With only a month left until the Obamas move into the White House, and no "first decorator" announced, first puppy picked, or green policy boasted, news sources are speculating. Today both the New York Times and the Washington Post wonder if the Obamas will choose Nate Berkus, the famous Chicago designer beloved by Oprah, as the "first decorator." Have you heard any good rumors about the Obamas' White House Decor? More photos and gossip below the jump...
The Post reports that New York designer Roderick N. Shade, a founder of the Harlem United Show House, has presented the Obamas "with a package of ideas for putting together a coalition of designers to help them settle in quickly." The New York Times quotes comedian Andy Borowitz who suggested that Obama will follow the same approach as he has for his cabinet appointments: “That whole team-of-rivals approach...so instead of one decorator there will be eight: four Republicans and four Democrats, none of whom can stand each other, and he’ll make them each do a room.”
Tell us what you've heard about the Obamas' planned White House Decor by commenting or sending an email to rachael (at) apartmenttherapy (dot) com
Read the New York Times article "What Will Change Look Like in White House Décor?" by clicking here. Read the Washington Post article "33 Days and Counting: No First Decorator Yet" by clicking here.
[Photos via the New York Times: Joyce N. Boghosian/Associated Press; onald Reagan Library via White House Historical Association; White House Historical Association.]
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
On Saying No to Paleo: Why Eating Isn't One Size Fits All
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
i heard bunny williams is in the running... oprah apparently called the office for her portfolio. but as far as i know nothing has been discussed. i have a friend who works there and she keeps me posted!
My money is still on Darryl Carter.
Second guess would be Thomas Pheasant.
There are more lovely interior shots of the White House in a March Architectural Digest feature here.
OH! I lovvvveee DC (Darryl Carter)! But is he presidential? Should not the interior match the style of the building/home?
First step the Obama's should take: Hire an exorcist.
I have no clue who the "first decorator" will be but I watched a show on CSPAN (?) about the White House interior last night and I think it is absolutely hideous...and judging from those photos above it always has been! From what I saw last night, the entire place looks like an awful hotel lobby full of overly fussy traditional furnishings.
What makes a designer "presidential"?
I would trust any noted designer to respect the job, the dwelling and the client's wishes, but yes, I think Darryl Carter's traditionalist roots-- and fresh-Federal bent-- make him a qualified candidate for the job.
spinsLPs!!!! That's hilarious! (...and so true...)
Hideous or not, I think it is a facinating time capsule of "Federal" run through the filters-- and eyes-- of time.
It would be nice if they chose to support an American brand of home furnishings to decorate - give a company an economic (and PR) jolt in a rough time. Would certainly be a thoughtful message to send. Welcome home...right?
I love the Nixon dining room. Its so insane. I feel like the whole White House is a Matthew Barney film set waiting to happen.
Nate Berkus 1
I think it is decided on by more than the president elect and his family. I have a friend who's father is a long time designer of the temples for the Church of Latter Day Saints (or whatever the official name is). He was going through the channels to be considered for the next White House redecoration about 2 years ago. I think the next designer needs to have a strong background in history of design. I personally love Nate Berkus' style, but I don't think his style is historical enough for the public spaces, maybe the private quarters though.
I'm betting that with the economy as it is, they'll decide not to do any expensive redecoration.
I don't like Bush policies, but they do have classic WASP good taste.
mskik, I like your style.
Apparently I am no classic WASP. There needn't be anything too outlandish, but to me, the most recent decor has aired on the side of stuffy. I suppose that's fitting, if nothing else.
I think Obama has a lot more to focus on than the interior of the White House.
As one who is currently living in government supplied housing with government issue furniture (including the most uncomfortable mattress ever), I sure hope that the Obama's make the White House their own -- make it comfortable for themselves!
Sure, Obama may have a lot to focus on, but if your home doesn't work, if it doesn't feel like "home", then it becomes a distraction. So it is very important the DO focus on it.
Besides, it is an opportunity to lead the nation stylistically, to turn the page in yet another way.
I love that pic of the Reagans. Just like regular people with their TV trays!
I hope they choose Nate he seems like he would be easy to work with
I also love the Nixon dining room. The color scheme is great and it's just so outlandish.
If I ever get married, I will never wear a sweater/shirt that matches my husband's.
I heard some rumors that Charlotte Moss was in the running...finally some elegance in the White House!