Well, Barack and Michelle have selected Michael Smith to decorate their private quarters in the White House... I think they chose very wisely.
The budget is $100,000. Margaret Russell was interviewed on the Today show (along with some footage from Deborah Needleman)... both mentioned Smith plans to use our good ole American retail chains like Target, Anthropologie, Restoration Hardware, and Urban Outfitters. Urban Outfitters? That one surprised me... doesn't seem quite like "White House material"... anyway, Smith is not granting any interviews, but I sure hope we'll see some pictures once he's worked his magic. The installation begins next week!
More info HERE.
My friend Meredith posted almost the same exact blog as you.....you designers get excited about these things....HAHA!
Posted by: Jess Putnam | January 15, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Exciting!!
Posted by: Sarah's Fab Day | January 15, 2009 at 09:55 AM
I can't wait to see what he does. I wonder what sort of Urban Outfitters items will be making the cut?
Posted by: Camila | January 15, 2009 at 10:15 AM
$100,000 doesn't feel like much for the White House. It seems to me that if the decision is between ditching the antiques that Jackie O. did all that fundraising for and using junk furniture from Target and Urban Outfitters, I'd stick with the stuffy antiques.
He is SUCH an amazing designer though (love, love the pics you posted). I'm sure he'll do a great job. Maybe he'll use this somewhere?
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=60&startValue=1&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=15385578&parentid=A_FURN_FURNITURE&sortProperties=&navCount=99&navAction=poppushpush&color=&pushId=A_FURN_FURNITURE&popId=APARTMENT_FURNISH&prepushId=
Posted by: Jenny | January 15, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Isn't he the designer for the hotel Shutters on the beach? I have always wanted to stay there, I heard its the most romantic, get away from it all hotel. Check out the rooms, his work is wonderful.
http://www.shuttersonthebeach.com/home.html
Posted by: longonstyle | January 15, 2009 at 11:13 AM
when i read this yesterday i nearly screeched with joy. i love love love his work, warm and current but with touches of all the good stuff, ethnic, traditional, english... a real mix master. and how cool that he'll be using (at least some) accessible products. cannot wait to see the magic he is sure to create!
Posted by: villapacis@blogspot.com | January 15, 2009 at 11:30 AM
E- thanks for this link and update. I just laughed so hard when he said the decorator-karate-chop-pillow should be punishable with a jail sentence.
Posted by: Laura Casey Interiors | January 15, 2009 at 12:45 PM
I like that he will be using everyday retail stores. I like his style. I too hope we get to see some photos.
Posted by: Joyce | January 15, 2009 at 12:49 PM
It will be interesting to see what he does with $100,000. I would assume it would be much more relatable considering those sources... I hope they publish pictures!
I adore the bathroom in your last photo!
Posted by: alice | January 15, 2009 at 02:09 PM
I am a long time fan of Smith's work and look forward to seeing what he will do for the Obama's. For those perplexed by the Urban Outfitters reference, check out what he did with a Malibu Guesthouse: he used hundred's of Indian inspired U/O sheets for the wall treatment, draperies, and sofa. The effect is stunning; it's one of my early fav's.
To view - go to Cote de Texas blog for her excellent post:cotedetexas.blogspot.com/search/label/Michael%20S.%20Smith
Posted by: Inspired Living | January 15, 2009 at 02:11 PM
Great post! I saw this on the Today Show this morning too. Talk about "Change" using pieces from Ikea and Urban Outfitters in the White House will be a big change! Michael Smith does great work though! I cannot wait until they show final pictures.
Posted by: Julie | January 15, 2009 at 04:09 PM
I saw that interview on the TODAY SHOW too and was very impressed by it. I think the Obamas made the right choice too and it will be so interesting to see the finished product! I love Michael's design work in that he incorporates tradition with touches of contemporary so masterfully! Very exciting....great choice I think for this YOUNG family!
Posted by: Mimilee | January 15, 2009 at 04:10 PM
I think he is a fabulous designer. Should be exciting to see what he can do. thank you.
Posted by: karlene | January 15, 2009 at 04:23 PM
I'm somewhat excited by the budget limitation. It seems appropriate in light of the current economy and I can't wait to see him do things that the rest of us can be inspired by. Maybe some consider this a bad thing (?) but I like the idea of having a White House that is somewhat relatable?
Posted by: Devon | January 15, 2009 at 05:24 PM
Great choice!
Posted by: DecorPad | January 15, 2009 at 06:01 PM
I agree with Devon and hope we can see pictures of how it turns out. Hopefully it will bring in a hip fresh feel.
Posted by: no.35style | January 15, 2009 at 07:08 PM
I heard the rumors last week and happy it is now confirmed. I hope they let us see it finished!
Posted by: megan | January 16, 2009 at 09:50 AM
As apposed to your first commenter - I am shocked at the sum of $100,000.
are the living quarters redesigned for ever new president?
To the point - I love his kitchens especially. Nice and clean and workable.
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