Mikel Welch
PHOTO BY JOHN BESSLER
What are three words to describe your style? 1. Primitive 2. Modern 3. Clean
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? My brother and I shared a 10x14 bedroom with bunk beds that later converted to twins beds. We had bright red textured carpet and dressers that matched our bunk beds. Best of all was the 1980’s TV with rabbit ears that we’d smack around when the screen wasn’t clear.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? The first invest piece was my sofa. I had my eye on a tailored slipcovered linen sofa that was the perfect balance of comfort and lounging!
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? I would hire Amber Interiors or Michael Del Piero. (Please don’t make me choose...lol)
No room is complete without accessories.
People think of me as outgoing, but I am really an introvert.
Things you omit from:
1) A flower arrangement: Sunflowers
2) An hors d’oeuvre platter: Jam/Jelly/Preserves
3) A bar cabinet: Cheap alcohol
A song for:
1) Dinner at home: Arkestra One - I Really Want You
2) Working at your desk: Bebel Gilberto - Sem Contencao
3) Going for a run: Disclosure - F For You
Biggest Vice? Cupcakes
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy?
Christian Louboutin Tasselissimo Suede Tassel Loafers
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Slightly...I am into iconic neutrals of navy, grey, cream, black and did I say navy? I love tailored men’s classics such as houndstooth, pinstripe and glen plaid. My designs are neutral but not as bold as the patterns I choose for clothing.
Who is your star crush? Billy Eichner...can you make that happen?
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Bold colors and patterns. I have an appreciation for it when other designers put spaces together but it’s not my wheelhouse.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be?
Interiors: Atelier AM by Alexandra and Michael Misczynski
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Creating a platform for other designers of color to have a voice. I want to inspire others who look like me, so they know that they too have a chance.
photo by John Bessler
A Few Favorites:
Movie: Halloween I - 1978 (Jamie Lee Curtis)
Book: In the meantime - Iyanala Vanzant
Scent: Le Labo Santel 33 (I know...as basic as it gets)
The fabric you always come back to: Linen!
Dream project: Billy Eichner’s house...you already see where this is going.
Meal: Beef Bourguignon
Drink: Old Cuban (it’s life changing)
Hotel: Soho House - Barcelona (any Soho House to be honest)
Travel Destination: London
Artist: Beyonce
Thing to collect obsessively: Mini vintage books
Era in the history of design: MCM! So many iconic design have been birthed here.
Museum: Louvre
Paint Color that always looks great: Moles Breath - Farrow & Ball
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: @StudioMcgee
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Yes, Miniature Schnauzer please!
