Mike Harrison (b. 1982) is a New York City based artist and interior designer.
In such a short period of time, Mike Harrison has created an entirely new genre of design. Known for his backstage dressing room transformations, he has masterfully combined small spaces and small budgets with Entertainment's biggest stars. Pulling from his diverse background in performing, visual arts, wardrobe styling, costume design, and music, he is able to connect on a deep level with each and every one of his clients to create an incredibly personal space that becomes a home away from home. With clients that range from Emmy, Oscar, Grammy and Tony award winners to just simply a guy name Tony, Mike's entire relateable design process from start to finish and walk away inspired and equipped with the tools to change their space to fit their needs spatially, emotionally, and financially.
In only 2 years and zero training in design, Mike has designed spaces for Jake Gyllenhaal, Patti Lupone, Sutton Foster, Leslie Odom Jr., Sara Bareilles, Lupita Nyong'o, Amy Schumer, Jessie Mueller, Allison Janney, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sean Hayes, Cynthia Erivo, Phillipa Soo, Laura Osnes, Danielle Brooks, Caissie Levy, Patti Murin, and many more. As will be seen on the show, it is Mike's unique approach to design that has catapulted him into the public arena and allowed him to be featured in Architectual Digest, Elle Decor, People Magazine, The New York Times, US Weekly, Playbill, The View, and Access Hollywood.
Mike has also never taken an art class, never studied art, never owned a piece of art and thus had reservations using the title "artist". However, he has always been involved in visually creative design work that now heavily influences his composition and technique.
His diverse background in Wardrobe Styling, Interior Design, Costume Design, and even his degree in Music, continue to have a profound effect on the subject matter as well as the narratives of his work. As is the case in most creative outlets, Mike is continually honing his technique and style which has quickly developed into a quirky, contemporary realist. He has shown pieces throughout New York. From murals in TriBeCa, to restaurants on 5th Avenue, to the outdoor gallery at the Highline, and even Broadway dressing rooms, you will often find yourself just steps away from viewing some of his work.
Mike's design philosophy is simple. Design should be attainable, accessible, personal, and fearless. Your space should be working for you to provide what you need. What he loves the most about working with these Emmy-, Grammy-, Oscar-, and Tony-winning stars is getting to know them on a personal level and how they make this design process relatable to others. Often the budgets are small, the spaces are lifeless, the restrictions and obstacles are bountiful, and yet he is able to create something special to show that loving your space is important and it is possible.
