After viewing Micheal Sparks' chic Manchester office and shop, which is filled with mid-century modern finds and delicate glass, you might expect his home to be packed with over-the-top furniture and breakable, high-end glassware. Not so. Although he does bring some of his favorite modern pieces into his house, Sparks describes the home he shares with his partner, Richard Brown, as comfortable and eclectic. "I love that we can have our nieces and nephews over and not have to worry about them knocking things over," he says. "We want people to feel comfortable here. Our life circles around food, travel, family and friends, and that's what our house is all about." When Brown was offered a job with VCU Medical Center a few years ago, Sparks decided to move his luxury branding and design business, Micheal Sparks Design, to Richmond. They moved from New York City to their 1920s Museum District home three years ago, and when they were decorating, the two focused on furniture that would allow them to live comfortably and show-case their collection of art. Since he's been in town, Sparks has formed partnerships within the city's arts community. He recently teamed up with glassblower Neil Duman and interior designer Helen Reed to create a line of glass fixtures and pendants for the home. They are available in his Manchester shop, where he also sells mid-century modern furniture, accessories and fixtures as well as through Reed and Duman.
