Michael Ostrow, Design Expert

Born and raised in New York, Michael began his design career early -- rearranging his bedroom furniture at the age of eight, creating bookshelf "design-scapes" using cars, toy soldiers and architectural blocks, and acquiring a fond affection for wallpaper. After moving to Los Angeles in 1989, Michael spent a few years in the film and television industry, and soon shifted his career towards furniture and interior design where he excelled. In 2000, Michael and his partner, Roger Stoker, opened a high-end furnishings and interiors showroom, called Grace Home Furnishings, fondly named after their chocolate Lab, Grace. From designing interiors for high-end clients to creating the successful Grace Home furniture collection, Michael has been able to create a design landscape that incorporates his own marketable aesthetic to clients worldwide.

How would you describe your personal style?
My style has evolved a lot as I’ve gotten older. If I needed to define it with a phrase I would call it "classic with a twist.” I also like my design to have a sense of humor and fun, because I hate when rooms take themselves too seriously. I guess I kind of dress that way too—I probably have about 30 white shirts, each is just a little different from the next.

How do you stay on top of industry trends?
Well, of course, there are the trade magazines and furniture shows to attend. The shelter magazines focus on showing you what is hot right now. If you are a good and observant designer though you have already spotted the trend they are highlighting. A word of advice: A good designer does not necessarily follow trends in their interiors. A trend can make an interior seem dated very quickly, and sometimes a simple nod to a trend in a pillow or an accessory can often be enough.

Can you share your most memorable experience with Heidi?
There are so many. One of the things that I admire about Heidi is her work ethic. When we go to parties she is hosting or is the guest of honor at, she doesn't hang out with us. She meets and greets everyone, she chats, and sparkles. She is not a slacker, and I love to watch her work. Whether she is working on camera or off, she is focused and intent on getting the job done well.

What is the single most important tip in decorating a house?
Know how you want your house to “feel” to both your family everyday and your guests when they visit. Everything else follows that. The house should be a reflection of your personality and the way you see domestic life.

Who else's work in the industry do you admire?
For current designers, I would say I am a great fan of the clean, classic, elegant style of Barbara Barry. I love how she touches everything and infuses it with charm and grace. Designers of the past I love are Frances Elkins, Mark Hampton, David Hicks, William Hanes, Dorothy Draper and, if you go back even further, Horace Walpole and William Morris.

Describe an ideal client?
Someone who knows what they want, can make a decision, and is open to options and suggestions. I also like when they have a sense of humor and a sense of fun. The decorating process should be fun and exciting.

What surprises you most about your industry?
The industry had changed a lot in the last 20 years. Design is really not so esoteric and inaccessible any more, which I think is great.  People want their houses to reflect their tastes not the taste of a designer. I love when a client and I share a vision for how they imagine they want their interiors to be.

What is your ultimate career dream?
I would love to spend more time designing furniture. That was always the goal when we opened Grace Home Furnishings. When you work with clients, you learn what they need, what they like, and what they are looking for. I’d like to be able to apply that knowledge to furniture design. I love traveling and being inspired by a vintage or antique piece we may pick up and adapting it for the way we live now.