Creating your dream house—a prospect as exciting as it is daunting. Michael Smith, a favorite among celebrity clientele, reveals the method of his design magic. Offering thoughtful ideas and practical advice, the designer walks the reader through his process, from the gathering of resource material (from magazines and iconic films to something as simple as a shell or a swatch of vintage fabric), expertly pairing simpler and grander elements (or inexpensive with more extravagant objects), perfecting the editing process, to knowing when a room is finished. Detailing the nearly encyclopedic range of styles he culls from to create his signature style, the designer describes recent examples of his work, beginning with a modest and quirkily designed house in Bel Air, Smith redid for himself. Razed, rebuilt, and decorated over the course of five years, the house allowed Smith to experiment and explore ideas freely and the result is a gracious home, as welcoming as it is stylish. In addition to his California residence, twenty other projects are featured, from a New England clapboard to a Malibu villa overlooking the Pacific to a city townhouse. In each, Smith deconstructs the elements which come together to make the ideal home.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"A master of design metaphors, he mixes them in his own inimitable way." ~Veranda
"...an impressive collection of the sophisticated and comfortable interiors he is well known for." ~Western Interiors and Design
"Gorgeous photos take you into each home, and the elegant writing of House Beautiful's Christine Pittel creates a dialog between the reader and designer. You feel as though you are sitting with him, and he is telling you these stories." ~Stylebeat.com
"...shares generous and thoughtful advice on ways to achieve his signature look." ~Florida InsideOut
"...book feels like an extended issue of Architectural Digest, and, like that magazine, it leaves you with a mix of envy and desire." ~The Washington Post
"[Book] has a soulful edge... And although Smith is known for using high-end fabrics and fine antiques, his interiors are enduring, flexible, and never need to be "updated." So, in a way, there is something frugal and very real about them." ~Style Court Blog
"...an impressive collection of the sophisticated and comfortable interiors he is well known for." ~Western Interiors and Design
"Gorgeous photos take you into each home, and the elegant writing of House Beautiful's Christine Pittel creates a dialog between the reader and designer. You feel as though you are sitting with him, and he is telling you these stories." ~Stylebeat.com
"...shares generous and thoughtful advice on ways to achieve his signature look." ~Florida InsideOut
"...book feels like an extended issue of Architectural Digest, and, like that magazine, it leaves you with a mix of envy and desire." ~The Washington Post
"[Book] has a soulful edge... And although Smith is known for using high-end fabrics and fine antiques, his interiors are enduring, flexible, and never need to be "updated." So, in a way, there is something frugal and very real about them." ~Style Court Blog
About the Author
One of Architectural Digest’s 100 Top Designers and winner of Elle Decor’s Designer of the Year Award in 2003, Michael S. Smith is an internationally respected interior designer. He is the author of Michael Smith’s Elements of Style. Christine Pittel is a senior editor at House Beautiful magazine. Her writing has also appeared in the New York Times, Town & Country, Harper's Bazaar, House & Garden, and many other publications.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By AESTHETE
Format:Hardcover
Almost nobody does tea-stained, mismatched, nap-friendly Granny Modern as well as Michael Smith. It is a reassuring, pretty, traditional, warm and comfortable style at which Smith succeeds admirably. The photos and accompanying text are equally pleasant. Can't help wishing for just a splash of something edgy, dissonant and slightly incongruous in each room, however, to advance the tradition forward, keep the style evolving and upset the balance just a little.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
An excellent second effort from the designer to the super rich. Smith has exquisite taste and clearly a connoisseur's eye. The designer's own written text gives one good insight into the interior designer's inspirations and jumping off points for his interior schemes. The photography is splendid. A must for any design follower who relishes the English country house ideal as freshened by a young American.
9 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As an Interior Designer this book is a must have. I completely enjoyed his explanations and in sites into the creation of his most interesting and wonderful home. Michael Smith's close working relationship with his esteemed architect is such an important part of the success of this project. The reader is entertained from start to finish with gorgeous photography and his ability to reveal with such eloquence his design process, style and ideas.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great designer
Love all of Michael Smith's book, especially this one - fabulous interiors and stories as well. Cannot wait for his next book which will be published next month.
Published 3 months ago by Lili Goldberg
2.0 out of 5 stars
A Big Yawn
I really love his work in his other book (The Elements of Style) but here everything's a crashing bore, and the image quality isn't very pretty. Read more
Published on November 17, 2010 by Bohemian Bon Vivant
4.0 out of 5 stars
Money and Taste
"Houses" is an excellent work for those with no concerns about spending but with an interest in a classy blend of colors, textures and furniture in a variety of settings. Read more
Published on September 25, 2009 by Pamela Robinson
3.0 out of 5 stars
Lacking
Not nearly as good as his first book "Elements of Style". Although I am a big fan of Michael and his work (he is one of the most talented designers), the photos were horrendous,... Read more
Published on April 3, 2009 by my word
3.0 out of 5 stars
Slightly uninspiring
I got this book as I was interested to know what the Obama's new decorator was like. I am a fan of the English traditional look. Read more
Published on January 28, 2009 by kiwi girl
5.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific study of the design process
I've long admired interiors designed by Michael Smith, and have installed his line of fixtures for Kallista in my bathroom. Read more
Published on January 22, 2009 by George E. Duran
3.0 out of 5 stars
weak
Its not as good as Michael Smith's previous book "Elements of Style". The houses presented are predictable and all appear to have a similar style, and this book seems to promote... Read more
Published on January 14, 2009 by Carlos Raffo
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