Having reimagined the White House for the Obamas, celebrated designer Michael S. Smith reveals all about creating a home fit for a president.

Many designers will tell you of commissions that have come via word of mouth, but it’s a very serendipitous recommendation that leads to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. Here, Michael S. Smith explains exactly how working on the White House interiors came about, and shares other fascinating details from his recently published book: Designing History: The Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House (Link zum Bestellen bei books.ch).

The Yellow Oval Room, with its soaring ceilings, featured paintings by Paul Cézanne (left) and Daniel Garber from the White House collection, and antique toys from the Smithsonian. Image: Michael Mundy

The Yellow Oval Room, with its soaring ceilings, featured paintings by Paul Cézanne (left) and Daniel Garber from the White House collection, and antique toys from the Smithsonian. Image: Michael Mundy

“Smith’s modern designs for the White House made history, just as the Obamas’ presence was, in itself, trailblazing. Further, all changes to the White House’s private residences were added to the 250-year-long history in every room—a place where layers of wallpaper tell a story of past administrations.” writes oprah.com.

Read more about this commission of a lifetime: designing the interiors for the Obama White House in the online magazine luxurydefined from Christie’s International Real Estate.