Mike Johnston, IDS

In-Home Designer

Experience: 5 Years

MBA in Operations Management from University of St Thomas

mjohnston@furniturefair.net

Florence, KY

Mike Johnston is a skilled in-home designer at Furniture Fair, known for his ability to blend traditional and contemporary styles in a harmonious way. Drawing inspiration from Nate Berkus, Mike values the importance of storytelling in design, using a neutral palette and thoughtfully incorporating personal elements. He works closely with clients to weave their stories into their spaces, using artwork, photos, and cherished items to create a home that reflects their unique personalities and experiences.

Believing that every home should tell a story, Mike focuses on incorporating personal elements that reflect his clients' lives and experiences. Inspired by Nate Berkus, he strives to blend traditional and contemporary styles seamlessly, using a neutral palette to create a timeless foundation. Mike's approach is to work closely with his clients, encouraging them to share meaningful items, artwork, and collections that can be integrated into the design. His ultimate goal is to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also deeply personal, giving each home a unique and authentic narrative.

Nate Berkus stands out as Mike’s favorite designer for several reasons:

1. Storytelling Through Design:Mike admires Berkus's belief that a home should tell a personal story. He appreciates how Berkus weaves meaningful elements into a space, reflecting the homeowner’s life and experiences, something Mike strives to achieve in his own work.
2. Neutral Palette:Mike is drawn to Berkus's use of a neutral color palette, which provides a timeless and versatile backdrop for blending different styles. This approach allows for a harmonious design that feels both calm and cohesive, a technique Mike often incorporates in his projects.
3. Blending Traditional and Contemporary Styles: Mike appreciates how Berkus effortlessly combines traditional and contemporary design elements. This balance of old and new inspires Mike to create spaces that feel both classic and modern, tailored to the unique tastes of each client.