Designer’s Corner

Michael Smith

Join us as we sit down with architect and designer, Michael Smith to discuss Design Tips and Inspiration.

Michael Smith

Michael S. Smith is considered one of the most original and respected talents in the design industry today. He opened his own interior design business in 1990. Architectural Digest has selected him as one of the top architects and interior designers several "AD 100". Smith was also named Designer of the Year by Elle Décor in 2008. Perhaps he’s most famous for his appointment to redecorate Barack and Michelle Obama’s residential quarters in the White House. With an international profile of residential, hospitality and commercial clients Smith takes an individual approach to each.

listen intently to each client & understand how their rooms

will be lived in

the interview

His "Go To" Design Elements

Smith describes his style as "updated traditional". His work blends vintage and contemporary elements, such as Georgian antiques, 18th-century Chinese wallpaper and sun-bleached Moroccan carpets. He’s big on incorporating colors, textures, objects, and works of art, then crafting a holistic design. Always fresh, always evolving, always underscored by the belief that everyone should live with things they love.

Bedroom Design Elements

Smith’s “updated traditional” style is reflected in this bedroom, a blend of old and new. He prefers canopy beds and typically uses white bedding. His love of Chinese wallpaper is apparent as well as his use of plants.  

On The Bedroom's Nightstand

There are no rules. In this image we see an emphasis on functionality for bedside reading, a simple lamp and a few flowers. Smith often uses flowers to soften the room and create serenity. Noteworthy is how the cushions, sheets and duvet works together with the wallpaper.  

what people are saying about us

" Let me start by saying that the sheets I ordered arrived in beautiful box which would be great if you gave these as a gift! I will not be giving this set as a gift as I am in love with them! Super high end and comfortable sheets that feel luxurious against your skin. Super happy with this purchase and will be telling all my friends about them and referring them to my Interior Design Clients as well! "

Jaime Blomquist | LONG TIME CUSTOMER

what people are saying about us

"The 700 thread count St Tropez sheet set lives up to the hype! These sheets are certainly the best sheets I have ever slept in and I am beyond thrilled with this purchase. The sheets are soft, smooth, breathable and simply luxurious."

Nicky Monteiro Art Director

what people are saying about us

“The sheets are absolutely amazing! Getting a good night rest is heavily weighted on good sheets. Since I have been using them, I have been sleeping like a baby and find myself in a better mood the next day because of my restful night”..

-Lynette J - Editor at Gulfstream media

what people are saying about us

"Elegant Strand's luxurious bedding strikes the perfect balance between silky smooth and cool and crisp.You can't put a price on a good night's sleep; these sheets are priceless!"

-Steven Stolman - Author, Design Consultant

what people are saying about us

"The Perfect Medium: These sheets hit that ideal (and elusive) spot between soft and crisp. I find sateen and silky sheets too slippery and warm, but these are perfect. The embellishments are sleek and distinctive, but work well with the other bedding I own. (Even the packaging is lovely.) Plus, Elegant Strand, unlike so many other sheet producers, seems to have fully adapted to the new world of super-thick mattresses. Not only does the bottom sheet fit easily, the top sheet is extra wide so it can be tucked in, no matter how thick your mattress. I find these sheets to be as good, if not better, than sets I own by famous makers that cost far more. A great bargain and worth every cent!"

Michael Boodro, Executive Editor, Dering Hall

what people are saying about us

"They are so soft to sleep on. Love them."

Scott Sanders, Interior Designer

what people are saying about us

"My wife and I felt the sheets were soft to the touch and excellent quality.We could feel the elegance."

Tom Diverio, Interior Designer, Dunagan Diverio Design Group

what people are saying about us

"Elegant Strand is a luxury brand with superior artisanship. We love the feeling of the bedding, so soft to the touch and how elegant it looks."

Charlotte Dunagan, Interior Designer, Dunagan Diverio Design Group

what people are saying about us

"There’s an upscale level of craftsmanship and luxury to the brand. It’s the finest cotton bedding I have ever felt."

Gil Walsh, Interior Designer, Gil Walsh Interiors

what people are saying about us

"The loveliest sheet set!"

Jennifer Smith, Home Editor, LUXE Magazine

what people are saying about us

"When I received these beautiful sheets, I was very impressed by their style. Once I placed them on my bed, I found myself further impressed by the elegance and quality of the sheets. Attention to detail and style in the creation of them is apparent, and the feel of them is absolutely divine. Now I REALLY look forward to bedtime!"

Cyndi Hochberg, Publisher, Florida Home & Garden

what people are saying about us

"I recently received my Elegant Strands set of sheets and could not be more pleased with the product and service. The elegant packaging just made you feel that you were about to experience true luxury. That evening getting into bed I was in a state of pure tranquility and had the best night’s sleep. I now have to order more sets for all my bedrooms."

Shelley McCormick, Publisher, Design + Décor Magazine

what people are saying about us

"The sheets are absolutely amazing! Getting a good night rest is heavily weighted on good sheets. Since I have been using them, I have been sleeping like a baby and find myself in a better mood the next day because of my restful night"

Lynette Janac, CEO l Publisher, South Florida Luxury Guide

what people are saying about us

"I am very pleased with my new sheet set, Saint-Tropez. They are extremely soft and smooth for a great night sleep. I am very happy with the feel and quality."

Stephen Lazorischak, Publisher, Modern Luxury South Florida Magazine

what people are saying about us

"I love that Elegant Strand sheets are equal parts high quality and stylish. Crawling into bed at night feels like a little slice of heaven."

Kara Franker, Editor-in-Chief Modern Luxury Weddings Magazine

what people are saying about us

"Thank you for the beautiful sheet set. Love Elegant Strand!"

Brittany Chevalier, National Editor, LUXE Magazine

what people are saying about us

"The Saint-Tropez set is amazing! Super comfortable and simply stylish. I will definitely be getting a new set the next time I update my bedding design.”

Tyler Anderson, Client & Community Relations Coordinator, South Florida Luxury Network, South Florida Luxury Guide

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