Yesterday morning, designer Michael Dawkins welcomed media sponsor Luxe Interiors + Design and various interior designers to Michael Dawkins Home, his recently-opened showroom and design studio, for breakfast and an opportunity to explore the thoughtfully curated multi-level space.

Michael Dawkins

After having spent 25 years designing jewelry, Dawkins wanted to come back to his first love—interiors—which he studied in college along with industrial design. “At that time, I realized that all of the things I really wanted as a designer were virtually impossible to find,” he said. “No one was bringing together the design sensibility that I subscribe to, curating the types of furnishings I wanted to use in my projects.”

So, in 2010, he opened his first showroom and studio in Miami’s Design District, which has been well received by the community. A few years later, he set his sights on New York City. In December 2013, he opened a second showroom along “Designer’s Way” in the Fine Arts Building on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Sandow Media buisness team at Luxe Interiors + Design

Interior Designer Evelyn Benatar and Luxe New York Publisher Sharon Summer

Yesterday, guests were able to tour the space, which is spread over two meticulously-merchandised floors, consisting of 10 lifestyle vignettes. Some of the pieces in the vignettes were designed by Dawkins himself and others have been collected from his various travels—everything from Midcentury Modern pieces to period antiques and abstract artwork.

“New York City can be such an intense place to live,” said Dawkins. “By introducing a neutral palette, black accents, fragrant flowers and candles, and soft music, I wanted to evoke a sense of serenity and calm that is immediately evident upon entering the showroom.”

Vyna St. Phard

"Michael Dawkins is truly a house of style,” said interior designer Vyna St. Phard. “What's more, the showroom itself has a relaxed kind of beauty, perfectly suited for a home that feels informal, inviting and elegant—in every way."

When asked why he does what he does, Dawkins remarked, “To be surrounded by beautiful design brings me to an elevated state of mind. I hope that I can share this feeling with others through my work.”

Dawkins has recently completed high-end residential projects in New York, Miami and Mexico City, and is still actively designing jewelry.

Article and photos by Kate Jerde