apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

The last thing thing the Obama family should be doing right now is going on a massive spending/redecorating spree.

BTW - Did you see the 60 Minutes interview held in their home in Chicago? Relatively traditional decor.

I was thinking the same thing. It would be nice to see them make a stance on 'making do' - unless something is particularly garrrish. For all the Bush's faults (imho!) - Laura had pretty good decor direction.

My mother saw the drawings online and misunderstood that they were representations of what designers would love to do to the White House. She was horrified that the Obama's were planning to turn it into a "whorehouse".

I said, see what happens when you just look at the pictures and don't read the article?!

I just now realized the creepiness of having to sleep in the same bedroom as George & Laura. I would change pretty much everything I could. Starting with the mattress.

Keep in mind that redecorating would be a big boon to businesses. Businesses need some cash flow right now. That's part of the problem.

"I just now realized the creepiness of having to sleep in the same bedroom as George & Laura. I would change pretty much everything I could. Starting with the mattress."

If it makes you feel any better - after the Truman Reconstruction, every President and First Lady have used that same bedroom together since Nixon - and the First Ladies have used that room as a separate bedroom for themselves since Mamie Eisenhower...
...and before the rebuilding, Ellen Wilson (Wilson's First Wife) died in this room.

...and yes, the Chief Usher of the White House consults w/ the First Family and asks what type of mattress they want (Firm, Soft, Etc - sometimes two mattresses side-by-side according to their comfort preferences) and if they want the tufted/upholstered headboard or the 4-poster bed.

The private rooms of the White House and the Oval Office will be stripped of the Bushes possessions and trappings the moment that family leave for the Inaugural Ceremony at the Capitol. The President's Bedroom will be painted and refurnished with the Obama's choice of bedding and basic furnishings, their luggage will be unpacked and clothing will be hung in the dressing rooms and their personal possessions will placed for their homecoming after the Inaugural Balls - the rooms for their daughters will be similarly prepared for them and the Oval Office will have Mr Obama's possessions unpacked and placed according to his preferences, including the choice of which desk to use and which carpet to be placed on the floor until his new carpet arrives (Custom made and donated to the White House). Eventually in the coming weeks, the decorators will come in and complete the process of recarpeting, redraping, wallpapering, etc. the private rooms, bedrooms and offices for the new occupants.

After the new First Family are settled in, then changes may begin occuring to the Public State Rooms...

i believe the obamas will do the right thing and spend sparingly, only on what's important to them. i for one think their daughters should have rooms that make them feel comfortable! they'll be going through a lot and will need a real home. also, anyone who's ever seen 'before and after' pics of presidents and how quickly they age once in office cannot possibly object to the necessity of installing a spa or fitness room for one of the world's hardest-working men!

I can just see the AT "Good Questions" post:
Dear AT:
My husband Barack and I just moved into an apartment where we're not allowed to paint or remove walls. The kitchen is old fashioned, and I think the second bedroom haunted..."

!!!

If they are allowed to spend $100,000 then I hope they do. It would be a good economic boost.

I really can't imagine the white house ever looking like any of these drawings though.

Hee hee! Nice one, Lisa Hunter.

Why NOT spend the money? Such a project provides work for trades people and businesses, which is important when business is slowing down.

They have to put their own mark on the White House and get rid of the ghosts (ghouls) of the previous administration.

I hope they do something elegant and inspired. (although not as wild as the suggestions...)

Tax payer's money set aside for redecorating an already well appointed White House? No matter how you slice it, it's pork.

The red/black/white zebra room is hideous and would make the Obamas appear low-rent-ghetto & tacky, hardly the Jackie-O image some media types are pushing on Barry's wife. Ditto for the green jello room. Or are the decorators trying to insult all African Americans as having no taste? Way to stereotype! What'S NEXT? The Watermelon Themed Room?

I feel that Obama needs to make the White House a bit more contemporary. To go with his whole "change"/younger generation mindset. I think he should hire Darryl Carter!