Change In Command

I recently received an email from the folks over at Change In Command, asking if I would be interested in participating in their feature, "44 Issues in 44 Days."

I went over to check out their website, and was a bit shocked that I was to be included in such a weighty group of experts and bloggers - I felt out of my league and more than a little intimidated.

The project works like this: Every day, a different person gives their perspective on how the Inauguration will affect their particular field of expertise.

The question posed to me was "What does this Inauguration mean for the future of interior design and related issues in the U.S.?"

Granted, this issue doesn't quite compare to world hunger or the economy, but I think it can have broader implications than it may, at first, seem. Mainly, regarding the role of the arts and its importance in our society. I gave it my best effort, and you can see my response which is up live today.

While you're there, check out the commentary from all the respondents. There is incredible excitement – from across the country and around the globe – about the incoming administration. And, naturally, some very high expectations.

The Yellow Oval Room inside the private residence of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006.
(AP Photo/White House, Shealah Craighead)

Laura Bush meets with Michelle Obama in the private residence of the White House November 10, 2008. I'm not sure which room this is.

I think we could all agree that, although not terribly bad, there is a lot of potential to make these rooms come alive. And I think Michael S. Smith is just the guy to do it. (Read my profile of his new book here.)

And after watching this video, I think Malia Obama could be an interior designer in the making. How great for her to get a chance to work with one of the best at such an early age!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

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I learned some interesting background on the job of White House decorator while researching this topic.

• Every new first family selects a decorator to help them adapt the private spaces of the White House to their own particular needs.
• Congress budgets $100,000 for the project. Any expenses over that must come from private donations. Apparently Michelle wants to stay within this budget, although most have not.
• The First Lady heads up the Committee for The Preservation of the White House, which includes the White House decorator, the White House Curator, along with art historians, furniture and decorative art experts and advisors on historic preservation.
• Any renovations of the public rooms, additions to the art and furniture collections, and restoration work is also overseen by the committee and is financed by the White House Endowment Fund, now at about $27 million.
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