Wednesday, January 14, 2009

New White House Designer: Michael Smith

I realize that this is ALL over the design blogs right now but I wanted to get in on it too! It was recently announced that one of my absolute fave designers would be the NEW designer in the White House: Michael Smith! Read the article HERE. I have always loved his design; it is classic, yet fresh. He's amazing at organizing a room and the colors he chooses are always perfect. Take a look at some of my favorite rooms that he designed:

From a townhouse, this room is gorgeous to begin with, and then those throw pillows are so much fun. I love that they're not all matching but they look great together.

A room of neutrals like this one can easily get washed away. I love the soft colors in this room though and the twisted legged coffee table is a beautiful antique. Also, if you read this blog you know how much I hate leaning objects on the mantle but I can't help but love Michael Smith's arrangement there.

Perfection. I love how the light in this room creates colors and depth in the white fabrics/walls.

Libraries are one of my favorite rooms in the house (yeah, I like books, not just blogs). I wish I had a huge library like this one--with that ladder and those sconces above the bookshelves.

One of the most impressive things about Smith is his sophisticated use of antiques. Clearly he knows antiques--he's designed many historical houses like this one in Millbrook, NY.

Always with a beautiful bouquet in nearly every room! This bathroom is impressive to say the least with the wide wainscoting, linen roman shade, free standing tub (someday Alicia B., someday) and the round mirror.
Michael (first name basis) also designs furniture for Jasper, this Mansour Modern carpet above, and his own line of fabrics.


No matter what your political sway, I think everyone will be excited to see what Michael Smith will do with the White House. He is extremely knowledgeable about historical design, but will bring a new sort of edge I think to the White House. He is elegant, traditional, fun, and still modern. How does everyone else feel? Also, since my birthday is coming up (in July) you might want to get me his book that I've wanted for a very long time, Michael S Smith: Elements of Style. Or you could just buy it for yourself as it is amazing.


Alicia B.

7 comments:

anusha said...

I just read about this news yesterday about Obama's going with Michael Smith as their Interior Designer. He does seem to be creating an open and airy feeling using traditional objects..

Lauren said...

Alicia, can't wait to see what he does. I love the photos you've included on the post.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the photos--what an amazing choice. I can't wait to see what he does with the White House.

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

I look forward to see what he does!

Raina Cox said...

I think he's the perfect choice. Before the announcement, my guess was Miles Redd. But I think Smith is the better choice. A bit quieter, not so flamboyant. Design-wise, I mean.

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

Like you, I'm so excited to see what he does for the Obamas. Great post! Love these photos.

alice said...

Alicia,
I just found your blog and had to laugh when I read the first line of this post... I thought the exact same thing but had to post about MSS as well! How could you not, he's so great!?!
And it's huge news for the interior design community, so thank you for sharing more of the fabulous work of MSS.
Seriously, I can't imagine anyone more perfect for the job!