Designer Stories: Michele Vairan

We’re excited to share the latest edition of our Designer Stories series, spotlighting Michele Varian. A true New York original, Michele is a designer, micro-manufacturer, and curator whose work spans textiles, wallpaper, lighting, furniture, and one-of-a-kind home objects. Her Brooklyn flagship is more than a shop—it’s a creative destination—where her own collections sit alongside pieces from over 100 pioneering designers, all curated with her signature eclectic vision.

In this profile Michele opens up about how she views design, what she looks for when curating spaces and selecting work, and the advice that has carried her through two decades in the field.

How would you describe your design point of view?

A friend of mine—who’s an art critic—once told me, “Michele, it’s taken me a while to figure out what defines your design. You like to see the hand of the maker.” I thought, well, no wonder you’re an art critic—you nailed it.

That idea really captures it for me. I'm drawn to seeing the imperfect, the handmade, the mark of human effort. It’s a reflection of what we’re capable of creating, and I think those traces of technique and skill carry so much meaning. That thread of authenticity and craft is central to my work.

What are some of your favorite sources of design inspiration in New York?

Often I find myself getting inspired by other design stores, especially those run by makers themselves. We’re fortunate: the area around Brooklyn, where our shop now resides, is full of independent design shops and artists working directly with their hands.

I also turn to art galleries and nature. If you’re truly attuned to design, inspiration is everywhere—on the street, in people, in travel. I love encountering things that surprise me or make me say, “I’d never thought of that before.” Those moments push me to explore new directions.

What excites you most about the design world right now?

I love that we seem to have entered an era of somewhat surreal design. Lots of blobby, soft shapes, super exaggerated and tactile surfaces and materiality and happy, bright colors. It seems everyone is pushing established boundaries. I'm happy to see so many elements from nature being brought inside. I love all of this, and am definitely incorporating elements into my new designs.

What do you look for when selecting a rug?

When I’m choosing textiles—especially rugs—I always look for evidence of handmade craft. Rugs are beautiful in part because they can carry those small “mistakes” or intentional deviations. Sometimes a weaver will add a red corner in an otherwise neutral piece—something cheeky, something unplanned. I love that.
Equally important to me is material honesty. If something looks woven, I want it to be woven—not just a printed illusion of weaving. I want the material to be exactly what it appears to be. That integrity in material is nonnegotiable.

Which NuStory rug speaks to your design sensibilities?

It’s hard to choose just one, because each rug has elements that I really respond to. The Camp Chair rugs, for instance, are so cheeky—I didn’t even realize the pattern came from a camp chair until I saw the name. I liked it on its own at first. There’s something familiar about it, but it doesn’t feel rigid. It has a softness and a handmade quality that really appeals to me, along with a great color palette.

I also love the Landscape and Azura rugs—they’re beautiful in their own right. And the Lover’s Knot patterns are especially interesting: they draw on very traditional, early American motifs, but at the same time they almost resemble Japanese textiles. They’re not quite perfect, and that imperfection makes them all the more compelling.

What’s the best piece of design advice you’ve received or love to give?

I can’t think of a single piece someone gave me, but here’s what I always share: trust your gut, and look forward—not backward. It’s easy in retail or design to say, “That sold last year—let’s make that again.” But making things just because you think they’ll sell is a dangerous path. You have to love what you’re making. Compromises born from fear will dilute your work.

Another lesson I hold dear: always treat the people you work with well. Be kind. Be generous. In my early days, many of the suppliers and collaborators I knew from my prior work would bend rules for me—waiving minimums, offering samples to test, supporting me when I had no leverage. That generosity came because of relationships built over time. Those relationships—and how you treat people—pay dividends your whole career.

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.