Michael Smith to redecorate White House residence using 'The Mix'

In a roundup of people and companies in the spotlight because of their association with the first family, USA Today lists decorator Michael Smith, who is redoing the private quarters.

Smith, who was picked from three candidates interviewed by Michelle, said her interest in 20th-century American artists and affordability would guide his approach.

Here's some insight from the Kansas City Star into how he's expected to approach the job:

Kansas City interior designer Caroline McCallister thinks Smith could make his style mainstream in America.

"Smith has mastered 'The Mix,' " says McCallister, who worked in the White House during the Reagan administration as television coordinator. "The Mix is hard to do."

The Mix means combining:

•Traditional and modern. Smith juxtaposes classic wingback chairs and contemporary abstract art.

•Casual and formal. Smith upholsters fancy furnishings with kid- and dog-friendly fabric.

•Multiple cultural influences. Smith can seamlessly pull off a room with an Oriental folding screen, antique suzani textiles and an organic tree trunk table.

•Expensive and affordable. Smith uses furniture only designers have access to along with cheap Ming Dynasty knockoff china and Pottery Barn jute rugs. His fashion sense (pairing jeans with designer shirts and wearing Keds or custom John Lobb shoes) mirrors his home-décor work.

Smith apparently will use furnishings from mainstream brands for the Obama girls' rooms, two of the 12 bedrooms in the White House private residence. Also at Smith's disposal for the 34 rooms are the stored furnishings from more than 200 years of presidencies.