Jan 13, 2009

Designers' White House Makeover


As I'm sure you already know, just a week from today, the United States will make history. President- elect Barack Obama will take office and Michelle, Sasha, and Malia will move with him into the White House.
In a recent House Beautiful online article, well known interior designers were asked "How would you redecorate the White House?"
Some of their resourceful ideas...


"First off, I would repaint the entire place. A color like Farrow & Ball's Pointing. A softer, more up-to-date white.... And no more tumbling hotel/casket flower arrangements. Instead, masses of garden roses, peonies, tulips, or hydrangeas, in simple containers."
— RANDY POWERS, HOUSTON


"Purchase new White House china from Target!"
— ERIC COHLER, NEW YORK

Adorne 20-pc. Bone China Dinnerware Set, $89.99 from Target.

"I would look to the original American furniture that's there and reinvent it in a modern way. Edit through the formality with easy, warm, casual elegance. Like the people moving in."
— THOMAS O'BRIEN, NEW YORK


"The Obamas are the perfect imaginary clients. They have the confidence to mix it up and make it their own, but have a reverence for history. Let's evict the Aubussons and put in something more clean and natural, replace the wood-framed settees with down-filled sofas, lose the passementerie and work with bolder geometrics and graphic tape trim."
— CELERIE KEMBLE, NEW YORK

5701-03 Sofa by Celerie for Laneventure.


"I would replace frou-frou damasks and silks with environmentally sustainable casual linens in an earthy brown palette, with accents in optimistic colors, like verdant green, lemon, yellow, and tangerine.... Most important, I would create an amazing, relaxed, colorful multipurpose space where they can really be a family and escape the demands of the world. Their love and commitment to one another will no doubt be his inspiration for all that he is embarking on."
— WINDSOR SMITH, LOS ANGELES
Of course decorating the White House would be a dream come true for most designers....what updates would you give the White House (if given the chance)?

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