January 20, 2017

Looking Forward

At the end of 2016, our founder, Michael Carter, was inducted into the New England Design Hall of Fame. This was a testament to the talent and hard work of every member of the Carter & Company team.  

Michael joins a prestigious group of highly respected architects, interior designers, landscape architects and custom builders. The New England Home Magazine said it best, “The winners are masters of their respective crafts, whose work, influence, and dedication to the community have set them apart. They design homes that redefine the New England vernacular…they honor the past, while redefining the future. In short, they share their passion with the rest of us” (New England Home. November, December 2016: 134). 


Being a recipient of this award represents the journey of Michael Carter in the world of interior design. Carter & Company’s respected reputation has resulted from Michael's sharp eye and ability to understand his clients' needs. Classifying his work into four styles: The Historic Home, The Escape, The New Classic, & The Artful Mix, he has built a diverse portfolio and long lasting relationships with clients.


 Beginning his career over two decades ago, Michael was hired to design a seven-story townhouse in Boston’s Back Bay. Once completed, this project quickly earned him a great deal of respect from peers and future clients for his sensitivity to historic interiors. This classical style that Michael is most known for pays homage to his Southern upbringing. His love of classicism reveals why he is continuously called on to bring fresh and inspiring ideas to historic properties that are undergoing restoration or redecoration. Blending the function of contemporary life with design ideas that are appropriate, Michael respects the past in a way that is stylish, timeless, and elegant.


The Escape aesthetic has generated from projects that showcase a special place of solitude and tranquility for his clients. From the mountains and lakes of New Hampshire, to the Island of Nantucket, and the coasts of Cape Cod and Maine, Carter & Company has had the great fortune to help design, build, and decorate some of the most extraordinary vacation homes in New England. These residences are special places in magical settings that reflect the natural environment, all with an emphasis on comfort, luxury and relaxation. 


Carter & Company's New Classic aesthetic has redefined some of New England’s most iconic house styles. Once a project is complete, Michael likes clients to feel familiar with the architecture, but enjoy a modern and sophisticated interpretation of these special properties. It’s here that Carter & Company implements carefully considered furnishings, bold decorative lighting, textured walls, accompanied by fabrics featuring unexpected colors and geometric patterns. The end result is what is often described as casual elegance and it blends beautifully with the lifestyle of clients who appreciate exceptional design that is well considered.

 

The Artful Mix appeals to the client who is not tied to convention and who obtains a playful or adventurous spirit. Within this aesthetic, there is plenty of room to explore and push boundaries. These projects incorporate the sophisticated layering of antiques with modern art, luxurious materials and finishes. It can be deceptively simple when you break down the individual elements, but the real success lies in the alchemy of colors, geometric patterns & textures. Aptly named, The Artful Mix is in fact its own work of interior art. 



Michael has been fortunate to showcase his wide array of talents as an interior designer throughout his career. From Back Bay brownstones, to sanctuaries by the sea, to sleek Manhattan skyscrapers and a London pied-a-terre, no project is out of his range. Michael always strives to build strong relationships with his clients and through the years has learned that versatility is key when working with a diverse clientele. By adapting to each client, he is able to accomplish what he considers the most important part of his job: interpreting rather than imposing. Developing relationships has allowed Michael to predict clients' needs, even before they know them themselves. The journey of a design project is not only an understanding of the space, but a connection to the client- something we at Carter & Company pride ourselves on. 

Two decades of exceptional work, strong business relationships, and happy clients have all been components that have led to Michael’s induction into the New England Design Hall of Fame.  For 2017 new projects await, new homes are being built, and Carter & Company is thrilled to collaborate with existing and new clients. Congratulations Michael!

"New England Design Hall of Fame." New England Home. November/December 2016: 134. Print.