When Michelle Anderson first stepped into my La Grange gallery, she lit up—calling it one of the most joyful, cozy spaces she could imagine. She chuckled as she described her own La Grange Park home: blank walls everywhere and an overly cautious approach to color. As a stark contrast, Michelle is one of the most vibrant women I’ve ever met – she’s a local changemaker and co-founder of the highly acclaimed podcast, The Sister Project, co-led by Michelle and her sister Lauren Massarella. I was honored to help her bring art and personality into her space—and equally blown away by how the experience transformed her relationship with color and joy.
First, she selected a series of framed abstract “Joyful Connections” pieces for her daughter Mia’s bedroom. When she brought them home, she leaned them against the bed and sat across the room. “I was taken aback by how I felt,” she told me. “Really happy, excited—but the word that kept coming to mind was joyful.”
What many people don’t realize is that you don’t need a huge splash of color to spark joy. Mia’s room already had a stylish, bohemian vibe, and the artwork didn’t compete—it expanded it. Burlap tan, powder blue, and navy complemented the space while gently introducing joyful pinks and bright yellows.
Then came Michelle’s primary bedroom. Her vision had always been muted and minimalist, so when I brought several colorful pieces for above her headboard, she was surprised by her instant adoration. The piece she chose by Western Springs-based abstract impressionist Heidi Becker, does exactly what great art should: it grounds the space while creating a sense of expansiveness. In a smaller room with lots of neutrals and white space, abstract work like this invites a feeling of freedom. This piece complements the room’s earthy ochre accents, but it also adds unexpected aqua blues and autumnal warmth that the gives the cozy and inspiring vibes of Michelle’s dreams.
“This completely shifted my aversion to color,” Michelle shared. “I’m pivoting. I want color. This makes me feel grown up, happy—there’s a richness here.” Michelle affectionately calls me her “Minister of Bright, Colorful Things,” a role I happily own.
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