When a new president moves into the White House, the decor also changes. Each President and First Lady, and in this case, perhaps the first family will change the living quarters to reflect their personal preferences, style and taste.
A brief walk through some of the highlights and controversy of past White House interiors often encourages opinions, either correctly or incorrectly, of the First family. Traditionally the First Lady is responsible for the decorating of the White House. Renovation of the public rooms, including additions to the rather large collection of art and furniture, is overseen by the Preservation committee, with the First Lady presiding over that committee.
Their private living quarters are different. Here the First Lady, with her chosen designers, will implement their own personal design schemes.
Below are a few highlights that have been written about past president's personal interiors, with naturally, the blame or praise shouldered by the First Lady.
Jacquelyn Kennedy used Sister Parish for her family quarters in the White House. Often the focus was antiques. One of her wallpaper choices were illustrated scenes from the American Revolution. An article in the Chronicle states that many thought the Kennedy White House was too French.
Lady Bird Johnson will be remembered more for her efforts in conservation than for her interests in the White House Interiors. However, the Texas White House, where LBJ spent about 25% of his time during his presidency did reflect Lady Bird's statement: "There is nothing more inviting than pillows, flowers and a view." (@Conde Nast) AD 1986 talks of the LBJ Ranch, snuggled into Central Texas Hill Country, approximately a 63 mile drive from Austin, as a personal home, steeped in history, filled with memorabilia encouraging visitors to "come in and rest".
Nancy Reagan chose her friend and California designer Ted Graber to help with the interiors. It was said her taste reflected a "somewhat" Hollywood style. Perhaps many remember her China ( $210,000 ), that was seen as overwhelming extravagant. Others wrote about her excessively overdone Chinese wallpaper and her penchant for rich colors with red being her favorite.
Hillary Clinton: In a recent Architectural Digest November 2016 issue suggested the private quarters of the Clinton's would be "classic", just like her signature pantsuits. " As First Lady, there was a great interest in traditional furniture, cheery yellow colors and florals.
Michele Obama chose Los Angeles designer, Michael Smith, as the official White House designer. It was said her taste was both elegant and simple. In the art world, many contemporary, often considered "radical" artists, such as Mark Rothko, Jasper Johns and, Alana Thomas, the first African Artist to be shown in the White House were borrowed from museums to be hung in the Obama White House.
The Huffington Post 11/1/2016 states that "of course the Obama's white House decor is as cool as they are". The December AD calls Obama's decor choice "elegant, simple and chic".
And now, on to the the Trumps. It has been said and seen: "the Donald loves things shiny, and opulent. Perhaps there will be a plethora of mirrors and gilded furniture.
In googling Donald Trump, Interiors, I came across Introspective Magazine, which had 5 designers illustrate their design schemes for Trump's White House.
https://www.1stdibs.com/introspective-magazine/white-house-decorating/
I found it amusing and perhaps you will also.
One more really important design addition as seen in the January 13, 2017 issue of US Hello Magazine regarding Melania Trump: "Absolutely there will be a room designed for hair makeup and wardrobe".
Just think, just like the cartoon attached , we will soon see the "... new design " of the Trump White House.
Lastly, if you do scroll on down, you would see I have kept my family photos intact on this blog, as along with design, they are important. And, Ava is sitting in the chair upholstered in Michael Smith's fabric. Their dogs are adorable, and the entire first family will be missed by me.
