A NEW book offers a glimpse into the incredible style and design that went into revamping the White House when Barack Obama and his family resided in it.
The book, Designing History: The Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House, details Michael S Smith’s collaboration with the former president and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
The book gives an intimate look into the private quarters of the Obamas, while also providing behind-the-scenes stories of how Smith went about updating such a culturally important home.
“The book beautifully chronicles the process of updating the country’s most symbolic residence, revealing how Smith’s collaboration on the decoration, showcasing of art, and style of entertaining reflected the youthful spirit of the first family and their vision of a more progressive, inclusive American society,” according to a press release.
The book was released on September 1, and features 372 beautiful photographs and illustrations.
Smith, a giant in the design industry, was appointed by Obama himself to work on the Committee for the Preservation of the White House.
In the book’s preface, the designer explains that the Obamas are a “dynamic but actually super normal young family that had been placed in extraordinary circumstances,” and in addition to preserving the rich history of the White House, he also wanted to make it feel like a home for them.
“I had to balance the logistics of creating a comfortable home for them within the context of not only this historical house, but their historic presidency, where every decision, large or small, was driven by their uncommon mindfulness,” Smith wrote.
“The Obamas were my constant inspiration, and their mission to celebrate the White House as the People’s House, a place that was welcoming and accessible to all Americans, led to our focus on highlighting the best of America in every possible way—through not just the diversity of creative talents, but the diversity and richness of culture—from painting and sculpture to the craft of furniture, textiles, ceramics, and more.”
The book also features a foreword from Michelle Obama, who, according to an interview Smith gave to Architectural Digest, was extremely involved with the redesign process throughout.
“It’s like building a ship in a bottle,” Smith told the outlet of working on the White House while the Obamas were living inside it.
“You’re very mindful of making sure everything you do fits within the context of the room and a very busy family.”
“Mrs Obama and I were really committed to this idea of coloring in between the lines, especially in the public spaces,” he added.
