One of the advantages of serving on boards for various organizations is getting to know the great people you serve with. While I was on the board of the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, I got to be close friends with fellow board member and interior designer, Michael Smith. Michael helped me redesign my summer home a while back, and we got to spend a lot of time sharing ideas over wine and cheese.

Michael’s name popped back up recently when it was announced that Michelle Obama chose him to redecorate the White House. Michael told me that he was really looking forward to the challenge and was already putting together some ideas for the President-elect and family.

I couldn’t resist the opportunity to have some fun with Michael when I received an email from Ikea for a new site entitled ‘EmbraceChange09’. The microsite allows you to redecorate the oval office with ikea furniture and share the new design with your friends or submit for a chance at prizes. The microsite also allows you to submit it directly to the White House.

After playing around with it a bit, I sent my design over to Michael with the not: “In case you need any help, use this.”

I quickly got a note back from him with a few words that aren’t repeatable!