Who’s Decorating The White House?
This Malibu Beach house is an example of Michael Smith's work. It looks beautiful, comfortable and inviting.
How will Barak and Michelle furnish the Executive Residence? Over the past couple of months, there was a lot of speculation over which famous interior designer would be given the honor. There was a long list, then a short list, and I would imagine a lot of strings being pulled; after all, this is Washington. 
In the end, Interior Designer Michael Smith has been chosen for the job. He is a very talented designer whose “A List” clients include Cindy Crawford, Steven Spielberg and Michelle Pfeiffer. But that is not why the Obama’s chose him. Rather, it’s his ability to mix valuable antiques and affordable retail items for a look that is a beautiful balance of classic and modern. His portoflio includes rooms that are inviting and comfortable. Now that’s a good reason to choose him.
The First Family is given $100,000 of public funds to furnish the Executive Residence to their liking. That sounds like a lot of money but every budget has to be considered in light of the specific project so I’d like to take some time and really consider the scope of this project. After all, Michael Smith will approach the design as he would with any other family.
Client Background
The Obama’s did not grow up with privileged backgrounds and it’s important that the design reflect their values and taste while still respecting the historical importance of the space. Michael Smith is known for mixing high and low and this makes sense considering Michelle had the guts to wear clothing form J. Crew and The Gap on the campaign trail. (Let’s face it, we are always jealous of the woman who pulls together an outfit with a $12.99 scarf from Target.) In the past, Michael has been known to purchase items from Urban Outfitters and Pottery Barn. So I won’t be surprised to see it again. Since this is a young family we may see items where comfort takes precedence over formality.
Project Details
The White House is indeed 55,000 square feet but that’s the whole building. The 2nd floor is where the Presidential Family will do most of their everyday living. About half of this floor is taken by historical rooms (The Lincoln Bedroom and The Yellow Oval Room) that are used for entertaining and special guests. The other half is their real living space which consists of:
- The President’s Bedroom
- His Private Sitting Room
- The Center Sitting hall used as a family room
- The East and West sitting halls which are used privately and for entertaining
- A Family Dining Room
- The East and West Bedrooms which will be Sasha and Malia’s rooms.
So while I have no doubt it’s a luxurious space, the number of rooms makes sense and does not seem too over the top. While I am sure Michael Smith will be giving the Obama’s a break on his rates because of the prestige of the project, $100K would be a reasonable amount for a high-end project of this size and scope.
The Private Dining Room during the Clinton administration was designed by Kaki Hockersmith of Little Rock.
As an interior designer, I am excited to see the final design. This is truly the first time that a designer with a more modern aesthetic will bring his talent and expertise into the White House. Famous designers in the past have included Sister Parish and Stephane Boudin but their styles represented incredibly expensive Old-World taste to which most US citizens could not relate. With Michael Smith’s reputation for letting his clients’ tastes guide the process and bringing in furnishings that the average person can afford, I think it will be another positive step in allowing us all to relate to the First Family in a more realistic way. Every family seeks to create a beautiful, warm, and comfortable home; Presidential or not.
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