Living: Now, a First Decorator

(2 of 2)

Nowhere is Graber's clean and classic style more grandly evident than in Winfield House, the London residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Britain that he and Haines renovated for Publisher Walter Annenberg at a cost of more than $1 million. Graber's following is predominantly Western and wealthy, including such clients as the Alfred Bloomingdales (department stores) and the Henry Salvatoris (oil). Says Grace Salvatori: "He has a great sense of color and quality. The night Ted Graber has finished, everything is complete, right down to the flowers and bonbons on the tables. Your husband comes in and he's happy, and you can sit down straightaway and have a cocktail."

Graber reckons that the average cost of redecorating a room may come to around $50,000, not including the art and antiques a client may want. Though that is what Congress allocates for each First Family's entire refurbishing, the Reagans need not worry about how to pay for their new digs. Extra bills can be paid out of the million fund. — By E. Graydon Carter. Reported by Michael Moritz/Los Angeles and Eileen Shields/Washington