Designer Crush: Michael Friedes

 

I grew up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan which definitely has its own vibe. My parents were very elegant and I was exposed to a savvy city lifestyle from an early age. When I moved to the Bay Area 15 years ago, I was really drawn to the relaxed, casual vibe and easy living. There is a sense of integrating the indoors with the outdoors, which I think leads to a more laid-back and relaxed lifestyle and look. My interiors definitely reflect that, and we always create spaces that are meant for enjoying and comfortable living, while still maintaining a certain order of crisp, clean lines and layers of art and textures.

 

 

It sounds crazy, but I was 14 years old. They were toying with the idea of moving and I convinced them it would be a great idea. I am the baby of the family, and at that point it was just my parents and me, so we moved to a smaller apartment, which I think helped sell the idea.

 

 

It’s funny, years ago I applied for a merchandising position at Ralph Lauren while I was still at Armani, and I remember I used some Armani fabrics in my presentation. Their feedback was that I was very talented but my presentation had too much of a European flair for their American sportswear look. Working at Armani for five years in my twenties definitely influenced my love of fine fabrics, clean lines and the idea of tonal colors including the introduction of “greige” (where grey and beige happily intersect). Years later when I did work with Ralph Lauren I got exposed to the concept of total lifestyle design. No one does it like Ralph Lauren. 

 

 

My favorite part of working with Pottery Barn Kids was going to the factories overseas and getting immersed in the prototype process. It really does take a village to make products and it speaks to my love of details.

 

 

I never thought I was going to leave New York City. But you never know where life is going to take you. I was ready for a change and loved the idea living in such a beautiful area. 

 

 

I recently completed a project in Sonoma that was such a pleasure to work on. I just love wine country, so I don’t really need an excuse to have to go there. Years ago, I did a very formal floor-thru co-op on Fifth Avenue that utilized my love of art and fine furniture. It really comes down to the diversity of each project more than the actual location. Although with that being said, I am still waiting for the Hawaii project to come knocking on my door!

 

 

Wow, that is the hardest question for sure. I am obsessed with music and play all different types of music all the time. I tend to get obsessed with a song and then play it so many times in a row until I can’t listen to it anymore. My favorite hits include; “Foolin’” by Dionne Bromfield, “That’s Alright with Me” by Andreya Triana and “Love is in the Air” by John Paul Young.

 

 

 

Chocolate!  Reformed chocoholic here.

  

 

Comedy! 

 

 

Sun and sand for sure. 

 

 

My friends are cracking up with this one for sure. Definitely sleep in – I’m not a morning person at all.

 

 

Hmm, tough one. But going to have to go with Queen B.