Unlike his predecessors, President Obama made a few small adjustments to the Oval Office, rather than taking on a pricey redecoration. Photo: Getty Images
It's been a year full of surprises since Obama's official inauguration (he's a lefty!), but our favorite, of course, is our President's cool and crisp decorating style.
After announcing that he would not bother with a decorating overhaul for the Oval Office, Obama has stayed true to his promise -- albeit a few small changes. (Most of his predecessors redecorated to meet their tastes.)
Although we'd love to say goodbye to Bush's sunburst rug, Obama chose to keep this traditional piece as the focal point of the office.
What he is bidding farewell to: Bush's china. According to the Associated Press, "A collection of decorative plates from the Bush years made a quick departure -- plates just weren't his style, Obama said."
A recent photo taken of the Oval Office shows some of the President's simple changes, like a bowl of apples on the coffee table. Photo: Susan Walsh, AP
Another addition? Family photos displayed throughout the office. The table behind Obama's desk is full of photos -- a wedding shot, photographs of his girls as toddlers, a framed picture from the day he announced he was running for president and more. They're all photos that Obama has said remind him "why I'm doing what I'm doing."
Family photos remind the President why he's working so hard. Photo: Susan Walsh, AP
Something else Obama may be doing? Offering an apology with his penholder -- a gift from Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Many Britons took offense when Winston Churchill's bust was returned to the British and replaced with one of Martin Luther King Jr. The penholder, given to Obama during Brown's March visit, is crafted from wood taken from the HMS Gannet, the sister ship to the Resolute, a British naval vessel from which the presidential desk was crafted.
Bush's Texas landscape paintings were also replaced last year. President Obama replaced them with four pieces of pottery by contemporary Native American artists, all on loan from the National Museum of the American Indian.
On loan from the National Museum of American History's patent collection: Models of Samuel Morse's 1849 telegraph register, John Peer's 1874 gear-cutting machine and Henry Williams' 1877 feathering paddlewheel for steamboats. Not surprising for a man who values innovation.
President Obama picked out new display items, including pieces of Native American pottery and interesting inventions. Photo: Susan Walsh, AP
According to the Associated Press, White House curator William Allman said the patent models fit Obama's personality -- his "interest in American history, his interest in technology and his interest in the creative spirit."
A creative spirit with a love for fruit, that is. Last on the list of Oval Office changes was the removal of floral centerpieces in lieu of a large bowl full of apples. It's allegedly a big hit for visitors, and more importantly, Michelle Obama, who has been a vocal proponent of healthy eating.
Photo: Susan Walsh, AP
Reader comments (Page 1 of 13)
After announcing that he would not bother with a decorating overhaul for the Oval Office, Obama has stayed true to his promise
ReplyWow, 1 promise he hasn't broken.
You're obviously not paying close enough attention then!!!!
"Mindsets People Mindsets"
You choose where you are..Be it 1950..1965..1980 or 2007..I Choose to live in the "Now"...which in case you didn't know is 2010...thought I'll help you all out a little bit..in case you didn't know .."Change is inevitable". My advice to you is to "Adjust"..Try it,for it would be a shame to just sit back and watch your whole life pass before you..kinda like ..who was that guy..Rumpelstilskin..You wake up one day and your whole life have just passed you by. "Mindsets people Mindsets". I can not help where and how someone else chooses to be in their life but Thank God I can choose where I want to be in my life which just happen to be in the "now"..2010 and I'm standing behind my President Barack Obama.No Matter What because I am an American and an United States Citizen. Now put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Let him live it up before the UHaul arrives!
So what, he saved 100 grand on redecorating but spent 1 trillion on obamacare. What a great leader. lol
Replygood one, but his supporters won't understand.
It is called knowing where and when the need is the greatest--simply putting things and needs in proper perspective--people first!
Rick, the Obamas were not poor when they enter the White House regardless to what you and some of the others like you wish. Why are you expecting one man to undo the mess in one year that someone else made in 8 years!!. if you knew how you sound when making such a crazy statement about a bowl of apples it makes me believe that fruit is a blessing in your house.
You anti-Americans need to find somewhere to go. Bush started this mess that Obama is trying to clean up. Bush had 8 years to corrupt us and he did a dam good job.
ZANDRAHQ, I find it funny that the people who disapprove of Obama and voice that because they don't like the direction he is taking this great country are "Anti-American" and "terrorists" yet you can Bush Bash all you want without a problem. Hypocrit is what you are. Remember, Americans elected him TWICE. The majority of the country liked him for at least the first 4 years, hence why he got voted in again. Obama, on the other hand, is a completely different story on why he got elected. From fancy speeches (that we all know he didn't actually write), to promises of "change", to the fact that he is a minority...McCain never had a chance as he does not wear a facade to cover up what he really plans to do. Our national deficet has doubled since your great savior came into power and will only grow with him still in the White House. Who is going to clean up his mess? Now, shut your ignorant mouth.
Yeah well, in 3 years he can pack it all up. The mid term elections will gut his "dream" and end our nightmare.
ReplyBut until then, YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL BLACK PRESIDENT!!! Lol!!
Well for the next three years we will be decorating in BLACK!!! How sweet it is!!!! Black never looked so good!!
He will not run in 2012 as he only needed one term.....I know deep down inside you're proud of him.
My nightmare ended January 20, 2009.
Bush and Co. put us in the hole by billions, but NOW people are screaming about money being spent. If you didn't scream in the past 8 years, please don't start now. Bush didn't come into office with a deficit but he sure left with one.
Yeah? well, let's put it this way: one man's "nightmare" is another man's
smiling dream!
If you are not unhppy with your President move to Haiti.
i think it looks ok i would have done some things diff but that just me tho
ReplyI think it's nice to see pX on his desk of people that are alive and in his life :)
The "usual suspects" are up early, as usual.
Reply