Steven Cheroske - Designer Extrodinare

STEVEN CHEROSKE - DESIGNER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Giving his best and creating interiors to showcase the top designers of the world.
by Kaya Morgan

Who would have guessed that this quiet Pasadena, California native would one day attract the "who's who" of the fashion world with clients such as Nolan Miller, Nicole Miller, Hubert de Givenchy, Oscar De La Renta, Emmanuel Ungaro, Gucci and St. John? Although life has been good to Steve Cheroske, no question he has paid his dues to get to there.

During the late 1970's, Cheroske began his career as a display artist for The Broadway Department Stores in California, but his unique talent quickly became noticed and before long, he was made Visual Director for The Broadway, Macy's, Bullock's, Sak's Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus stores.

In 1989, he ambitiously took the helm of his own interior design business, Steven Cheroske Designs, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Fortunately, through his long-standing history of retail success, he had built strong, lasting relationships with many international department stores in Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Europe that were anxious to utilize his services. And, when his commercial clients began requesting residential design work, it was clear that his business was on the fast track.

Even though his own creative ideas combine with the unique tastes and desires of his clients at the core of every project, Cheroske begins by selecting a team of committed professionals with the specific talents to match each assignment. A very "hands on" designer, he has enjoyed great success creating "one of a kind" interiors for residential, commercial and such historical residences as the Villa Granada in Bel Air and Villa Montania in Palm Springs, California.

With professional memberships in The American Society of Interior Designers, California Council of Interior Designers and the National Council of Interior Design, home base is now Palm Springs, California. Since inception, he has successfully completed more than 60 commercial and residential projects including international projects in Germany, Korea and Taiwan. His work has been featured in countless newspapers and magazines including Forbes, the Los Angeles Times, Next, Palm Springs Life and Women's Wear Daily. Watch for Steve featured on the Discovery Channel this year with a series of upcoming segments on the Christopher Lowell show.

As you might have guessed, Steven's favorite pastime is restoring the prized possession — his personal residence in Palm Springs. Having found the house quite by accident, it was an architectural wonder that he has enjoyed as a challenging restoration keeping its original turn-of-the-century style, yet incorporating Asian-inspired details. The foundation was engineered with the same techniques used by the Hearst Castle to withstand the earthquakes that can frequently occur in southern California while the grounds and extensive outdoor patios make you feel like you have just stepped into a bygone era of opulence and grandeur.

This Italian-style, 17th-century villa built of cinderblocks, is tucked into the hillside looking more like it should be in Tuscany rather than California. Built by a steel heiress from Pittsburgh in 1948 who never married, she was a genuine recluse leading a rather secret life. The next owner was a jeweler who was actually murdered on the property in broad daylight. And, yes, stories abound about the place being haunted. But, Steve seems undaunted. To him, home is his castle.

Cheroske spends quite a lot of time on the road. Last year alone he completed 10 overseas trips. He has been to every continent on the planet, although confesses that Italy is his most favorite place. "I really travel to enjoy the architecture and, at the same time, I usually look for 'one of a kind' pieces for clients or because they are just so special that I am confident I can find a place for them."

One of the warmest individuals you could ever hope to meet, Steve has built his business on one underlying principle — that success is a direct result of what you give back to the world. His core belief is to empower others, as he freely shares his view of "what you give out is what you ultimately receive." Cheroske gives of his time and personal resources working on local charities along with contributions to an orphanage in Mexico in an effort to do his part to help uplift humanity by making a difference in a personal way.

Steve has had the added advantage of one of his dearest friends as counsel, well-known evangelist Dr. Terry Cole-Whitaker, who has remained a spiritual mentor and constant support in his life. He solidly lives his belief, "To provide a job creating incredible environments that really empower people and when you approach a job, give your highest always — then how can you fail?" An admirable commitment and one that has no doubt been a critical factor in propelling him to the top of his field. Both his design business and magnificent home are located in Palm Springs, California, where he resides with his partner.

Contact Steven Cheroske Designs at 760.320.4020 or E-mail him at scd445@gte.net

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*Disclaimer

With respect to the articles and their subject matter, it is based on information provided through research and/or by the interviewed parties and is not based on any original ideas or opinions of the author.