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A red room is often described as ‘classic’ because we associate it with history and historic settings. When it comes to the color red one of the most iconic rooms in America is the Red Room in the White House.
The vivid color scheme and cozy size made it a favorite place for presidents and first ladies. It has also been a favorite of many Americans who have painted their own homes in this striking hue. Below are images through history of this inspiring room.
Nancy Reagan in the Red Room in 1981 (NARA – Reagan Library)
Would you be surprised to learn at this room well known for its color wasn’t always red?
In 1809, Former First Lady Dolley Madison decorated the White House parlor in “sunflower yellow.” Beautiful drapes adorned the walls and yellow silk covered the furniture. It wasn’t until the 1840s that it became the Red Room.
White House State Floor showing location of the Red Room (source)
A stereograph view of the Red Room looking northwest, during the administration of Ulysses S. Grant (source)
The Red Room during the administration of Theodore Roosevelt (source)
This design for the famous room by Stéphane Boudin was Jacqueline Kennedy’s favorite State Floor room, circa 1962 (Kennedy Library)
A watercolor of the room, recently redecorated, adorned the Kennedy’s 1962 Christmas card (source)
Enter your text hThe painting by Thomas McKnight was the official 1994 William Clinton White House Christmas Card (source)
How HGTV’s Frank Fontana suggested that the Obama’s redecorate this iconic room. (source) According to Frank every President needs a little zebra print in his life. As you can see below the final design was a much ‘tamer.’
President Barack Obama reading notes in the Red Room (source)
Valspar Oatlands Upholstery Red 1008-3A (source)
Painting your living room or family room red is a perfect way to bring this classic color into your own home. Would this iconic color scheme be at home in your place?
