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Take a Look Inside the Obama Family’s Private Rooms in the White House

1 minute read
By Kate Samuelson

The Obamas have given the public a first glimpse of the private areas on the second floor of the White House that the family has called home for nearly eight years.

An exclusive set of photos published Tuesday by Architectural Digest reveals the Yellow Oval Room, the Treaty Room, where President Obama often retreats late at night, and the Old Family Dining room, where a colorful piece of artwork by Alma Thomas, the first African-American female artist to have her work displayed in the White House, has prominent placement.

The rooms were decorated by the Los Angeles-based interior designer Michael Smith, who was introduced to the family after the 2008 election. The First Lady said Smith managed to reflect her family’s tastes while respecting the history of the White House, the Associated Press reports.

The Architectural Digest issue with photos of President Obama and his family’s living quarters will appear on newsstands on Nov. 8, Election Day.

The Yellow Oval Room in the White House in Washington. Designer Michael S. Smith specified a Donald Kaufman paint for the Yellow Oval Room. Artworks by Paul Cézanne and Daniel Garber flank the mantel. Smith mellowed the Yellow Oval Room with smoky browns, greens, golds, and blues. The 1978 Camp David peace accords were signed at the antique Denis-Louis Ancellet desk, front left.
The Yellow Oval Room in the White House in Washington. Designer Michael S. Smith specified a Donald Kaufman paint for the Yellow Oval Room. Artworks by Paul Cézanne and Daniel Garber flank the mantel. Smith mellowed the Yellow Oval Room with smoky browns, greens, golds, and blues. The 1978 Camp David peace accords were signed at the antique Denis-Louis Ancellet desk, front left.Michael Mundy—Architectural Digest/AP

 

The Treaty Room in the White House in Washington in August 2016. The Treaty Room is filled with memorabilia including one of President Barack Obama's two Grammy Awards, family photos, and a personalized football. It’s also where Obama often retreats late at night. He uses the room’s namesake table, which has been in the White House since 1869, as a desk. Obama likes to say the White House is the “people’s house.”
The Treaty Room in the White House in Washington in August 2016. The Treaty Room is filled with memorabilia including one of President Barack Obama's two Grammy Awards, family photos, and a personalized football. It’s also where Obama often retreats late at night. He uses the room’s namesake table, which has been in the White House since 1869, as a desk. Obama likes to say the White House is the “people’s house.”Michael Mundy—Architectural Digest/AP

 

The Old Family Dining room in the White House in Washington. Works by Robert Rauschenberg, right, and Alma Thomas, the first African American artist woman represented in the White House, left, make a modern splash.
The Old Family Dining room in the White House in Washington. Works by Robert Rauschenberg, right, and Alma Thomas, the first African American artist woman represented in the White House, left, make a modern splash.Michael Mundy—Architectural Digest/AP

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Write to Kate Samuelson at kate.samuelson@time.com