Political Hotsheet
January 13, 2009 9:35 PM

Michelle Obama Picks White House Decorator

From the Obama transition office:

Michael Smith has been chosen as the White House decorator by Michelle Obama to help make the White House residence their home.

The selection of White House decorator is a tradition for new first families. A native of California, Smith studied interior design at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles and continued his studies in London. He returned to California to open a home furnishings store and launched his own design firm in l990.

Smith serves on the Board of Trustees for the Otis College of Art and Design. He takes particular pride in his family-focused clientele and approach.

“Laura Bush has been a wonderful steward of the White House and created a beautiful residence for her family. I look forward to adding our own touch to the East Wing and creating a living space where our family feels comfortable, happy and settled," Michelle Obama said. "Michael shares my vision for creating a family friendly feel to our new home and incorporating some new perspectives from some of America’s greatest artists and designers.”

Smith said he appreciates “the [Obama] family’s casual style, their interest in bringing 20th century American artists to the forefront and utilizing affordable brands and products will serve as our guiding principles as we make the residence feel like their home.”
Tags:
obama ,
michelle obama ,
white house ,
transition ,
decorator
Topics:
White House
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by andie52 January 14, 2009 3:10 PM EST
Before the Obama %u2018are dissected over their choice of decorators you should know that he is hired to do the Obamas private family rooms in the White House, not decorate the White House per se. The White House is a government landmark overseen by a committee.
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by thepookie1 January 14, 2009 2:39 PM EST
I am not that fond of her style, at least in the realm of White House status. But I will admit, she scored a good point with me when picking him as the decorator. He would be absolutely great for the White House. Very good Michelle! :)
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by rational_1 January 14, 2009 11:26 AM EST
With a bit of luck the place won''t end up looking like the Renaissance threw up - you know, the gaudy overblown golden picture frames, etc.
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by gwmyenko January 14, 2009 10:31 AM EST
Surprise Surprise!
He''s a White Boy
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by kansas1946 January 14, 2009 3:01 AM EST
she has no sense of style.


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Posted by mattcool247 at 10:19 PM : Jan 13, 2009
**************************

How would you know?
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by jbkoehl January 14, 2009 2:24 AM EST
nice in depth story about michael smith on dominomag.com
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