Michael Smith is one of the leading interior designers and decorators of our time. Honored as an AD Hall of Famer and Elle Decor’s Designer of the Year in 2003, he’s done apartments and homes for the likes of Shonda Rhimes, Cindy Crawford, and even the Obamas during their White House tenure. Each project he works on is deeply thoughtful and also unique. His career has taken him all over the world, with one of his most interesting projects being his redesign of the U.S. embassy residence in Madrid.

Michael’s move to Madrid with his partner, the former U.S. Ambassador to Spain, James Costos began a lifelong love affair with the country. He now has an apartment in Madrid and a home in Mallorca. In today’s conversation, he talks about how he uses interior design to create cultural dialogue and immersive, impactful experiences. He tells stories from his dream-like career, and explains how his job fuses his love for architecture, history, textiles and contemporary art. He also shares his passion for the Spanish capital as he reveals what’s so uniquely special about the lively, elegant city. And don’t miss his idea of a perfect day in Madrid - from breakfast in Retiro Park to the cafe where he took the Obamas and his favorite museums.

Melissa ends the episode with some of her personal recommendations for Madrid, including top hotels, where to buy the coveted espadrilles and some of her top picks for restaurants.

Show Notes:

For more information about Madrid and the hotels, museums, parks, restaurants, and shops mentioned in today’s episode, click the links below:

Hotels

• Mandarin Oriental Ritz

• Four Seasons

• Santa Mauro

• Rosewood Villa Magna

Museums

• Museo del Prado

• Museo Reina Sofía

• Museo Thyssen

• Museo Sorolla

• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo

Parks

• Retiro Park

• Temple of Debod

Flamenco Dancing

• Corral de la Morería

• Tablao Las Carboneras

Restaurants

• Breakfast or Lunch

o Cappuccino

o Café Murillo

• For Pincho de Tortilla

o Gran Café Santander

o Cañadio

o La Maruca

• For Paella

o Luzi Bombon

o Casa Benigna

• Rooftop

o Dani

• Dinner

o La Parra

o Ten Con Ten

o El Paraguas

o Filandón

• Drinks

o Tarde.O

Shopping

• Carmina

• Sesaña

• Cocol

• Pez

• Antigua Casa Crespo

• Casa Hernanz

• Entredós Antiques

• El Rastro Market

Shopping for Food

• Mercado San Miguel

• Formaje