After watching Nathan Thomas capture the title of the second season of Top Design, I wondered how last year’s winner, Matt Lorenz, was surviving in the interior design world. His polished, sleek approach to the challenges was similar to Preston’s style but had the extra layer that the judges desired. Perhaps you may remember the loft challenge of the finale…

Let me first just say that I would love to live the loft style during some point of my life. The raw space already has a lot of character with its dark-framed windows and concrete floors. Move that loft to Manhattan or back home to Sydney and I may just have found my dream home. Matt created a nostalgic atmosphere by combining modern pieces with those that gave a nod to the past, including a vintage sideboard by Tom Hase and André Arbus armchairs by William Switzer.

Matt designed a bedroom for his daughter, Lily Lorenz, which was fit for a princess. He included a built-in bed with a white-lacquered desk by Madeline Stuart from Thomas Lavin, Barbara Barry lamps by Baker, and a side chair from Niermann Weeks (via Elle Decor). The bathroom was a show stopper for me due to the dramatic wall color — Pratt & Lambert’s Black Orchid. For a touch of glamour, Matt added the Niermann Weeks chandelier.

Lorenz is the principal designer and owner of ML Design Studio. You can see glimpses of his work on the site but after some searching I found that he participated in the Merchandise Mart Dream Home last year. His bedroom included a white glazed porcelain tile as a wallcovering behind the bed, charcoal grey floor to ceiling drapes, antique foo dogs, and lush textiles.

Matt also designed a studio for Amazing Cosmetics in northern Chicago. The studio boasts grass-like flooring, outdoor sconces, urns, and oversized mirrors that are ready for pampering. I hope we’ll see more from this talented designer…

Image credits: Elle Decor, Apartment Therapy, Amazing Cosmetics, & Bravo