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

Released on January 14, 2025

Introduction

In episode 396 of How to Decorate, hosted by the Ballard Designs team, the show welcomes Michael S. Smith, a legendary interior designer renowned for his expertise in blending traditional and modern elements. With nearly 35 years of experience, Smith has been featured seven times on The Architectural Digest’s AD100 list and served on the Committee for the Preservation of the White House under President Obama. He has authored seven books, including his latest release, Classic by Design.

Exploring Classic by Design

The conversation begins with an exploration of Smith's newest book, Classic by Design. He explains that the book serves as a comprehensive snapshot of his work over the past decade, showcasing his evolution as a designer. Smith emphasizes the importance of reflecting on completed projects to appreciate the successes and growth in his practice.

“I think a book is a really good object and a kind of record. It gives me a little bit of distance to look back and say, okay, this looks really pretty.”
— Michael S. Smith, 03:24

Smith describes the meticulous process of selecting projects for the book, opting to include a diverse range of works—from glamorous Manhattan penthouses to rustic East Hampton homes and chateaus in Provence and Hawaii. This variety highlights his ability to adapt his design approach to different locales and client needs.

Design Philosophy: Sense of Place and Personalization

A significant portion of the discussion delves into Smith's design philosophy, particularly his emphasis on creating spaces that reflect both the client's personality and the distinctiveness of the location. He believes in the importance of allowing the house's inherent characteristics to guide the design process rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all aesthetic.

“I want to be in Hawaii, I want to be in Hawaii, right? I want an immersive experience.”
— Michael S. Smith, 41:09

Smith elaborates on his belief that every home should have its own unique voice, influenced by its surroundings and the inhabitants' lifestyles. This approach ensures that each space feels authentic and deeply personal.

Antiques and Material Selection

Smith shares his extensive knowledge of antiques and how he thoughtfully incorporates them into his designs. He discusses the importance of understanding the client's taste and the existing architectural elements of a home to create harmonious interiors.

“People often have very different tastes, and it's about merging what’s helpful and important with their expectations or dreams.”
— Michael S. Smith, 10:33

For those new to antiques, Smith offers advice on identifying personal preferences and integrating pieces that resonate personally. He emphasizes the value of visiting regional auctions and historic houses to gain inspiration and understand how different styles can coexist.

Notable Projects: Shonda Rhimes’ New York Apartment

One of the standout projects discussed is the redesign of Shonda Rhimes' New York apartment. Smith describes the balance between formal, lush common areas and the more whimsical, Hollywood Regency-inspired primary suite.

“The living room did not necessarily translate in the same way in the bedroom... it’s all cohesive because there are connectors of hallways and spaces that are calming.”
— Michael S. Smith, 17:30

He highlights how the apartment serves both as a functional living space and a backdrop for Rhimes' creative endeavors, blending practicality with romantic, cinematic elements.

East River Space and Sense of Scale

Smith talks about a historic East River apartment originally owned by Gloria Vanderbilt. The project involved maintaining the grandeur of the space while making it livable and functional. He discusses the challenge of balancing large-scale rooms with the need for multiple uses without compromising the apartment's architectural integrity.

“How do you create this interior landscape of texture when the exterior landscape is pretty static?”
— Michael S. Smith, 23:03

The result is a versatile space that feels both expansive and cozy, with areas designed for dining, relaxation, and entertainment seamlessly integrated into the historic framework.

Vacation Homes: Mountain House and Mallorca Retreat

Smith provides insights into designing vacation homes that capture the essence of their locations. For the Mountain House in the Rockies, he focused on creating an interior filled with texture and color to counterbalance the often bleak exterior landscape. The use of modern tapestries, ceramic work, and layered textures ensures that the space remains visually stimulating and inviting.

“I wanted to create an interior landscape of texture to keep visual interest when the outside is quite static.”
— Michael S. Smith, 44:10

In contrast, the Mallorca home embodies Mediterranean charm with a blend of Capri-inspired elements, French patterns, and Moroccan tiles. Smith aimed to create a romantic and multi-dimensional space that evolves with each visit, offering a fresh sensory experience every time.

“It's like taking something that you already love and giving it a different flavor to make it more appealing.”
— Michael S. Smith, 44:10

The Obama White House: Balancing Tradition and Modernity

A highlight of the episode is Smith's work on the Obama White House. He discusses the delicate balance of preserving historical elements while infusing contemporary art and design to reflect the Obamas' personal style.

“The task becomes about making them better and making them cohesive and kind of balance.”
— Michael S. Smith, 30:05

Smith emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that are not overly specific, allowing future occupants to personalize without the design feeling obsolete. The integration of contemporary art pieces with historical furnishings added depth and energy to the White House interiors.

Color and Material Strategy

Smith shares his nuanced approach to color, likening it to seasoning food—adding just the right amount to enhance without overwhelming. He avoids rigid color schemes in favor of fluid palettes that allow for diversity and personal expression.

“Colors are like seasoning; you add what complements and enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.”
— Michael S. Smith, 51:06

He advocates for bold, personal color choices and the strategic use of complementary hues to create visually engaging and comfortable spaces. Smith believes that embracing a mix of colors and materials can prevent interiors from feeling monotonous or too sterile.

Final Thoughts and Future Endeavors

As the conversation wraps up, Smith reflects on his continuous drive to innovate and take on new challenges, expressing pride in his past achievements while eagerly anticipating future projects. He underscores the importance of staying creative and passionate about design, ensuring that each new space remains a unique and personal haven for its inhabitants.

“The excitement is what's next, what's the next challenge, and how am I going to do this better next time?”
— Michael S. Smith, 40:17

Conclusion

Episode 396 of How to Decorate offers an in-depth look into Michael S. Smith's illustrious career and his thoughtful approach to interior design. From grand public spaces like the White House to intimate personal homes, Smith demonstrates a mastery of blending tradition with modernity, personalizing spaces to reflect individual lifestyles, and utilizing color and materials to create dynamic, lived-in environments. Listeners gain valuable insights into the art of decorating, the importance of a sense of place, and the intricate process behind some of the most iconic spaces.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael S. Smith, 03:24: “I think a book is a really good object and a kind of record. It gives me a little bit of distance to look back and say, okay, this looks really pretty.”

• Michael S. Smith, 10:33: “People often have very different tastes, and it's about merging what’s helpful and important with their expectations or dreams.”

• Michael S. Smith, 17:30: “The living room did not necessarily translate in the same way in the bedroom... it’s all cohesive because there are connectors of hallways and spaces that are calming.”

• Michael S. Smith, 23:03: “How do you create this interior landscape of texture when the exterior landscape is pretty static?”

• Michael S. Smith, 41:09: “I want to be in Hawaii, I want to be in Hawaii, right? I want an immersive experience.”

• Michael S. Smith, 44:10: “It's like taking something that you already love and giving it a different flavor to make it more appealing.”

• Michael S. Smith, 51:06: “Colors are like seasoning; you add what complements and enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.”

• Michael S. Smith, 40:17: “The excitement is what's next, what's the next challenge, and how am I going to do this better next time?”

For more insights and design inspiration, visit howtodecorate.com and follow Ballard Designs on social media. If you have a decorating dilemma, email your questions to podcastallardesigns.net.