Designer Stories: Michael DeChillo of Sample House

For Michael DeChillo, design has never been a straight line—it’s been a series of intuitive pivots guided by curiosity, craft, and community. With a background that spans furniture e-commerce, branding design, construction, and materials sourcing, DeChillo has quietly built a reputation as someone who understands how design actually works behind the scenes. That 360-degree understanding ultimately led him to launch Sample House, a new kind of material library designed to serve the New York design community with intention, efficiency, and care.

Located in Long Island City, Sample House officially opened its doors in 2024. The appointment-based, physical studio is built for interior designers, furniture designers, architects, and contractors—creatives who rely on materials daily but often lack access to well-maintained, thoughtfully curated libraries unless they’re embedded within large firms. Sample House offers a new model: one rooted in shared resources, vetted craftsmanship, and an environment that encourages designers to slow down, explore, and make confident decisions.

DeChillo’s approach to Sample House is less about reinvention and more about refinement—rethinking how designers engage with materials, vendors, and one another. Below, we discuss Michael’s career path, his perspective on materials and craftsmanship, and how community-driven spaces like Sample House are reshaping the way designers work.

How would you describe your design point of view?

My design POV comes through emotion, story, and craft. I try to pay attention to how design uplifts me, shifts my attitude, and inspires me.

What originally sparked your love for design, and how has your perspective evolved over time?

My earliest love for design started when I was a kid rearranging my room on a monthly basis. I was obsessed with creating space and making unique configurations, which led me to discover design magazines, blogs, and furniture stores in NYC. Now, I find design more organically because of the work I do.

When designing a space, how do you approach blending tradition and modernity?

I’m not a trained designer, so I don’t professionally think about tradition and modernity. However, for the Sample House library, I considered function and organization that felt approachable and exciting. I wanted the Sample House material library concept to be fresh in its approach but familiar in its purpose.

What role does craftsmanship play in the projects you take on or the pieces you source?

My passion and work revolve around sourcing for the trade, and I want to ensure that professionals coming to Sample House can see that the craftsmanship has been vetted and considered. I try to avoid fast design and thoughtless materials used in construction and products. Craftsmanship is imperative. It’s through working hands, an understanding of tools, and the use of raw materials that craft can continue to be held to a high standard. That creativity will continually be inspiring and uplifting.

How does the character of New York influence your design work?

New York has been my playground for a long time. This city is the ultimate testing ground for what works and what doesn’t.

When selecting a rug for a space, what do you look for first?

I look for rugs with high-quality content, construction, use of color, and general feel. I’m also interested in the brand’s story and dedication.

Is there a NuStory rug you’ve used or admired that speaks to your style or sensibilities? Why?

I’m not particularly the type to pick favorites, as my taste is always changing, but to play ball with this question I’ll say the Hand Tufted Bordo Rug by Studio Solenne. I like that it isn’t doing too much to be loud, but isn’t loud enough to be distracting. It feels balanced and versatile. It’s elegant, fun, but still cozy.

What’s a recent project or moment that reminded you why you love what you do?

I recently had a designer and her client make an appointment at Sample House to source for a new build in Colorado. It’s a pre-fab project and their first time sourcing at Sample House. They had so much fun using the space at their pace, discovering vendors they had never seen before, and quickly photographing their palette for each room. By the end of the appointment, they were shocked by how much they accomplished and how many decisions they were able to iron out. I was reminded of how important and fun my work is—and how rewarding this service is for both the trade and the vendors we partner with.

What is the future of design? How will designers work, and how will technology change the profession?

The future of design is defined by how designers desire to shape the world around us. I’m excited about where design is now and how it’s shifting. I’m hoping to see more community and collaborations. I like it when the underdog wins. Designers are hungry for the unknown, the unique, the bold, and the fearless. Workflows and processes are changing and influenced by the world we live in, but as with many shifts in the industry, authenticity will always find a way.

What are you looking forward to in 2026? What’s on the horizon for Sample House?

I’m excited about the community Sample House is creating. We recently shifted to free access for designers, so in 2026 I’m looking forward to more new projects and lead opportunities for the brands we carry.

Who is your design “ultimate ultimate”?

I’m grateful to cross paths with many talented individuals and teams, and to be able to display, support, and talk about so many of them. I consider all those currently featured at Sample House as the ultimates. But to shout out a few: Spaces Within, Loqa, Lofa Ceramics, Almanac Hardwood, Banda Stone Gallery, Fiber Content Studio, Katie Ford, Matt Byrd, Atelier Zelij, Spectrum, Evam, John Wells, Emma Harling, Parma Rugs, Lostine, and Mock Studio.

About Designer Stories

Designer Stories is an ongoing editorial series by NuStory that spotlights the creative leaders in the home industry. Through candid conversations and behind-the-scenes insights, we celebrate designers whose work is defined by creativity, craft, and character.

By amplifying these voices, NuStory aims to sustain and support the vibrant NYC design community—offering a platform for connection, inspiration, and shared growth. These stories not only honor the individuals behind the work, but also deepen our commitment to a more thoughtful, collaborative, and craft-driven design culture.