Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Michael Smith and the White House


I thoroughly enjoyed Michael Smith's lecture last night at the Corcoran. He was adorable, sophisticated, articulate, soft spoken, funny, self-deprecating, yet self-assured. Anyone who loves Chinoiserie and dogs is my kind of guy. Providing an overview of his work and his product lines, I was struck by how non-formulaic and fresh his homes are. The Q and A's were moderated by George Stephanopoulis' wife and actress Ali Wentworth as Mr. Smith claimed to need a Washington insider. But as we all know, this California boy has become the penultimate Washington insider. Ms. Wentworth was hysterical and added much fun to the evening. As I fully expected, he is not one to kiss and tell and provided no details of his work at the White House which is now virtually completed. I thought it would be fun to pick some rooms of his that I would love to see in the Obama White House. As the private living quarters often remain private until the end of an administration, we may have to keep guessing. Above, we know Michelle likes yellow and this living room reminds me of a modern version of a room from the Reagan White House. Below, with its hand painted historical murals and red leather chairs, a perfect dining room for the private quarters.


I love this sophisticated and Zen shogun kitchen for the family kitchen.


I predict that the Obama's bedroom will include vintage Chinoiserie wallpaper and a canopy bed.


A sophisticated but fresh look for one of the girl's rooms that would grow with her, featuring a Michael Smith designed bed.


This cozy "crib" room as Mr. Smith calls it would be a lovely girl's room.


An elegant bedroom for Michelle's mother.


20 comments:

  1. Magical observation, "...non-formulaic."

    Perhaps that's YOUR book?

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  2. Wasn't it a fabulous lecture? I was sorry I didn't get to say hello before you left! You disappeared before I had gathered up my coat and umbrella!! We should have met for drinks afterwards at the St. Regis!

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  3. Oh -and I agree -Ali was the best part of the evening I think -haha.

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  4. What an incredible evening. I adore Michaels work & pair that with Ali's quick wit - what fun. I love the rooms you chose for the White House. Can't wait for the mystery to unfold.
    All the best to you this week ~ xx

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  5. Knew you would be in heaven last night. Always love hearing your insights.

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  6. It was so nice to meet you last night. I really enjoyed the lecture and have also enjoyed your picks for the Obama residence. Kudos on a wonderful blog - I look forward to reading it daily.

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  7. I loved Ali's home that was featured in Elle Decor earlier this spring -- her sense of style alone suggests she'd be great fun!

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  8. I love the Shogun kitchen! Great post.

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  9. Looks like you had a wonderful time! I love what you forecast about one of the girls rooms, it looks elegant and that will grow with her.

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  10. I am not a big "yellow" person but.... that lounge might just change my thinking!

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  11. Stefan-I thought it was great. I can't wait for the next one.

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  12. Deb-I can't wait to see or at least hear the details. Hope you are having a good week.

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  13. Home Before Dark-It was a great night in a great city.

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  14. Daniela-It was great meeting you last night. I will email you about our D.C. Design Bloggers Group.

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  15. Averill-I was looking at their house again last night from Elle Decor-it is a great house.

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  16. CC-Thanks-it will be exciting to see what he's done.

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  17. Lady Jicky-Glad you like that lovely room.

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