The "Grace Sofa," shown in nutmeg mohair, was originally designed for Grace, Michael Berman's first restaurant design in Los Angeles.

Referencing classic Hollywood studio style, the gilded "Dresden Mirror" is available in single, double or triple panels to suit any interior scheme.

The 1930s and '40s were a rapidly changing time in America. It was the age of trans-Atlantic travel, when the forward movement of the economy and society influenced every facet of design — from the vertical thrust of the skyscraper to the aerodynamic design of the car. Thus, early 20th-century designers, such as Billy Baldwin, Donald Desky and Dorothy Draper, redefined modernism in America. For Michael Berman, their work made an indelible impression that continues to fuel his creations today.

"The New York World's Fair, skyscrapers and the modernist approach to things at that time were so ingenious," he says. "The shapes, forms and curvilinear lines, as well as the paring down of materials attracted me. There was a restrained opulence."

Berman's elegantly tailored furniture puts a soft spin on classic designs of the past — a look he dubs "American Trans-Modern" design. In 1986, Berman founded his interior design firm in Los Angeles called Michael Berman Limited, and debuted his first furniture collection 10 years later. Appropriately named Michael Berman Limited Furniture, the collection comprises more than 70 pieces, including armoires, beds, benches, buffets, tables and chairs, mirrors, lighting, sofas and more. In Florida, his line is sold at Design West, Inc. in the Design Center of the Americas in Dania Beach. And nationally, his pieces can be seen in showrooms in Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.

Though primarily focused on furniture and residential design, Berman recently shifted gears, delving into commercial and product design. In the past two years, he has completed the interiors of two Los Angeles restaurants, Grace and Citrine; created a line of Tibetan area rugs for Aga John Oriental Rugs; and designed hand-made ceramic tiles for Astor Tileworks, luxury plumbing fixtures for Rohl and lighting fixtures for Minka Lighting. His future plans include a textile and wall covering line.

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