We’ve all been thinking a lot about the White House this week, and while I won’t make any political statements on this blog, I started thinking about my (and many people’s) favorite First lady, Jackie O. Her style defined an era and still influences people today. I’ve been interested in finding out as much about her as I can since my first day at Miss Porter’s School when I saw the plaque on the wall by “her room” (which was the room every girl hoped to score senior year!)
I found some great photos of Jackie’s redesign of the White House with famed designer Sister Parish. Admittedly, I sadly know very little about Sister Parish, a pioneer in my business, so I went in search of some information and found a book review that has me planning a stop at Border’s today. And then also pick up the book about her partnership with one of America’s most famous designers, Albert Hadley.
Jackie painted the Blue Room at Christmas- I love the style in which she captured it!
I started thinking about our new, young president an stylish First Lady and wondered what the new White House will look like (and who will be hired to do it! Bunny Williams comes to mind). I am thinking the Obama’s will use lots of traditionally lined furniture but will inject some youthful patterns and fabrics to give the space new life! I’m thinking it’ll be a mix of White House historical furniture, some from their travels and some from lines like Baker and Henredon..
Images from The White House Musuem, Bummy Williams, Kohler Furniture
i do love that jackie o. everything about her, atleast my image of her, is pure elegance.
I loved this post, so very interesting…I feel fortunate to have visited Hammersmith Farm in the early 90’s. It too reflected the same style you are speaking about, more casual.
Love your blog and insights.
It will be interesting to see how the Obama household will look. As the mother of two kids similar in age, I hope Michelle brings a bit of whimsy into the decor. Not to mention just having a more youthful appearance after decades of older presidential families (pretty much since Ms. O!)
I love it! Gorgeous images! My design school friend and I were just emailing about how the Obama’s would be such a dream client! With Michelle’s fantastic style and Barack’s calm, they would be the perfect pair. I’ll be in DC this weekend, maybe I’ll slip a business card under the White House front door…
The best part has to be free and easy access to all the national art collections to use in decor.
Come, not everyone gets to hang original Calder mobiles in their kids’s rooms or original Peale’s in their reception spaces. Pretty darned cool.
I am sure Mrs. Obama will do a great job, too. She will bring a new touch to the White House and I hope she will give a personal touch to it.
Looking forward to seeing pcs.
What a great post – I love seeing the photos of the White House.
Were you able to buy the Parish-Hadley book? I think it’s out of print so I was curious if the bookstore had it, or was able to help you find it. Thanks!
I like the new White House designer the Obamas selected. His work is relaxed classic, kind of like the First Couple…
If you’d like to see some of his work, and tour his own home, check out my blog at:
http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2009/01/presidentially-yours-new-designer-comes.html
What do you think of the new White House designer, Michael Smith? I like his work — relaxed casual, kind of like the First Couple.
If you’re curious about the man or his style, I’ve posted a tour of his home, and some of his projects, on my blog yesterday:
http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2009/01/presidentially-yours-new-designer-comes.html