Inside the Oval Office: Presidential Decor and Personal Touches
Welcoming Architectural Digest to the Oval Office
The Oval Office, a symbol of presidential power and American history, is a canvas for each sitting president to express their individual style and the values they hold dear. This revered space has witnessed countless decisions that have shaped the course of the nation. A recent video by Architectural Digest offers an intimate tour, revealing how the personal touches within the Oval Office reflect the current president's journey and aspirations for the country.
The Presidential Transition
Inauguration day marks a significant changeover, requiring the outgoing president to vacate by mid-morning, allowing the incoming leader to personalize the office from 4:00 PM onwards. A facility in Suburban Maryland, mirroring the Oval Office's dimensions, serves as a staging ground for selecting furniture and decorations that will adorn the real office.
Personalized Decor and Sentimental Choices
The president's brother, an architect, played a pivotal role in setting up the office, reflecting the president's preference for the color blue in the chosen rug. Historical significance is also embedded within the furnishings; the Resolute Desk, made famous by John Kennedy and his son, continues to inspire with its storied past.
Portraits of Possibility
The Oval Office's walls are adorned with portraits of inspirational figures, highlighting the theme of 'possibilities' that defines the American spirit. Portraits of Dr. Martin Luther King, Bobby Kennedy, Rosa Parks, and Cesar Chavez act as daily reminders of the country's potential for change and progress.
Personal Mementos and Family Ties
The president's personal life is also on display, with photographs capturing cherished family moments and a rugby ball from the all-Irish Rugby team, symbolizing familial connections. A 67 Corvette, a wedding gift from the president's father, represents personal achievements and the support of loved ones.
A Touch of Humor and History
Even the infrastructure pays homage to the president's influence, with Scranton, the president's hometown, renaming a highway section to President Biden Expressway. The office also contains a Moon Rock, a nod to the nation's space exploration achievements.
The Private Quarters
Beyond the public eye, the Oval Office extends into a private office and dining room, where the president retreats for contemplation and intimate family displays. The dining room holds memories of weekly lunches with the vice president during the previous administration.
The Cabinet Room and Presidential Traditions
Adjacent to the Oval Office is the cabinet room, where seats bear the names of the departments they represent, and discussions of great consequence take place. Traditions, such as the president's Command coin, link personal history with the office's ceremonial role.
The President's Architectural Passion
Closing the tour, the president's subscription to Architectural Digest and their self-professed architectural fascination underline the importance of space and design in reflecting a president's character and vision for the nation.
To experience the full tour and discover more about the personalizations that make the Oval Office a unique reflection of its current occupant, watch the original video on YouTube here.