The Obamas' and Michael S Smith

Domino magazine has just revealed the Obamas' selection of
Michael Smith as White House decorator

Michael Smith's hallmark as a great designer is his deep passion for the many forms of beauty found throughout the
history of the decorative arts as well as his ability to blend pieces from different eras.

Though not thought of as a modernist, Michael Smith does it so well. Just look at the strong, simple forms of this
couch and coffee table paired with an abstract painting that adds hints of color.  The Obamas' strike me as a
modern family and maybe some modern furnishings and artwork will find their way into the White House.  Michael Smith
has been talking about getting the furniture of the great masters of 20th-century American design,  like
Billy Baldwin (see the post I did on Billy Baldwin here), into the executive mansion.

Maybe Michael Smith will create a strong, elegant Master Bedroom in the White House with the drama of a huge
lacquered Chinese screen as a headboard, burled wood night tables, and '40s benches at the end of the bed. 
And maybe a Suzani draped over the bed for a truly international flare.

 

It's genius to put proper furniture in what's usually a functional space.  I have never seen pictures of the
White House bathrooms, and wonder if they have the space for a large table like this one. 
I think that the Obamas' have made a great selection in choosing Michael Smith.....what do you think?

Pictures Michael Smith Dominio



A home for a family

 

                                                                                                     Michael Smith's newest book

Patricia Gray writes about emerging trends, her inspirations, and "What's HOT" in the world of Design, as well as sneak peaks of her work.. 
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Billy Baldwin's Slipper Chair

Probably no other piece has stood the test of time more than Billy Baldwin's classic and iconic Slipper Chair.  He was said to have designed it according to Mitchell Owen's article in the New York Times , for Pauline de Rothschild's  5' 9" lanky frame in mind thus making it easier for her to strike a pose and extend her long legs, and it also happens to be a a chair that men feel comfortable sitting in - which is not a small feat.

Billy Baldwin's most famous piece his slipper chair is show in some photos below.

Bill Baldwin Slipper Chair / House Beautiful November 1999

Slipper Chair Home and Design Winter 2002

Slipper Chairs House Beautiful October 1995

Slipper Chairs close-up detail

Slipper Chairs Veranda June 2002

Slipper Chair Elle Decor May 2001

Slipper chair in Billy Baldwin's apartment via Peak of Chic

Large Slipper chair & Dining Room Slipper Chair by Ventry

You can read more about Billy Baldwin.  His book is being reissued on Amazon February 2009 and is available for pre-order.

Patricia Gray writes about emerging trends, her inspirations, and "What's HOT" in the world of Design, as well as sneak peaks of her work.. 
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2009 Your Best Year Yet

For those of you wanting to make 2009 Your Best Year Yet, I highly recommend this book - Write It Down, Make It Happen . I am deliciously writing in my new Moleskin notebook with my yellow Lamy fountain pen all the wonderful things I want to happen in my world in the New Year. Make 2009 your "Best Year Yet" by getting clear about what you want to happen. 

Moleskin is the legendary notebook used by Van Gogh, Chatwin, Hemingway, Matisse and Céline.
There is a whole Blog devoted to the "Moleskin. You can check it out here.

 

I received this new video by Louise Hay, You Can Heal Your Life, for Christmas and we all sat in front of the TV and watched it after Christmas dinner.  A number of luminaries in the fields of self-help and health and spirituality and new thought—including Doreen Virtue, Gregg Braden, Wayne W. Dyer, Gay Hendricks, Esther and Jerry Hicks, Leon Nacson, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Candace B. Pert, Cheryl Richardson, Dr. Mona Lisa Schulz, and many others share their personal stories about Louise’s impact on their lives. The Movie, which is hosted by Louise, offers not only an intimate look into her moving and inspirational life story, but also a special segment devoted to helping you apply Louise’s affirmations and groundbreaking wisdom to heal your own life and the challenges that you face.

Wishing you all a very happy 2009, and may it be a year filled to over flowing with all the good you desire!!!

Postscript Jan 4, 2009 Patricia of PVE Design has recommended this book: The Art of Influence: Persuading Others Begins With You (Hardcover)

                                                                                                                   Thanks Patricia

 

My friend and fellow Blogger MARYAM who lives in Marrakesh, Morocco and  writes the wonderful Blog: My Marrakesh, is a finalist in the 2008 Weblog awards for the category Best Middle East or Africa Blog. Please take a minute and visit her Blog and vote for her here.  The contest closes January 13th, 2009.

 

My friend and fellow Blogger Jen who writes the Travel Blog Folie a Deux,  is a finalist in the 2008 Weblog awards for the category Best Travel Blog. Please take a minute and visit her Blog and vote for her here.  The contest closes January 13th, 2009.

 

 

 

Patricia Gray writes about emerging trends, her inspirations, and "What's HOT" in the world of Design, as well as sneak peaks of her work.. 
While you're here, subscribe to this feed so you don't miss out.