Here’s the Oscar® Buzz. Where will the stars be as they wait to hit the stage at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards® on Feb. 27? The Architectural Digest Greenroom, of course!

Each year Architectural Digest selects a noted designer to transform a raw space into a backstage oasis for presenters and winners alike on Hollywood's biggest night. This year, interior designer Michael S. Smith—who was appointed in 2010 by President Obama to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House—is the man for the job. His vision for the room is inspired by luxe, tailored 1940's Hollywood style, complete with a sophisticated color palette and furnishings that reflect the era. 

How can you direct a feature presentation like this in your home? Let’s study the scene. Washed in neutrals, the drama starts with the built-in architectural details including the lighted tray ceiling, bookcases, and framed mirror faux windows. The paneled walls and crown moldings are strong crowd pleasers. The playful floral pattern in the Persian carpet grounds the room in the traditional category. The supporting actors are all the curvaceous furnishings while the stars are the sofas with tufted bench seats, bolster pillows and wrapped construction.

The critics have spoken. Its two thumbs up for this winner! No doubt, James Franco and Anne Hathaway will want to linger in this luxurious setting once the presentations are over. 

Lisa Stewart is an Interior Designer in Raleigh, NC.

Where you’ve lived and places you’ve visited have influenced who you are and therefore your home's décor. We tend to surround ourselves with environments that are familiar to us and remind us of places we hold dear.
 
I am often asked, “Where are you from?” I feel a bit strange answering this because I’ve moved so many times and have called a number of places home. Consequently I like change. Lately the contents in my home seem to be in constant motion-a result of having no intention of moving any time soon. My children also struggle with this question as American kids who were raised abroad. A source of anxiety for them in their teens and college years, they now consider themselves citizens of the world.  This explains the variety of different cultures and styles that are reflected in their homes.

How do you answer this question? And does answering this question give outsiders a clue about how your home is decorated? For example, if you were raised in the country you may love a casual feel in your home, while those who were raised in big cities might prefer a more modern, minimalistic feel.

If your home is a reflection of where you’re from and places you've been, that’s wonderful. But I would like to present another question. Do you think we should be decorating our home for our hopes and dreams? Much like it’s recommended we dress for the job we are striving to attain, should we also be dressing our home for success?  More on this later.

Lisa Stewart is an Interior Designer in Raleigh, NC.