"LIVE IN COLOR"

At the young age of 12, Michael D. Regan went to work with his father who was established in the painting industry serving Chicago, Illinois, and greater surrounding areas. It was then that Michael realized his passion for color. Through the years he also developed a love and appreciation for art and design, and in 1999 Michael Daniel Decorating was born!

While painting a condo in Boca Raton, Florida in 2001,Michael was introduced to Faux Effects International Inc., and their extensive decorative finishing product lines. LusterStone® became an immediate favorite and his “go to” product for any client requesting a finish that was elegant, colorful, fun, eclectic, strong, subtle, urban, chic, modern, ethereal, natural or sophisticated...you name it!

Upon his return home to Chicago, Michael promptly contacted the local Faux Effects® distributor and studio, Sheri Zeman of Faux Design Studio, Addison, Illinois–who continues to be a great source for knowledge and inspiration.

Michael Daniel Decorating (MDD) creates a wide range of decorative finishes from old world to contemporary modern for both residential and commercial applications. Michael’s passion for art also flows into philanthropy, as with “The Great Chicago Fire Hydrant Project” where he designed and painted a vibrant, five–foot life-size hydrant for Carnivale Restaurant in 2013. Many of MDD’s commercial contracts are restaurants found in and around Chicago. Michael works very closely with the owners and designers to develop the most beautiful and durable finishes that are tailor-suited to each individual client’s desire.The most recent project was with longtime restaurateur and prior client (Carnivale–Chicago), Jerry Kleiner and his partners, the Buonavolanto family. “Barbakoa” is located in the affluent, bustling suburb of Downers Grove, Illinois. This Latin-inspired venue brings downtown Chicago-style dining to suburbia. Multiple contrasting yet complimentary colors and textures were skillfully united to create a vibrant, festive, modern Latin experience for the bistro.

Michael used a variety of Faux Effects® products including SofTex™, SandStone™, PlasterTex®, LusterStone®, FauxCreme® Clear and FauxCreme Color™ in combination with several Faux Effects® StencilFx™ patterns and application methods to produce the exciting atmosphere with Latin pizazz that Barbakoa demanded. The color and textures of traditional Latin textiles have been simulated by the use of these products and the skillful hand of Michael Regan to create the flamboyant space. For example, by using “soft to the touch” SofTex® as a base and then applying the beautifully luminescent LusterStone® through a continuous pattern stencil,Michael was able to achieve the look and feel of natural, woven fabric. The marriage of Michael’s dramatic and unusual wall finishes alongwith the, unique artwork, furniture and design of this 200 seat restaurant is nothing short of magnifico!

Since its opening in late 2013, Barbakoa has been the latest local “hot spot” to enjoy fabulous Latin cuisine, live music and dancing all with a lively Latin buzz. Reservations accepted! When Michael is not working creating more fabulous spaces for his clients, your can find him on the hills. In his free time he enjoys the outdoors as an avid mountain biker. He also is a dedicated husband to his wife Diane, and super Dad to his toddler daughter, Vivian Rose. Michael Daniel Decorating has the beauty to live in all facets of color!

DECORATIVE ART BY: MICHAEL DANIEL DECORATING

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: MICHAEL REGAN

WRITTEN BY: GIGI ROSS

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