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Mrs Obama chose Los Angeles-based designer Michael Smith to decorate the White House’s private quarters, transition officials said Tuesday. He has designed homes for Steven Spielberg, Dustin Hoffman, Michelle Pfeiffer Cindy Crawford and Rupert Murdoch.
Every new family to move into the executive mansion selects new decor. Mrs Obama said First Lady Laura Bush has been a “wonderful steward” and has created a “beautiful residence.”
“I look forward to adding our own touch to the East Wing and creating a living space where our family feels comfortable, happy and settled, she said.
A California native, Mr Smith studied interior design at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles and at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Eventually he returned home to start a home furnishings store and launched his design firm in l990. Mr Smith also designs his own Jasper lines of furniture and fabrics.
Michael shares my vision for creating a family-friendly feel to our new home and incorporating some new perspectives from some of America’s greatest artists and designers, she said.
He will focus first on the bedrooms for the Obamas’ daughters, 7-year-old Sasha and 10-year-old Malia, USA today reported.
“The family’s casual style, their interest in bringing 20th century American artists to the forefront and utilizing affordable brands and products will serve as our guiding principles as we make the residence feel like their home,” Mr Smith said in a statement released by the Obama transition office.
In an April 2008 interview with Domino magazine’s editor-in-chief, Deborah Needleman, Mr Smith said he would love to redecorate the White House.
