Studying interior architecture and working in the design industry has always been Anestis Michalis true desire and from a young age he developed a passion for styling spaces.
His actual career as an interior stylist began in 2006 and was appointed director of the Greek edition of Elle Decoration in 2009.
In 2012, Anestis decided to branch out on his own and began freelancing. Since then he has successfully collaborated with a variety of photographers and studios, offering his expertise as an interior and concept stylist to private and corporate clients.
His amazing work can be viewed at some of the most elaborate hotels and resorts around Mykonos, Santorini and all over Greece; plus other parts of the world.
Anestis absolute talent in design and his creative flair have also enabled him to team up with leading architectural firms, where he uses a minimalist approach to designing spaces aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Anestis chatted to GCT about his innovative work, as well as his ongoing love of styling.
Have you always had a passion for design?
Yes, I’ve always had an interest in styling and also for architecture. I remember when I was very young I would change my bedroom décor on a weekly basis. I would use furniture and other pieces from our ancestral home to style my room. As I became older, I realised my “hobby” could become a profession, which it did.
Where did you study?
I studied “Interior Architecture” in Athens at AKTO, which is a graduate programme from Middlesex University in London.
Where do you find inspiration for your creative work?
Anything can be a source of inspiration; fashion, music, arts, travelling, a scent, and so on.
What services do you provide to clients?
My main skills are in interior styling for residential homes, hotels, resorts and commercial spaces; my expertise is based around this. I’m responsible for styling these areas with furniture and décor and I use elements and principal components to style a pre-existing space. In terms of hotels and commercial spaces, I use aesthetics and the placement of certain objects to ensure a product is presented in the best manner. I always endeavor to apply aesthetics in a way which is appropriate and most beneficial to each client.
How would you describe your work?
Due to my many years of experience in magazines and collaborations with architectural agencies, I have learnt to think and act in a way which is individual and ideal to each project I undertake. The thing I can definitely characterise about my work though is its minimalism. I like the actual details of a space to be easily read, you only require a few but good items to make a statement.
Who have been a few of your major clients?
After a huge stint at the Greek edition of Elle Decoration as director, I have furthermore collaborated with large hotel groups in Greece and around the world; also with architectural agencies, offering my services as an interior stylist.
Which parts of Greece do you mostly work in?
Mykonos, Santorini and Athens.
What are some of your favourite colours and props for 2016?
I like handmade objects with textures which stimulate the senses, such as Astier de Villatte, the furniture and décor from the house of Progetto Domestico and select items from Gio Ponti. I prefer earthly shades and pastel colours; I don’t believe in trends, as they are always driven by commercial purposes.
What do you like most about working as an interior stylist?
The variety and uniqueness of each project, repetitive work bores me.
Would you like to work more overseas?
There are no boundaries to creativity, I like being introduced to new places and people of different cultures. It’s a very significant influence and part of strengthening my creativity; I already have collaborations that have surpassed the Greek borders.
For more of Anesti's work check out www.anestismichalis.com
* Photography by Vangelis Paterakis & Yiorgos Kordakis
