A Conversation with Michael Maher
We adore the work of New Jersey designer, Michael Maher, whose work blends timeless tradition with contemporary patterns and colors to design elegant, original living spaces.
Read about Michael below and learn more about his work on his website.
How did you get your start in interior design, and how have you seen the industry evolve around you?
My career started in decorative painting where I honed my eye for color, pattern and detail. Overtime, I realized my passion extended to creating entire spaces that were not only beautiful but also functioned well for the people living in them.
Interior design allowed me to combine my artistic skills and endless pursuit of learning and creating to bring meaningful designs to life.
What is your dream project?
My dream project would be a country hotel where nature blends seamlessly with refined design. I imagine a welcoming, well edited collection of furnishings and fabrics (lots of Seema Krish!) to create a layered look that feels timeless. The overall vibe would be sophisticated and inviting providing guests with both luxury and a connection to the natural beauty of the countryside.
What influences inform your design aesthetic?
History, travel and a constant thirst for learning all shape my designs aesthetic. The past is so rich with references! I find myself drawing inspiration from historical design elements, incorporating classic styles and timeless details that reflect the past but work well in the modern world today. Traveling exposes me to diverse cultural lifestyles, architecture and art forms which inform my design process with global influences and unique perspectives. I’m continually in search of new materials, sources and techniques to create one of a kind interiors for my clients.
What profession, other than design, would you consider pursuing?
If I was to start over again I would pursue a career in landscape architecture or dry stone walling or perhaps a combination of the two!
What places most inspire you?
I am most inspired by the country homes in Ireland and England with their centuries of history and some of the most amazing furniture and textiles I have ever seen.
What are your favorite patterns from our line of textiles and wallcoverings?
These fabrics caught my eye - Nantucket in Cove Blue (top) & Nandi in Monsoon Blue (bottom). I’m in the midst of a beach house, and these will be perfect there.
If you were to create a scheme using our textiles and wallcoverings in tandem, what patterns would you pair together?
I would love to use this combination for a cozy sitting room. The vine (Kengeri in Garden) would be the curtains, the ochre (Juhu in Goa Sand) on the sofa with the stripe (Bellary in Raspberry) and the dot (Surfside in Seaport Blue) fabrics as pillows all surrounded by the peach (Reyes in Rosé) wallpaper.
