Includes index

Part I: My house. The vision -- The plan. Part II: The process. Beginnings -- Collecting -- Strategy -- Dissonance -- Spark. Part III: The houses. Santa Monica, California -- Carbon Beach, California -- Malibu, California -- Millbrook, New York -- Santa Barbara, California -- London, England -- Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts -- Santa Ynez, California -- Encinal Bluff, California

"The renowned designer reveals the method to his inimitable style. Detailing more than a dozen recent projects, Smith begins the book with his most personal, his own Bel Air house which he redesigned, rebuilt, and decorated over the course of four years. In addition to his California residence, Smith discusses his other projects. In each, Smith deconstructs the elements that come together to make the ideal home"--From publisher description