Interior Decorating at The White House

Since the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States is less than a week away, I've been thinking about the stunning interior decorating that has taken place in The White House over the years.  In addition to watching the White House Christmas special on HGTV each year, there are numerous photographs of rooms in The White House that have been renovated and redecorated over time.  I've always loved seeing these rooms regardless of the season.   

Those who are old enough to remember the Kennedy era will recall that Jackie Kennedy hosted a televised tour of The White House called A Tour of the White House with Mrs. John F. Kennedy.  The documentary, which was filmed in black and white, took place on the evening February 14, 1962.  Mrs. Kennedy, a devout patron of the arts, had just completed a year long project to redecorate the White House in authentic furnishings and period pieces, restoring history to America's home.  Her project attracted exclusive network coverage.

The rooms in The White House that were redecorated by Mrs. Kennedy between 1960 and 1962 have been redecorated many times since then.  While much of the furnishings remain in place, fabrics and accessories have changed with the times.  Below are my favorite photographs of bedrooms in The White House. 

I'm hooked on these interiors and hope you enjoy their grandeur as much as I do!  To see what others are hooked on this week, head on over to visit Julia at Hooked on Houses.

Lincoln Bedroom

Lincoln Bedroom - 1952

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Lincoln Bedroom - 1963

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Lincoln Bedroom - 2007

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Queen's Bedroom

 

Queen's Bedroom - 1962

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Queen's Bedroom - 1963

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Queen's Bedroom - 2008

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Kennedy Bedrooms

 

Master Bedroom

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East Bedroom

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West Bedroom

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Credits:  All photos are from The White House Museum online.

Comments

[Kim @ Forever Wherever]

Thanks for the great tour...I really enjoyed a peek inside the White House!
-Kim

[Mom in High Heels]

That is cool. If Laura Bush supervised the redecorating, she has god taste. I have to say, while I'm sure it was very in vogue in the early 60's the Queen's Bedroom (1963) made me gasp with displeasure. The update is lovely though.

[Robyn]

I'll agree I think that if Laura Bush had a hand in the choices, she has great taste. I am surprised about some of the choices that Jackie Kennedy made...Robyn

[Julia @ Hooked on Houses]

Arleen, I just LOVED this post! How fun to see how the rooms changed over the decades. Thanks for joining my blog party and showing us these wonderful photos!

[Taya @ Delightful!]

Thanks so much for sharing those photos! I just love seeing how rooms evolve over the years.

[Maya@Completely-Coastal]

That was fun to see..., interesting how the most recent versions are so much richer, colorful, and stylish, as well as warmer and homey.

[Ms.Tee]

Thank you for the tour - I agree with the others - the more recent photos seem cozier and more homey. :)

[Gayle]

What a cool post! I saw something on television about the history of the White House and it was fascinating.

[KayVonne]

Thanks for sharing the pictures! I really liked looking at the ones that show the transition through the years. Fun post!

[Mary Beth]

I love the pictures. I think the most recent "versions" of the rooms are my favorite. Very elegant and tasteful. I had to laugh, in the bottom picture, {west bedroom} I think that little doll on the chair to the right is a Nun doll and I think my sister had one just like that.

[Lindsay]

What a fun post! I really love the Queens Bedroom 2008 and the Kennedy Master Bedroom. Thanks for sharing - I've never seen these photos before.

[Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)]

Fascinating to see! Thanks for sharing!

[Roller and Pleated Window Blinds]

What a cool post! Thanks for sharing the pictures! I really liked looking at the ones that show the transition through the years.

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