Posted on 01/16/2009 10:07:34 AM PST by lewisglad
Style watchers are buzzing about Michael Smith, the L.A. decorator to stars, models and fund managers, who is joining the Obamas in Washington to design the family quarters.
He's a surprising pick, if only because he is associated with clients like Cindy Crawford and Steven Spielberg, for whom the concept of a budget is impressionistic at best.
Michelle Obama's press office praised Mr. Smith's "family-focused and affordable approach," but I doubt even he can remember when he last accepted a $100,000 limit -- that's what is earmarked for the presidential family quarters -- unless that was the budget for window treatments. Private donations will subsidize this project; that's how Nancy Reagan got her $210,000 worth of Lenox place settings.
The connection to Mr. Smith was made through incoming White House social secretary Desiree Rogers, a friend of one of Mr. Smith's important Chicago clients, realtor Katherine Chez and her companion Judd Malkin, an important Democratic Party donor.
Mr. Smith is a national star. He makes classic rooms that look like their owners have inherited money and furnishings, and he mixes things up with tastefully hip pieces -- just as he wears John Lobb custom shoes.
The Obamas made it clear during their campaign that they would not tolerate divas, another reason Mr. Smith is a startling pick, but he's smart enough to know when to respect protocol.
Mr. Smith said in a press release he plans to bring "20th Century American artists to the forefront." Let's hope he also turns to America's artisans, such as potter Frances Palmer, weavers Jamie Gould, Elizabeth Jackson and Angela Adams, and designers Stephanie Odegard and Katie Ridder.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
“window treatments”
Mo-speak for “curtains!”
I'm expecting $50M in donations for this interior decorating effort -- and a good portion of that money will be spent on interior decorating.
;)
Apparently, Mrs. Obama has a different idea about “change”.
Do ya think she’ll take as much heat as Nancy Reagan?
Pimp my private quarters.
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It doesn’t matter. Anything after $100,000 the President picks up himself ... same for the Bushes, Clintons ... on down the line.
Will we see the results on MTV Cribs?
That fruit is going to desecrate the White House. I wonder if anyone with sense has the presence of mind to hide the valuable stuff so it isn’t thrown away or given to some vapid starlet.
I wonder if they’re going to repaint that famous portrait of Washington that was saved from the fire when the Brits burned the White House to the ground in 1812.
Fuschia paint, no doubt
Nancy Reagan was excoriated in the media for her Lenox china, even though it was paid for by private donations. I'm sure the media will subject The Obammesiah to the same treatment. < /sarc>
He’s turning the Oval Office into a Greek temple...
http://cruises.about.com/library/pictures/china/blbeijing21.htm
This is a much better idea of his plans. The Throne Room in the Forbidden City.
With himself as a God.
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