Whimsy goes beyond the walls with Michael S. Smith, whose interior catalog includes arguably America’s most important home: the White House. Appointed by the Obama administration as a decorator for the 2009 White House redesign, Smith—studied at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, and was a Apprentice to renowned antiques dealer Gep Durenberger—divorce himself to a reference that was both historic and personal to the Obamas, transforming the space into a space suitable for family dinners country as well as more intimate gatherings favored by the young presidential family. Since then, Smith has continued to shape ideal residences for recreation, from Shonda Rhimesof his lush and fanciful Upper East Side apartment fit, to his own modern Los Angeles home (where he hosted Jane Fonda80th birthday party). Here, Smith shares items that bring joy in his own home—and where he likes to go to travel.
Style file
DAILY UNIFORM: Todd Snyder’s corduroy and suede jacket, Libertine or Dries Van Noten pants.
TO WALK: Converse with every color known to man, or Asics.
Wrist Claw: Rolex Daytona.
FIT: Libertine tailor or Madrid Calvo de Mora.
GLASSES: The magician Jacques Marie.
©Rolex
about grooming
SKIN CARE: Almond honey scrub for face.
COLOGNE: Check & Speak No. 88.
HAIR CARE: The date of birth in California of dirt.
At home
FRAGRANT: Frédéric Malle’s Cafe Society candles or Rigaud Tournesol candles.
RECENT ADDITIONS: Wood paneling Chinoiserie (Féau Boiseries).
DISPLAY: Vesuvius, 1985 by Andy Warhol; Untitled, made in 2013 by Hugo McCloud; and a Claude Lalanne mirror.
UNEXPECTED: Bronze bust of Charlie Smith.
ON THE TABLE: An orchid from the Inner Gardens or a rose from the Rose Story Farm.
BEDDING: Matouk, Biscuit, Muse or Anichini.
WINDOWS DECORATION: Dark.
For fun
TABLE SETTINGS: Elsa Peretti candle holder by Tiffany & Co., silverware by Elsa Peretti, dishes by Alberto Pinto.
IDEAL HOME GIFT: Alberto Pinto tableware, 16 pcs service set.
for fun
READ: Age of AI by Henry Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Daniel Huttenlocher.
SEE: Hack, Crown, Money robbery.
LISTEN: Theta wave 6 Hz to calm my brain.
Menu
Morning Cup: Equator Coffees blends French Laundry with milk.
HEALTH CAKE: Good Culture cheese, almonds, or a hard-boiled egg.
DRINK COMFORTABLE: Clase Azul Reposado tequila.
GO: Goop Kitchen in LA.
Tourism
BEST STAY: Hacienda de San Antonio in Colima, Mexico; Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India; JK location in Paris.
LUGGAGE: Go or Goyard.
IN BRING: iPad, phone, blindfold, international switch.
ALWAYS PACKED: Metamucil fiber sheet.
AIRPORT APPARATUS: J. Crew pants and Ralph Lauren jacket.
SHOES DAY TRAVEL: Clarks Wallabee Shoes.
DRINK ORDER ON THE FLIGHT: Tea.
ENTERTAINMENT: I’m working or sleeping.
HAVE INSPIRATION FROM: India. Every time I go, I love to go somewhere new to discover the history and really immerse in the charm of the people.
PERFECT HOLIDAY: Mallorca. Most people think of Mallorca as a resort island, but I prefer to visit some of the lesser known towns. It reminds me of Rome: beautiful architecture, narrow streets, modern cafes and restaurants.
DINING OUT: Ca Na Toneta in Mallorca.
