January 16, 2009

White House re-do

After reading more about the upcoming White House residence transformation, I've learned the only photos available to the public will be of the family sitting room. (There are twenty four rooms in the private residence, the remodeling budget is $100,000.00.)

The following photos are from the last five remodels. I completely understand the White House is a museum, but these are the living quarters. Make it look like a home, not a showroom.

All photos from the White House Museum

W.

Clinton

Bush the 1st

Reagan

Carter and/or Ford

Shades of golden yellow, cream and beige dominate the walls and carpeting. With so much sunlight streaming in through that window, this room could easily handle a dark wall color.

A plea to Mrs. Obama ~ shake it up a bit...add some vibrant color!

How about rich chocolate brown for the walls?


Or a Spanish red?

Room found on Benjamin Moore Color Viewer

Final bit of ranting: there's beautiful hardwood under the rug...let it show.

30 comments:

A Wild Thing said...

Wouldn't that just be the BOMB...hope she can pull it off...I'm just so anxious to get the other yayhoos out...I fall into a deep sleep whenever Laura speaks...does she ever have anything of real importance to say other than the praises of HIM(W)...WHATEVER!

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

I vote for turquoise! Michelle Obama seems to love strong, vibrant colors so maybe there's a chance. Love your suggestions!!

Kathy said...

I like the warm colors...maybe that spanish red!!!

High Desert Diva said...

Cecile...turquoise would be fun. Check out the link for House of Turquoise in my left side bar.

A Cuban In London said...

Although not even an amateur in interior design I would say that a vibrant colour would render the living quarters a less august look. And yet I am not a fan of vibrant colour myself. I am monochrome, as in black, blue, dark grey and occasionally black & white combo. You decide, diva :-)!

Greetings from London.

Golden West said...

Yikes! The Carter's draperies are downright scary!

High Desert Diva said...

The 70's...*shudders*

Rosebud Collection said...

The color sure makes it look nice.
I think I could take a lesson here..I keep things "blah"..

T.Allen said...

I like the Spanish red! There will be young children in the house, I hope they take the funeral home aesthetic out of it...ick!

I'm still working on breaking out of my color fear. NYC apartment space is not exactly color friendly...but my house now is and has been for 5 years...I keep saying I'll get around to it.

Peggy said...

I'm digging the Spanish red! Great idea! With your gift of design, this must be so painful for you to watch! LOL

Victoria said...

eee-gads!

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

I'm counting on you to keep in updated on this...

Iris said...

Please pull the carpets,Mrs.O !I do like the Spanish Red and hope they can come up with less fussy window treatments. With those wonderful doors and moldings I would even go with a Moss green and pull in some lush fabric to soften all that woodwork. It will be interesting to see the after shots.

Linda Sue said...

I wonder where the out president's stuff goes...

Erin {House of Turquoise} said...

I agree...they need some vibrant color!!

Unknown said...

yeah, i hear ya. ick.

now i like those brown and walls.

mati said...

I agree that a bold color palette is a vibrant and energetic way to go- the space is so large appearing that the red tones might warm the space and make it more inviting and cosy for the girls,or perhaps a daring cognac or an aubergine/eggplant color ! I find it changes with the light in such a magical way. The Obama's seem to have fine taste and I am sure they will create a beautiful setting. what a gift to see the photos of past presidents- thank you for sharing this with us. Have a great weekend - cheers from France.

Anonymous said...

Browns definitely!

I also instantly thought that it was way too yellow!

Anonymous said...

Yes, it really needs to "let down it's hair" a bit. I don't see how anybody could kick back and relax after a day of saving the world in an apartment that feels like a museum. Maybe some corduroy on the couch and dog barf on the rug? :-)

(That's what our den looks like!)

Kate

Junkstylediva said...

judging by your pics showing your home decor, I vote you decorate the White House! Elegant and comfortable is what they need. Inge

RocketScienceShop said...

Oh, I'm going to have to play around w/that Benjamin Moore Color Viewer!

Mary Ann said...

I love the Spanish red. The previous ones are way to formal for me. I hope she does something a little warmer. They're such a young family it would be a shame if they do something stuffy.

Screwed Up Texan said...

Best: Clinton

Worst: Bush the 1st

The Democrats definitely have the best taste according to these pics.

Unknown said...

Excellent suggestions, some of those were just so over the top i can not imagine living there. Never in a million years thought I'd say this but my favorite is W -- simple and yet still elegant, just like Laura I'd imagine.

Michelle is a bit punchier or a lady with a vibrant streak (at least in her clothing) plus a sunny disposition so hopefully that will reflect in the design.

Unknown said...

Amen to shaking it up and adding color. I'd want lots of it, tropical at times...

Hey Harriet said...

I like the Spanish red idea. You see, they so should have hired you to get the job done right!

Two Dog Pond said...

So what happens to the 'old' furniture? Do they have a tag sale? or just put the couch on the curb with a "FREE" sign on it?
I vote for the beautiful brown walls.

Anonymous said...

Along with their personal furnishings, the First Families are allowed to choose pieces from the national archives. From what I have read, the collections are extensive and there are architectural historians with whom the First Ladies can consult, as well as their private interior designers. How awesome it that?

StaroftheEast said...

LoL such a fun post :) Can't wait to see what Mrs Obama will do :)

Unknown said...

Wow - the dark walls would look stunning! I wonder how much of the budget the painting would take?

Granted this tidbit is from a novel, but it mentioned that there was basically a big warehouse where all the old furniture is stored and incoming presidents can 'shop' there... wonder how true that is (and how much fun it would be!)?