Profile: Michael Devine

Michael Devine is a popular man. This month alone his fabulous fabrics are featured in House & Garden and Domino, his Garden Folly fabric in red (one of my favorite prints) is being used by Charlotte Moss as a tabletopper in the main area of The Townhouse and in January Michael will be at Maison et Objet Editeurs in Paris.

In addition to fabrics, Michael is the proprietor of Michael Devine Home, specializing in unique gifts and home accessories. After searching high and low for the perfect country house, Michael a former magazine editor, found an 1840’s store front in the village of Kinderhook, New York. After an extensive renovation of both the shop and living space Michael Devine Home opened in September 2006.


I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more from Michael and I for one could not be more pleased. Not only do I adore his fabrics, Michael is a very likable person. I am always both delighted and surprised by the invention of the Internet. Over the past month I have gotten to know Michael through email and find him to be personable and charming. I am frantically trying to schedule a trip to Paris to attend Maison et Objet Editeurs and the launch of the 2008 Devine fabric collection. I hope to have dinner with Michael while I’m there…I’ll keep you posted.

I love the fabric in Aerin Lauder's Long Island master bedroom. Do you have a favorite fabric or pattern in your collection?
Right now, I am really loving one of my newest designs that I will be launching in Paris. It’s called Summerhouse, and it’s an airy floral that’s very cheerful.

Aerin Lauder's master bedroom/House & Garden December 2007

What inspires your designs?
The subtilty of things made by hand and the fanciful effects of the passage of time inspire everything I design.

What are your favorite indulgences?
My all time favorite indulgence is Paris. I love everything about the city and its people. It also happens to be a place I went to school so I still have many really good friends that I spend time with when I am there. My 2nd most favorite indulgence is spending time with my family and friends. Of course, there’s also nothing like a really great party…

How would you describe your personal style?
Classic. Dark suits for the city and sweaters and cords for the country.

What do you collect?
Books, books and more books! They are my constant companions. Since I don’t own a television they transport me anywhere I want to go instantly.

What books are on your bedside table?
Visions of Paradise, Horst Interiors, Le Jardin du Marcel Proust and La Rochefoucauld Maximes.

Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day?
Michelle Obama, she has great style and is so elegant. I would like to spend the day listening to her thoughts on improving the image of America and healthcare reform.

Who are your style icons?
Charlotte Moss, Thomas Burak, Madame de Pompadour, John Fowler and Marian McEvoy.

Garden Folly fabric at The Townhouse

Profile by Ronda Carman