Michael S. Smith’s first collection of new interiors work in seven years. Appearing at a seminal point in Michael Smith’s life and career, The Curated House is also his most personal book, tracing the origins and influences of his design philosophy in depth and presenting a substantial offering of new projects. In the first section of the book, illustrated with images of Smith’s own dramatic Los Angeles house, his spare desert retreat, and his ornate Manhattan apartment, Smith explores his California roots and explains how they still infuse so much of his work; the importance of California’s own deep traditions; and how his recent work in Spain has influenced him through its architecture, fabrics, and history. Smith reviews the constants of his interiors, what is integral to his style and why, and how they can work for the reader: from the forms that repeat themselves to the layering of fabrics and patterns, the use of subtle colors, and the idea of comfort in every room. The second part of the book offers case studies of Smith’s most recent interiors work, including a high-style Manhattan pied-à-terre, an airy London townhouse, a Montana mountain retreat, and a sophisticated Malibu beach house. Substantive and arresting, The Curated House will be Smith’s most comprehensive book to date, and essential to those aspiring to his refined, popular style.
"[Michael Smith's] talent and discernment are evident on each page of this large-scale new book. . . The Curated House covers varied and dramatic geographic territory including London, the Midwest, Madrid (his partner is the American Ambassador to Spain), and all over California. . . It’s a beautiful book, and one to study for years. This is a must for a complete design and reference library. Bravo, Michael." -TheStyleSaloniste.com
"Hone in on the fascinating inspiration and sources of Michael J. Smith's stunning designs. This book offers highly anticipated insight to the luminary's day-to-day life." -THE SOCIETY DIARIES
"Michael S. Smith is a philosophical designer. And because The Curated House: Creating Style, Beauty, and Balance is a remarkably personal book, a lot of what he believes about the constraints of style and the deep connections of tradition to his work are clearly voiced. This collection of new interiors, his first book in seven years, invites readers into Smith's own dramatic Los Angeles house, spare desert retreat and dazzling Manhattan apartment." -360 WEST MAGAZINE
"When it comes to learning from the best and being inspired, few designers resonate as far and wide as Michael S. Smith." -STYLEBEAT BLOG
"Chock-full of refined designs from California to England, Michael's blend of European classicism and American modernism creates universal spaces that stand the test of time." -USA TODAY
Internationally renowned, award-winning decorator Michael S. Smith has been named multiple times to Architectural Digest’s “The AD 100,” and was named Designer of the Year by Elle Decor. He is the author of four previous books: Elements of Style, Houses, Kitchens and Baths, and Building Beauty. In 2010, Smith was appointed by President Obama to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House.
Michael S. Smith’s first collection of new interiors work in seven years. Appearing at a seminal point in Michael Smith’s life and career, The Curated House is also his most personal book, tracing the origins and influences of his design philosophy in depth and presenting a substantial offering of new projects. In the first section of the book, illustrated with images of Smith’s own dramatic Los Angeles house, his spare desert retreat, and his ornate Manhattan apartment, Smith explores his California roots and explains how they still infuse so much of his work; the importance of California’s own deep traditions; and how his recent work in Spain has influenced him through its architecture, fabrics, and history. Smith reviews the constants of his interiors, what is integral to his style and why, and how they can work for the reader: from the forms that repeat themselves to the layering of fabrics and patterns, the use of subtle colors, and the idea of comfort in every room. The second part of the book offers case studies of Smith’s most recent interiors work, including a high-style Manhattan pied-à-terre, an airy London townhouse, a Montana mountain retreat, and a sophisticated Malibu beach house. Substantive and arresting, The Curated House will be Smith’s most comprehensive book to date, and essential to those aspiring to his refined, popular style.
Reviews
"[Michael Smith's] talent and discernment are evident on each page of this large-scale new book. . . The Curated House covers varied and dramatic geographic territory including London, the Midwest, Madrid (his partner is the American Ambassador to Spain), and all over California. . . It’s a beautiful book, and one to study for years. This is a must for a complete design and reference library. Bravo, Michael." -TheStyleSaloniste.com
"Hone in on the fascinating inspiration and sources of Michael J. Smith's stunning designs. This book offers highly anticipated insight to the luminary's day-to-day life." -THE SOCIETY DIARIES
"Michael S. Smith is a philosophical designer. And because The Curated House: Creating Style, Beauty, and Balance is a remarkably personal book, a lot of what he believes about the constraints of style and the deep connections of tradition to his work are clearly voiced. This collection of new interiors, his first book in seven years, invites readers into Smith's own dramatic Los Angeles house, spare desert retreat and dazzling Manhattan apartment." -360 WEST MAGAZINE
"When it comes to learning from the best and being inspired, few designers resonate as far and wide as Michael S. Smith." -STYLEBEAT BLOG
"Chock-full of refined designs from California to England, Michael's blend of European classicism and American modernism creates universal spaces that stand the test of time." -USA TODAY
Author
Internationally renowned, award-winning decorator Michael S. Smith has been named multiple times to Architectural Digest’s “The AD 100,” and was named Designer of the Year by Elle Decor. He is the author of four previous books: Elements of Style, Houses, Kitchens and Baths, and Building Beauty. In 2010, Smith was appointed by President Obama to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House.
