Interior Design

Michael S. Smith: Building Beauty: The Alchemy of Design

The newest book from acclaimed designer Michael S Smith is an in-depth look at how to create the perfect American house. Michael S Smith: House and Home is a rare opportunity to experience in great detail the work of this renowned designer. Michael S Smith transformed an ordinary house and its outbuildings into an extraordinary suite of rooms that display the best of this design superstar’s work. As he walks the reader through its myriad rooms and gardens, explaining each decision made, Smith provides a complete, invaluable up-to-date design vocabulary that every homeowner and design aficionado is keen to know, from the initial renovation plans to the finishing details, indoors and out. Interviews with the architect, Oscar Shamamian, the landscape designer, and various craftsmen help Smith guide the reader through the process of creating a house, and in so doing provides a blueprint for anyone building or renovating their dream home. Richly informative, this is a visually stunning, indispensable guide to designing an unforgettable house, one decision at a time.

About The Author

Designer and author Michael S Smith is considered one of the design industry’s most respected talents, with an international profile of residential and commercial clients. He is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including multiple times on Architectural Digest’s "AD 100" list. He has also been named "Designer of the Year" by Elle Decor. The author of three previous books, The Elements of Style, Houses, and Kitchens and Baths, his projects have been featured in many noted publications. In 2010, Smith was appointed by President Obama to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. Christine Pittel is a writer and senior editor at House Beautiful.

  • Publish Date: May 07, 2013
  • Format: Hardcover
  • Category: House & Home - Decorating & Furnishings
  • Publisher: Rizzoli
  • Trim Size: 10 x 11-1/2
  • Pages: 208
  • US Price: $55.00
  • CDN Price: $55.00
  • ISBN: 978-0-8478-3657-4

Reviews

"a visually gorgeous exploration of an uninspired 1993 Malibu home that Smith transformed into a stunning architectural specimen. The photos serve as both renovation inspiration and detailed information on what goes into transforming a home." ~Los Angeles Confidential

"Good interior design is as much about logistics as it is about art, and famed designer Michael S. Smith has it all down to a science in Building Beauty: The Alchemy of Design. Taking the reader through the process of creating a beautiful space step by step--whether with new construction or renovation--Smith provides a hands-on approach that demonstrates his professional grasp of everything interiors-related." ~CS Interiors

"Highly sought after designer Michael S. Smith takes on the renovation of a 1993 new-build and chronicles the entire experience before your very eyes. Experience the transformation blow-by-blow with technical details and beautiful "after" photos. The ultimate home makeover!" ~Traditional Home

"..pure gold. I read the book cover-to-cover in one sitting and it is the most remarkable tale of the most remarkable project. Christine Pittel tells the tale in an intimate and conversational tone...Rather than instilling envy, the story of this process filled me with awe." ~Patricia Shackelford, Mrs. Blandings

"As temperatures are rising and city dwellers are retreating to coastal beach houses, designer Michael S. Smith delivers a masterwork on the genre, devoting an entire book to one Malibu residence." ~Angeleno Magazine

Author Bookshelf: Michael S. Smith

Author Bookshelf: Christine Pittel

Author Bookshelf: Margaret Russell