We are thrilled to kick off 2025 by welcoming the legendary Obama White House interior designer Michael S. Smith to the show. With nearly 35 years in the industry, Michael has an incredible wealth of knowledge when it comes to creating beautiful spaces that blend traditional charm with modern elegance.
During our conversation, he shares insights from his latest book, “Classic by Design,” offering a peek into his unique design approach that celebrates personal taste while respecting the historical and cultural context of each home. Michael also opens up about his remarkable experience redesigning the Obama White House, discussing how he balanced personal flair with the expectations of a public space.
Enjoying our conversation with designer Michael S. Smith? Order your copy of his book ‘Classic by Design’ here!
What You’ll Hear This Episode:
- 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast
- 00:34 Welcoming Michael S. Smith
- 02:46 Michael’s Design Philosophy and Process
- 06:15 Photographing and Evolving Design Projects
- 09:43 Blending Styles and Antiques
- 16:28 Shonda Rhimes’ New York Apartment
- 22:33 Historic East River Apartment
- 29:42 Decorating Public Spaces: The Obama White House
- 33:32 Living with History: White House Furnishings
- 35:32 Curating the White House Art Collection
- 37:00 Designing for the Future: Personalization and Adaptability
- 38:50 Reflecting on Past Projects and Future Aspirations
- 40:41 Vacation Homes: Embracing Local Culture
- 43:28 Mountain and Mallorca Homes: Sense of Place
- 50:05 Material Choices: Craftsmanship and Texture
- 58:31 The Role of Color in Design
- 01:04:09 Final Thoughts
IMAGE CREDITS: ‘Los Angeles Haven’ from michaelsmithinc.com
Also Mentioned:
- ‘Classic by Design’ | Order Your Copy Now!
- Michael S. Smith | Website
- @jaspershowroom | Instagram
- Ballard Designs
- Watch the Full Episode w/ Images: Ballard Designs YouTube
Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.
Happy Decorating!
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcastse
