Introducing... is The Local's guide to Swedish celebrity. In this instalment Rebecca Martin finds out more about Ernst Kirchsteiger - the softly spoken interior decorator-cum-philosopher who annually invades TV screens all over Sweden.

Ernst? Well, hes more of an institution really. "No summer without Ernst" is something that Swedes seem to all agree on. Ernst is the epitome of the word folkkr or loved by the people - which doesnt mean that everyone loves him really, but rather that everyone knows who he is and will have an opinion on him.

Fine but what does he do and why are you going on about him?

Ernst is the hugely popular interior decorator who hosted the TV-show Sommartorpet ("Summer Cottage") on the national public broadcaster SVT between 2000 and 2007, where the decorating team chose a random old shack somewhere in the countryside and did it up over the course of one summer. Swedes were glued to their screens.

Seriously you are telling me about some old interior decorator guy? Whats the fuzz with him?

Easy tiger, I was getting to that. I said Ernst has become an institution. Theres a reason. How many people do you know who can deliver one-liners such as Has it ever happened that you have found yourself falling in love with a stone? or I want to feel summer all over my body not just dip my toes in it! in every show he hosted? I mean, come on! The guys a philosopher.

Ok, I admit thats pretty... unusual. But why are you telling me about him now?

Its summer and as I said before no Swedish summer is complete without Ernst. After leaving SVT, Ernst went over to commercial TV station TV4 which probably meant a heftier pay cheque and started filming similar programmes with them.

On Thursday, the latest season of the Summer with Ernst show will begin airing on TV4. This season Ernst and his crew have found an empty power station that they are doing up. Riveting stuff!

Power station, you said? What on earth for?

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Introducing... Ernst Kirchsteiger

Monday, July 2, 2012, by Sarah Firshein Photos by Franois Hallard/WSJ. Magazine

This weekend WSJ. Magazine runs a feature on Michael Smith's modernist new home in Los Angeles, which is situated on a fancypants street across from the former Spelling manor. The interior designer and darling of Architectural Digest, who counts the Obamas' Oval Office, the 2011 Oscars greenroom, and Rupert Murdoch's just-sold Rosehearty Mansion among his credits, calls the "heroic" property "an intellectual and a creative exercise" and filled it not with "Mies coffee tables and B&B Italia sofas" but with antiques, mass-market seating from CB2, a growing collection of artwork and photography, mirrors, and pieces such as "weird '70s" John Dickinson lamps. "I get these crushes on things, on periods," Smith tells WSJ.'s Julia Reed. "You hear people say, 'I wanted to be an actor because you get to put yourself in another person's character.' Well, a house is both a set and a character." Have a look above and head to WSJ. Magazine for the full slideshow.

Going Modern, Staying Grand [WSJ. Magazine] All Michael Smith coverage [Curbed National]

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The Printed Page: Inside the Home of Presidential Decorator Michael Smith

Originally published June 19, 2012 at 7:00 PM | Page modified June 19, 2012 at 7:34 PM

Elana and David have three twenty-something kids with very different needs. Their eldest, Laurence, is in a wheelchair, and he needs space and special consideration when it comes to interior design. The other two children are off at college, but come home often to visit. The basement rec room should be a fun place for this sports-loving family to gather, but instead the room was as cold as the unused fireplace. A mishmash of furniture and a lack of purpose translated into an abandoned and lonely space.

I came up with a plan that scored with everyone sort of a "locker room luxe" design that had the home team cheering.

We ran into a couple of hiccups during the demolition specifically, the uneven cement floor and the water damage we found around the fireplace. Once we corrected those problems, though, it was full speed ahead.

My design called for the creation of two distinct zones.

The first is a TV zone, with a comfortable couch upholstered in a durable and spill-resistant indigo fabric. The couch anchors this space, and is placed directly opposite the big-screen television, which is flanked with custom adjustable shelving units. An oh-so-comfortable brown leather lounger with matching ottoman takes up residence between the TV and the new gas fireplace, still allowing plenty of room for Laurence to roll in and maneuver around.

A simple wooden-topped coffee table with sturdy legs and a sports-themed side table will accommodate lots of game-day snacks. Recessed lighting in the ceiling gives overall illumination, while two sconces flank the couch.

A beautiful nickel pendant lamp hangs over the other zone, a games-table-slash-conversation-nook with a couple of very comfy, creamy club chairs and a special adjustable table that raises enough to accommodate the arms of Laurence's wheelchair. The wall behind the games table was covered with a bold, graphic-patterned grasscloth wall covering that has just enough texture and dimension to catch the light cast down from the recessed ceiling fixtures.

The wall covering provides a tasteful touch that the gals love. And as for the accessories, they are all about the guys and their sports! Trophies, cups and hockey pucks all found their way into this space, but with a luxurious twist. The result is a room where the family will be as comfortable sharing a pizza during a game as it will be inviting friends in for a glass of wine and a chat.

Speaking of beverages, Laurence requested a drinks dispenser in the rec room, so we installed a bar fridge in a custom built-in counter, nicely tucked away, and used blackboard paint above it to create a surface that is perfect for scorekeeping. This was custom framed with salvaged hockey sticks, which were sanded down for a little rustic twist.

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Basement renovation scores with sports-loving family

Owner/decorator, Doreen Luethje began a career in decorating in 1995. From beginnings as a faux finish painter and wallcovering installer, she went on to work for and interior design store in Grand Island, Nebraska and a furniture store in York, Nebraska. All the while, she kept her home-based business, Interior Innovations, Inc. doing consulting, drapery treatment design & installation as well as selling and installing blinds and shades. Doreen's dream, however, had always been to open her own store and in early 2004 that dream began to become a reality.

Through the summer, renovations were made to the building at 106 East 5th Street in York, Nebraska. After many hours of hard work, in the October of 2004, Interior Innovations, "the store" opened. Doreen attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, is a Window Fashions Certified Professional at the level of Specialist and a Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Institute member at the Silver level. Give Doreen a call and see what her 10 years of experience in helping people make their homes more beautiful can do for you!

Kim Tonniges joined us at Interior Innovations in early 2008. She brings many years of customer service experience with her from her first career as a hairstylist and co-owner of the Townehouse Salon here in York. Kim is still styling hair and making nails beautiful most days, but on Monday and Friday you'll find her here helping our customers choose the perfect furniture and accessories for their home. Kim is very knowledgeable and a valuable asset to our store.

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Interior Innovations

Jefferson, N.C. The Charlotte interior decorator who helped funnel money to an aide of John Edwards to help cover up the presidential candidate's affair says he's disappointed that federal prosecutors have ended the criminal case against Edwards.

Bryan Huffman, a close friend of 101-year-old Virginia heiress Rachel "Bunny" Mellon, told WRAL News in an exclusive interview that he and Mellon felt "basically duped" when they learned that checks from Mellon that Huffman forwarded to Edwards aide Andrew Young and his wife went for the upkeep of Edwards' pregnant mistress, Rielle Hunter, and not to help his 2008 presidential campaign.

"I had no idea what that money was for," he said, adding that Mellon was likewise in the dark about how $725,000 of her money had been spent.

She was taken advantage of in a way, and all she was trying to do was help the country, he said.

Prosecutors accused Edwards of using nearly $1 million from Mellon and Texas trial lawyer Fred Baron to keep Hunter quiet and away from the media during the early portion of the 2008 campaign. After a month of testimony and nine days of deliberations, however, a jury last month found Edwards not guilty of accepting illegal campaign contributions from Mellon in 2008.

Jurors deadlocked on five other charges, including whether money Mellon sent in 2007 was an illegal campaign contribution, and prosecutors said last week that they wouldn't retry Edwards.

"I did think that the jurors did not connect the dots," Huffman said. "I do think there was guilt.

"Campaign finance is a joke."

Huffman corroborated much of the story Young told jurors in his five days on the witness stand during Edwards' trial, including that Mellon devised the back-channel means to deliver checks so her lawyer and financial adviser wouldn't question them. The checks were made out to Huffman for things like antique chairs and cabinets, but he merely endorsed them and forwarded them to Young's wife, who deposited them under her maiden name. One check was even delivered in a box of chocolates.

"She always grew up with the sense that, 'Ive been given a lot, and I need to take care of the country that has been given to me,' he said of Mellon. "She wanted to continue to support and give, so when Andrew called for the money, she said she could go through her personal account without going through legal adviser and managers.

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Key figure in cover-up says Edwards should have been tried again

Vogue editor and aspiring diplomat Anna Wintour added the role of interior decorator-in-chief to her titles this week by overseeing a decor overhaul at Sarah Jessica Parkers luxe home before President Obamas visit.

Wintour whos reportedly in the running for the US ambassadorship to Britain was photographed with her daughter Bee Shaffer paying a visit to Parker and Matthew Brodericks West Village townhouse just as movers were hauling furniture in and out to prep for yesterdays $80,000-per-couple fund-raiser hosted by Wintour and the Sex and the City star.

WireImage

Anna Wintour

Sources said the fashion oracle wanted to clean out SJPs shabby chic furniture. One told us, Anna was going crazy about the decorating. She was having a lot furniture removed and sending all of SJPs tchotchkes upstairs.

Some of the stuff in the house was shabby chic, and lets just say, Anna wanted less shabby, and more chic, the source added.

While Wintour, known for her painstaking planning of events like the meticulous Met Ball, was at Parkers place Monday, movers lugged in a piano. Parker was reportedly strolling nearby with her kids and a nanny.

After Annas work was done, sources said Parker and her brood had to adjust their routines. Theyve had to live upstairs in the house, said a source. Its not like this is an event at the Trump SoHo its the place where [Parker] feeds her kids.

A small battalion of cleaners was spotted scrubbing door handles and windows outside the house. Yesterday, dozens of plump, white roses were delivered along with rental chairs, and a gardener planted mini- ferns out front.

But a source close to Wintour downplayed her dcor directions, telling us, Anna didnt decide the dcor. That was done in a meeting without her. Those pictures were just her walking into [the] house for her meeting. Furniture was being brought in and out, but not for Annas benefit to preside over, They were in prep mode.

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Anna Wintour overhauls Sarah Jessica Parker’s house for President Obama’s fundraiser

Whoever said it was out with the old and in with the new was terribly mistaken, at least in terms of the latest interior design trends.

The French laundry look, where everything appears distressed and weathered, is dominating the home furnishings market, according to Lisa Bizzell, who has been an interior decorator at Tassels for over 14 years.

Theres a lot of use of texture, she said, pointing to a beige Baker Heritage Furniture sofa with metallic gold geometric pattern. Tassels designers used an abundance of brightly colored teal, blue and green pillows to accent its neutral tone.

French laundry makes a statement by understating. Most furniture in this style tends to be a shade of white or brown. Bizzell said the color greige, which is a combination of gray and beige, has become fundamental to French laundry. But for those who arent fulfilled by the minimalism that characterizes this look, vibrant colors are an asset.

Shinier pops of color can balance neutral-based colors, said Bizzell. Oranges, fuchsias, hot pinks and turquoises are becoming very popular.

By keeping up with the latest clothing trends, one can, in essence, also remain well versed in the latest interior design trends. Chartreuse yellow is appearing in the form of dresses, blazers and blouses, but its also the color of an armchair by Lexington Furniture Company with a subtle white bird-and-branch pattern. In an otherwise neutral room, a chair like this can supply just the right amount of color.

At High Point Market, a trade show for the furniture industry, Bizzell learned that shades of purple are also making a comeback and that metallic accessories have the same effect as adding bright colors to French laundry furnishings.

Mercury glass is used to create home accessories that look silver. But the difference between mercury and actual silver is that mercury is translucent. A lamp by Cyan Design with a mercury-glass body and taupe shade was proof that metal really can spruce up objects seeming plain.

Though weathered woodwork may look old, its really the newest trend. And just like vivid colors can balance neutral ones, brightly-painted woodwork can maintain quaintness while remaining interesting.

A tangerine-colored secretary desk by Justin Camlin, a designer specializing in painted pieces, can provide the perfect amount of color to an office. But the desks versatility makes it usable in virtually any room, especially when accompanied by the tan, woven, long-backed chair Tassels had on display with it.

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It’s In With The Old In Interior Design

Interior dcorator Bo Casey moved to the area one year ago and has already opened her third shop.

Casey opened her first store Bo Dacious at Grand Boulevard a year ago, which was filled with eye-catching jewelry and purses and other pretty, blingy things that made the ladies want to stop and come in.

Come in they did. And while customers were in there, if they happened to notice the furnishings that made a statement and needed an interior dcorator for their home, Casey could help them.

The more people in the area Casey met and helped with their decorating needs, the more she felt a need to open a furniture consignment store for those gently-used items her customers no longer liked or needed. She opened Bo Dacious Consignment at the first of the year.

Now, she has brought the two stores together under one roof just west of the Walton County line in the purple building that formerly housed Kay Fant Interiors.

Casey held the grand opening of her new Bo Dacious store there May 31 to celebrate her newest venture.

Inside, shoppers will find not only eye-catching jewelry and furnishings, but also original artwork, chandeliers, and decorating advice. While there, Casey makes everyone who enters her store feel right at home and like a lifelong friend.

In the interior dcorator business for 25 years, Casey embraces the career path she recognized in herself from childhood, as she was always decorating and re-decorating her room at home while growing up in Montgomery, Ala.

On the way to her chosen career path, Casey has also participated in a fair number of beauty pageants. When pressed, she admits to reigning as Alabama's Junior Miss "a long time ago," being a Bicentennial Belle, and earning a spot as a runner-up in the University of Alabama pageant.

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Bo Dacious holds grand opening in new Destin location

When an e-mail from famous New York interior designer Bunny Williams showed up in her inbox March 27, Raji Radhakrishnan knew the news was good. The designer, based in the Brambleton neighborhood of Loudoun County, had been selected to participate in New Yorks 2012 Kips Bay Decorator Show House, akin in the design world to winning an Oscar.

I almost fell off my chair, says Radhakrishnan. (It was a vintage art deco desk chair, by the way.) She had submitted her portfolio to the Kips Bay committee for several years but had never been chosen. For a designer, I dont think it can get better than this.

(Marco Ricca/RAJI RADHAKRISMNAN) - Nice views, inside and out: Loudoun Countys Raji Radhakrishnan designed a homeoffice for a museum curator at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House.

(Greg Powers/GREG POWERS) - Interior designer Raji Radhakrishnan, who's based in Loudoun County.

Williams, who is this years show house chair, invited Radhakrishnan to walk through the show house venue: two huge luxury duplexes at the Aldyn, a contemporary high-rise building on Manhattans Upper West Side. They are on the market for $16.9 million and $15.9 million each. Radhakrishnan was one of 32 designers who had five weeks to come up with design schemes for the spaces, which opened to the public for a month-long gig May 16.

The great thing about Kips Bay is that they let you run with your imagination. You can turn a bedroom into a meditation room or a lounge, says Radhakrishnan, who started her business in 2005 and opened a New York office this spring. Her concept: a home office for the chief curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Because nearly all the rooms were white boxes with big glass windows, she says she knew she had to make hers special and sophisticated without going against the architecture. She had pearl white Venetian plaster applied to the walls and ceiling. It enveloped the space and gave the room a beautiful glow, and still was clean and modern, she says.

It was a fitting backdrop for 20th-century vintage pieces, including a 1960 bar cabinet and Arts and Crafts rug, plus furniture from contemporary designers. She installed a white marble mantel for architectural heft and hung two large photo murals. The curators desk, made of wood and leather, is from Ralph Lauren Home.

A curator would have only beautiful, comfortable and practical things in their home, Radhakrishnan says. Thats what guided me.

The 40th annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House, at 60 Riverside Blvd., New York, is open daily through June 14. Admission is $30. The money raised benefits the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club after-school and enrichment programs for New York City children. For more information, go to http://www.kipsbaydecoratorshowhouse.org or call 212-755-5733.

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A local designer at Kips Bay showhouse

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire -06/06/12)- Capital Art, Inc. (CAPA), was established to acquire, edition and manage some of the most valuable iconic photographic images and to internationally market limited editions and reproductions from the original negatives.

We are proud to announce that internationally renowned interior decorator Christopher Guy has chosen a selection of iconic images by Bert Stern, Douglas Kirkland and Bud Fraker to be sold at Harrods.

Sean Goodchild, CEO of Capital Art, Inc. commented: "We are very proud of our relationship with Christopher Guy. The showroom at Harrods will bring these iconic photos to a wide audience both from England and abroad. Harrods is probably the world's best known shopping destination for the elite and wealthy customers from around the world."

Christopher Guy Harrison added: "We are excited to be working with Capital Art to provide these iconic photographs for our customers around the world."

About Christopher Guy

Christopher Guy is one of the leading Interior Decorating companies in the world with offices in the United States, England and Singapore. Clients include many of the major hotels and resorts, movie productions and the world's finest private homes. For further information please go to http://www.christopherguy.com.

About Capital Art, Inc.

Capital Art, Inc. (CAPA.PK) acquires, editions and manages some of the most valuable iconic photographic images and internationally markets limited editions and reproductions created from the original negatives. The company also makes available images for publications and merchandize.

Capital Art sells and distributes classic and contemporary limited edition photographic images and reproductions with a focus on iconic celebrity images. The company already owns and/or manages an amazing array of valuable photography including the works of the late Frank Worth who was "confidant to the stars" during the golden era of Hollywood.

Investment in iconic photographic images is increasingly becoming an important component for a growing number of art collectors and investors. As photography is becoming an asset class in its own right, and with a rapidly growing middle class, the demand for iconic images should continue to increase with little new material coming to the market.

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Capital Art and Christopher Guy Launch Iconic Photographic Collection at Harrods, London.