local and emerging artists. I love to get original pieces for clients even if they are not investment grade – I like to support young new artists this way.
9. What would be the one thing you would have if you were stranded on a deserted island?
A kindle with wifi.
10. Please share a piece of advice you’d offer to someone looking to break into the interior design industry.
Avail yourself of museums, and historic tours, and anything that will show you the finer things in life. Try to find things for your clients that are unique and one of a kind… not from big box stores.
Thank you Michelle! It’s been such a pleasure working with you and being a part of your outstanding designs!!
