seasonal changes
Photo Credit: Cameron Cressman
The new Amd studio
Checking in on 2024, as the leaves change and we enter the last half of the year. We have been planning and working behind the scenes, mainly on our new studio in downtown Mill Valley. Originally we had found a space in Larkspur, and had some unforeseen issues come up. We were able to pivot, and at the same time this space became available. Looking back I believe it was a sign, and I am so grateful to be in my favorite town.
Photo Credit: Cameron Cressman
The new office boasts a pretty working environment for the AMD Team with plenty of storage to house all our samples, a welcoming space for vendor / client meetings and a small showroom that displays our curated range of pillows, decor, art, bedding and more available on our website: MARKET by Anja Michals.
Photo Credit: Cameron Cressman
When designing the space, I wanted to create a working environment that was functional yet true to the AMD ethos of delivering a lived-in comfort, infused with eclectic and thoughtful personalization. The main focal point is our big round table, Vintage chairs, and a fun pendant that is semi-custom and adds a statement to the space. I wanted it to feel comfortable, inviting and playful.
summer travels
With an amazing team behind me, I was able to travel to Italy this summer, all whilst the moving in process was going on into the new studio. For me, travel is essential, it keeps me inspired and moving forward in my own design direction and time stops when I go to Europe. We went back to Rome, as it is one of my favorite cities. There are not many places that exist where you can see the oldest architecture that exists, in a modern bustling city. I think it can be romantic, or a trip as a family. Some personal highlights:
Hotel Russie: we stayed at the classic Hotel Russie, with one of the most beautiful courtyards to sit and take it all in.
The Pantheon in Rome was incredible. The entrance and doors take your breath away and the mix of materials from so long ago that are still relevant and inspiring designs of today.
Me and my boys at the Colosseum.
From Rome, we then made our way to Puglia, a souther region forming the heel of Italy’s “boot,” and a place that has been on my bucket list for years. Olive Tree Orchards meets the sea, with beautiful farm to table food and white washed towns near by. Some highlights:
Cypress trees and Locorotondl, my favorite white wash town that we visited
Hotel Masseria Calderisi, a 17th Century farm set amongst olive groves and the delicious truffle ravioli at Ostuni restaurant which serves the best home cooked Italian food.
delivering our biggest project yet
As Summer wrapped up, we also wrapped up our largest project to date our #ClassicCalifornia property in the idyllic suburb of Piedmont, Oakland. This was a wonderful project to work on where we brought to life an outdated classic property with beautiful bones, creating a chic, modern family home with meaningful spaces. A full residential interior design remodel that included new white oak flooring throughout, white oak custom staircase, kitchen featuring a family living room, banquette area and butler's pantry, formal living room with a games space and wet bar, powder room as well as new lighting and furnishings throughout and a new bar space in the lower level lounge room.
Photo Credit: Jessica Burke
We titled this project California Classic, reflective of the young vibrant family that lives there. Playful yet classic over time with this common thread throughout. The use of White oak throughout warmed up the spaces and brought an element of comfort in. A mix of prints and colors in some of the rooms also gives it a fun twist.
Photo Credit: Jessica Burke
Photo Credit: Jessica Burke
Photo Credit: Jessica Burke
closing out 2024
As we move into Winter, we aim to close 2024 out on a high note. This month we are hosting a party to celebrate the launch of our new office and will see our work published in Rue Magazine as well as in AD Italy in December. We hope to see you there!
From a client perspective, we have several projects in exciting phases. Our Seattle houseboat project is in the Demo-framing stage. This is an outdated house on the water, that we hope to transform into a jewel box of a home, with midcentury elements throughout.
We are also working full steam on our Orinda project which has soft soothing vibes, nothing short of classic, beautiful and functional.
Finally, as always sharing some of the things I am coveting this Fall-Winter Season:
I love Nili Lotan for their silhouettes and beautiful shapes - these jeans feel right to wear day to night. I’m also loving the casual chic feeling this ISABEL MARANT sweater gives off and this classic Anine Bing blazer.
ABOUT THE AUTOR
Anja Michals is an award-winning interior designer who prioritizes lived-in comfort and streamlined spaces infused with eclectic and thoughtful personalization. Her creative inspiration comes from her Scandanavian roots, traveling, nature, and the relaxed vibe of Southern California.
