Meet Michelle Nussbaumer, the extraordinary interior designer behind House Beautiful’s 2019 Kitchen of the Year<\/a>. What makes Michelle’s kitchen so special? Well, for starters, she didn’t just design one kitchen in her home\u2014she designed FOUR kitchens, each more dramatic, eye-catching and luxurious than the next! Join us as we learn more about our favorite maximalist designer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michelle’s interior design career has reigned for 30 years. When Michelle is not designing projects around the world and leading her renowned showroom, Ceylon et Cie<\/a>, she’s searching for her next source of inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From a stunning Mayan-inspired mural to dramatic accents of our Rosso Marquina trim tile around the window, Michelle left no detail forgotten. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why did you choose to incorporate Rosso Marquina?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It’s stunning, bold and dramatic. From all of The Tile Shop’s beautiful marbles, I felt this one stood out, and I knew that I could create something special with it,” Michelle explained. “I also love the variety of profiles and trim<\/a>. There are so many fantastic ways to use it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michelle beautifully executed the colorful cabinetry kitchen trend<\/a>. On one end of the kitchen stands daring blue and soft pink cabinets to lighten the mood of the kitchen. The opposite side of the space displays dominate, black cabinetry with a unique sculptural design. The strong contrast between the opposing cabinets completes the kitchen’s dramatic presentation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did you create the black sculptural cabinets?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I had in my inspiration folders for many years\u2014a Louise Nevelson sculpture that I had taken a picture of in New York,” Michelle said. “I have been thinking for years of a way to create cabinetry based off this. I literally glued all of the pieces on with the carpenter and it took forever!” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tell us about the iconic mural! What inspired you to pick this piece and recreate it on wallpaper? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I was looking for an art deco bar that felt like we were somewhere else in time and yet still current. I had taken the photo of the mural years ago and saved it. With the help of Paul Montgomery studios<\/a>, we brought to life the spectacular image. It\u2019s based on the story written by Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book<\/em>,” Michelle said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michelle continued designing with the opulent theme with Marmi Classico Nero Venato Silk<\/a> Porcelain tile flooring. The white and gold veining, satin-black marble look and soft finish make this selection as smooth as it is sleek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Behold, the art of maximalism. Maximalists strive to design bolder, brighter, busier and bigger. With “more is more” in mind, Michelle designed her kitchen with personality, worldly wallpapers and bohemian decor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does maximalism in design mean to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Minimalism has reigned for many years. However, I have always been a maximalist. While others were doing less, I have been holding the course for more,” Michelle explained. “It\u2019s just simply what I\u2019ve always been drawn to and loved since the beginning of my career. I guess the rest of the world finally caught up.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“People should live in what makes them happy.”\u2014Michelle Nussbaumer, founder of Ceylon et Cie<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
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What is your response to people who are afraid of designing boldly?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Beige and white are not colors. I live and design in Technicolor. I personally don\u2019t ever want to live in a sterile, white-box type of laboratory. I think that people should live in what makes them happy. For me, that\u2019s pattern. There are so many ways to incorporate color and pattern, and I think sometimes people forget about the floors, which are an easy place to start,” Michelle said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michelle incorporated Provenzal Black’s<\/a> rustic shape to help increase the room’s old-world appeal.
Featured: Provenzal Black<\/a> and Noir Honed Durand<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nFeatured: Provenzal Black<\/a> and Noir Honed Durand<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n What is your favorite kitchen out of all of the Kitchen of the Year spaces?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That would be really hard to choose,” Michelle replied. “But I would say that I feel most at home in the Art Kitchen. It is my own private space, so I created a room that is very personal to me. It\u2019s comfortable, cozy and inviting. And quite a few of my favorite things are in this room.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Speakeasy: Whimsical, Creative & Amusing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Featured: Marmi Classico Nero Venato Silk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Eye-catching looks of stone and glamorous gold features create an ambiance of grandeur and charm. Stone-look tiles perfectly elevate this space with their rich stone appearance and the durability of porcelain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Featured: Corona Perla<\/a> and Marmi Classico Nero Venato Silk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n What do you like most about working with tile?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I love tile, and I love any material that create new patterns and backdrops for my design. The Tile Shop has such a huge array, and there are so many ways to combine your products<\/a> and create something so completely individual and different. I mixed faux-marble porcelain tiles with real marble to create a very luxurious and sumptuous space,” Michelle said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you have the same design taste and ambition as Michelle, but lack the design expertise? Have no fear! Let us take the intimidation out of the equation. Schedule a free design consultation<\/a> with one of our tile design experts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find more interior design inspiration at House Beautiful<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Follow Michelle Nussbaumer<\/a>, Ceylon et Cie<\/a> and House Beautiful<\/a> on Instagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All photography by Douglas Friedman<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"