Editor’s Note: Introducing one of our newest Haute Design members: Michael Miller of Centaur Interiors! Michael founded Centaur Interiors in 2010 as a firm specializing in turnkey solutions for high-end residential renovations. Based in Chicago, IL, Michael created a collaborative environment and network of industry experts including craftsmen, licensed tradesmen, architects, designers, and project managers, working in harmony to produce superior results. Centaur Interiors is redefining the art of building with their services including development, consulting, design-build, construction management, general contracting, interior architecture/design, furnishings, and art procurement.

Photo Credit: Tony Soluri

What is your background and what made you want to pursue interior design? 

I have a background in mechanical design and engineering. I did take some architecture classes as well, but never a degree. From an early age I was always sketching out my dream home, and even remodeling my parent’s house and bedroom when I was 12, so I knew I had a passion for design/aesthetics. Everywhere I go I consume design, architecture, and engineering in stores, restaurants, hotels, etc. It’s almost a part of my DNA to evaluate the design, what I like, or how I feel I can make this better. I use this for inspiration on our projects. It’s a lifestyle and rooted deep inside.

Why did you start Centaur Interiors? 

I started CI as I found a large void in our industry for a single source conception to completion company. There was a standard architect-designer-GC model and it did not serve the client well. Nobody was ever on the same page and the client needed much more education to make informed decisions. At our firm, we are doing pricing within the design phase so the client is informed on the costs to make educated decisions. Within the last 5 years with my growing passion for art, we added an in-house gallery and also developed my digital art system Apollo which is launching in May. We are a true turnkey concept to completion firm specializing in high-end residential consulting + design + build + furnishings + artwork.

Photo Credit: Tony Soluri

What makes Centaur different than other Interior Design firms? 

Our process and relentless attention to detail. From the inception, we take our clients on a journey to understand their lifestyle and how they will interact with their homes. Through this, we understand their passions and style and can incorporate this within their designs. This process flows seamlessly into construction management and execution. Our team understands the focal points and the client’s priorities. We utilize technology to visually represent each aspect of the project for the client to make informed decisions. Within our design studios in Chicago & Dallas clients can see and experience several different finishes and details to learn what works well for them.

What is your mission as an interior designer? 

To be the best at what we do. Our team is extremely vital in providing a high level of passion to each and every project. We are constantly learning new finishes & techniques and also levering new technologies to keep our firm cutting edge. The goal is to listen to the client to understand their needs and developing a program within our process that works well for them.

Photo Credit: Tony Soluri

Why did you choose to base out of Chicago? 

I was born and raised in Chicago and have a large passion for the city. We reside in the Museum Park Campus and our office & showroom are located within the Gallery District in River North. Chicago has a long-standing history with high-end architecture and many of the most prestigious designers & architects have made a mark on this city. We look forward to building on this and leaving a legacy. Our commitment to our clients has taken us to multiple cities in the US including Dallas & South Florida where we have current projects underway.

What kind of projects are on the horizon for the firm? 

We perform a great deal of high-rise work and specialize in combining residences starting with an amazing space plan. Our boutique firm is growing and we look forward to taking on a more significant role in full concept to completion work. I feel clients are finding a great deal of value in this as we are able to assess and advise the clients throughout this process & journey. We are currently working on about 10 projects which are in the Gold Coast, River North, and Streeterville in Chicago, and a couple of projects in Miami, and one in Dallas. Anything that we can make an authentic stamp on for our clients. I could not be more excited about the launch of our digital art system Apollo. This is coupling high design with amazing proprietary technology & world-renowned artists. Stay tuned for this as we gear up for our launch.

Find out more about Michael Miller and Centaur Interiors by visiting his profile here.

The post Haute Designer Michael Miller On What Makes Centaur Interiors A One-Of-A-Kind Design Firm appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Editor's note: Originally founded in 1998 in New York City, MS2 Design Studio, Inc. is a full-service design firm that specializes in high-end residential design. “We handle every aspect of the design process,” says Principal, Michael Scigliano. We want our clients not to have to lift a finger.  We are a design firm, yet offer so much more to help in our client’s busy lives.  Our clients have come to enjoy and rely on our services.”

Today, Michael Scigliano takes Haute Design through one of his recent projects from Miami Beach. 

Photo Credit: Troy Campbell Studio

The home was built in the 1920s and was recently renovated through the teamwork of architect, Kobi Karp, and builder, Probuilt Group. An addition was added for a large Master Bedroom Suite, pool, cabana suite, etc.  The house is a 2 story, approximately 4,450 sq ft, 4 Bedroom with on-suite bathrooms, plus a separate, private Cabana Suite above the Outdoor Kitchen and extra-large Master Suite.

Photo Credit: Troy Campbell Studio

Photo Credit: Troy Campbell Studio

The client wanted a darker, more masculine feel for the home. MS2 Design used custom Vahallan handmade wall coverings in the Family Room/Kitchen Area, as well as the Master Bedroom. We selected furnishings from B&B Italia, Flexform, Luminaire, Michael Dawkins Home, and area rugs by Kyle Bunting.

Photo Credit: Troy Campbell Studio

Photo Credit: Troy Campbell Studio

As well as many custom-designed pieces from MS2 Design Studio, like the Blacked Steel and Smoked Glass Floating TV Cabinet, Blacked Steel Passages, Master Bedroom Floating Bed and Cabinet, and Cabana Bedroom Millwork.

Photo Credit: Troy Campbell Studio

Photo Credit: Troy Campbell Studio

The post Michael Scigliano Of MS2 Design Studio Walks Us Through His Recent Miami Beach Design Project appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Actress, singer, and dancer Ashley Tisdale announced her own interior design company Frenshe Interiors, which is named after her lifestyle blog Frenshe. Tisdale, 35, launched her company posting a picture via Instagram on February 24 of a kitchen she renovated with her father and contractor, Michael Tisdale.

“Welcome to my passion project! Over the years I’ve gotten to work with some amazing interior designers and learned a lot about myself in the process,” she captioned the post. “My dad and I have started to work together on projects for other clients and I can’t wait to share with you. This page will have my own work and also designs that inspire me.”

On March 4, Tisdale officially announced her company on her Frenshe blog titled “Introducing My New Passion Project: Frenche Interiors.” In the blog post, Tisdale goes into detail about her home renovation process, which unlocked her love for design.

“We were looking to move to our dream area over the last couple of years and when we got the chance we jumped at it even though the house was falling apart,” she wrote when describing bringing her house back to life.

The project began as a personal home renovation project, which turned into her new interior design business. The renovated home is located in Los Angeles’s Los Feliz neighborhood and was sold for $5.78 million.

Tisdale included before and after pictures of the property, so people can see how her vision came to life. Alongside her dad, Tisdale maintained the integrity of the home, while renovating much of the home including the roof, windows, and floors.

In February, Tisdale announced via Instagram that she took the Kelly Wearstler Masterclass. The masterclass is a 17-part course that takes aspiring designers through the world of interior design while perfecting their style through patterns, light, materials, architecture, and furniture.

For more information about Tisdale’s interior design jobs and accumulated knowledge visit Frenshe Interior’s Instagram.

The post Ashley Tisdale Launches Interior Design Company: Frenshe Interiors appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.