Ep. 396: Classic by Design with Michael S. Smith

How to Decorate

Ballard Designs

Arts, Business, Design

4.2 • 785 Ratings

🗓️ 14 January 2025

⏱️ 67 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

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. Plus, we dive into practical tips on selecting cherished antiques and the artful use of color to create harmonious, inviting environments that feel like home. Whether you're looking to refresh your space or simply gain inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable design wisdom and charming anecdotes that you'll want to soak up. ***Watch this week's episode as recorded in video form on the Ballard Designs YouTube Channel*** What You’ll Hear On 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 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

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to How to Decorate from Ballard Designs, a weekly podcast all about the trials and triumphs of decorating and redecorating your home.
0:09.1	I'm Caroline. I'm on the marketing team. And I'm Taryn and I'm a product designer. I'm Liz. I head of the creative team.
0:14.7	We're your hosts. Join the expert team at Ballard Designs for tips, tricks, and tales from interior designers, stylists, and other talents in the design world.
0:22.4	Plus, we'll answer your decorating dilemmas at the end of each episode.
0:25.4	We love answering your questions, so don't forget to email us at podcast at balauredesigns.net.
0:30.5	Now on with the show.
0:34.0	We are honored today's guest, legendary interior designer Michael S. Smith. He launched his business in Los Angeles in 1990 and in nearly 35 years creating spaces for his clients. He's become known for his encyclopedic knowledge of antiques, his eye for bringing traditional and modern elements together. He's been on the architectural digest 8100 list seven times on
0:56.2	Eld decor's A list and in 2010 was appointed to the committee for the preservation of the White
1:00.8	House by President Obama. He's also redecorated the White House during the Obama years,
1:05.5	which he details in his book, Designing History, the Extraordinary Art and Style of the Obama White
1:10.1	House.
1:16.7	In total, Michael has seven books, including his most recent, which was published last month,
1:18.8	Michael S. Smith, Classic by Design.
1:20.7	Michael, welcome to the show.
1:23.3	Thank you.
1:26.5	I'm actually, I think I'm on the AD Hall of Fame.
1:30.1	I think I got kicked off the lifts.
1:30.8	Yeah.
1:31.8	I've retired.
1:33.9	Well, you level. Sometimes.
1:34.9	I love this.
1:35.8	Yeah.
	...

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