Over the winter break I’ve developed a slight obsession with the work of Michael S. Smith and orderer several of his books. Although every book is lovely, Michael S.Smith – Houses, published by Rizzoli in 2008, is by far my favorite! Obviously, a book published in 2008 hardly needs an introduction or review on my part. However, in the sea of countless design books that are being published each year, the good ones naturally rise to the top and become classics worth returning to time and time again.
It is rare that a design book offers an education, valuable insights and beautiful images, and this is definitely one of those rare books. Not your regular pretty coffee table volume, Michael S.Smith – Houses is a collection of Smith’s essays on decorating, presenting the unique point of view of a designer who has become legendary in his lifetime. This is Smith’s second book (so far he’s written six – the last one on the decoration of the White House residential wing for Barack and Michelle Obama) and in it he talks about his own design philosophy and processes, highlighting the importance of context and innovation.
First and foremost, good design is a series of good decisions. But a beautiful home in Smith’s eyes is a home where careful planning and rational thinking meet feeling and emotion. The real magic of decorating lies not in the perfectly executed algorithm of design but in the personal touch each and every one of us brings to our living spaces. Our own history and personality adds the magic ingredient and it is always worth the extra work of finding out who we are and what we truly want (not just what we think we want). Smith encourages his clients, and the reader, to dig deep and dare to be unapologetically different.
Speaking about the job of a decorator, Smith draws parallels between designing for someone else and being a film director. The script is there, the story of a client’s life – the fears, the hopes, the dreams and everything in between, and it’s the director’s job to turn that script into a harmonious picture that feels meaningful, authentic and inspiring. Isn’t it wonderful?
What can I say… It was sheer joy reading and studying this book and I hope you’ve enjoyed these glimpses into the enchanted world of Michael S. Smith! If you’d like a copy of Michael S. Smith – Houses (that is if you don’t already own one), you can find a few used & new copies at the link below:
For more book reviews, please make sure to check out the following Café Design stories:
Book Review | Sketchbooks by George Saumarez Smith
Book Review | British Designers at Home by Jenny Rose-Innes
Book Review | Inspirational Interiors by Roger Banks-Pye
Book Review | Folly de Grandeur by Nicky Haslam
Happy Friday!
What a thoughtful review! I really appreciate your–and Michael Smith’s–approach to dig deeper into our own and our clients’ lives to find out what really matters and use that knowledge to create authentic homes filled with meaning. Can’t wait to check out the book!
Thanks for the review Eva. I just ordered it.