The Obamas’ Interior Decorator Releases Photos Of Their Self-Funded $1.5 Million White House Renovation – BET

If youve ever daydreamed about walking through the halls of the White House during the Obamas eight-year stay, youre in luck!

In a newly-released book titled,Designing History: The Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House, the Obamas entrusted interior designerMichael S. Smithgives us all a behind-the-scenes look into what it took to create the perfect home for the family of four.

(Photo: Amazon.com)

Highlighting all the detailed workincluding a $1.5 million renovation of the residence that the Obamas paid out of pocketthe $60 book featuring 372 color photographs and illustrations is undoubtedly a must-have for any coffee table or bookshelf.

According to a press release obtained by theDaily Mail, the book explores how the house reflected the youthful spirit of the first family and their vision of a more progressive, inclusive American society.

Along with behind-the-scenes stories of the redecorating efforts, the images showing the living quarters of the 44th president and his family are worthy of conversationespecially since the book was described as both a historical document and a voyeur's delight.

Highlights of the book include taking a glimpse inside our forever POTUS and FLOTUS master bedroom.The warm and neutral room, whereBarackandMichelleslept, seemed to echo the couples warm disposition.

(Photo: Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis via Getty Images)

It was personally very important to me to design a master bedroom that would be a true refuge for the president and first lady, Smith shared.

Overlooking the South Lawn below, the naturally sunlit room featured design elements chosen by Michelleincluding an early 19th-century American high-post bed with a canopy that Mr. Obama wasnt too excited about initially.

I had proposed a canopy bed to them early on, and though the president wasnt keen on the idea at first, he graciously deferred to his wife, saying, If Michelle wants it, then we can have it, Smith recalled.

He continued, Its ironic, but nearly everyone who is initially hesitant when I suggest a canopy bed ends up loving it. I find it creates a real sanctuary in a room, a retreat within a retreat and it can be especially helpful in establishing a sense of architecture within a minimalist space.

It is interesting to note that the Obamas, who moved in during the Great Recession, turned down the $100,000 in taxpayer money typically allotted to new presidents to redecorate. Instead, the family financed their own redecorations and used methods like budget-shopping and borrowing art from museums to help keep interior designing costs down.

And this is why they are our forever favorites!

To see more highlights of the homeincluding their antique furniture, art loaned by museums, and a pair ofMuhammad Alis boxing gloves autographed to Barack,you may want to get your hands on this iconic book that was released today!

(Photo: ANNIE LEIBOVITZ/AFP via Getty Images)

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The Obamas' Interior Decorator Releases Photos Of Their Self-Funded $1.5 Million White House Renovation - BET