Bland Beige- perfect for politics?
Each President of the United States has put his own touch on the Oval Office in which he works. Changing out drapes, maybe a new carpet
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a different arrangement of the sofas...Obama is no exception. ;-)
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The NYT has a little piece on the renovation in the "Audacity of Taupe".Want to know more about Michael S. Smith, designer behind this understated update? Here's a 2009 interview with him from our dearly departed Domino magazine.
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His site defines his design style as "a delicate blend of 'European tradition and American modernism'.” There's even a quote or two from color consultant Amy Wax, a fellow IACC member (and current Pres of the organization).
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Care to trace the evolution of the office? Here ya go. Speaking of pleasing constituents... I've had a doozy of a time fitting in blog writing with new baby and all. My apologies for the sparsity of posts lately.
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5 comments:
Isn't it amazing you much time it takes to care for one tiny little person! I'm surprised you're blogging at all.
I don't like this version of the Oval office. I think the rug is tacky. I hate the couches. it is BORING!!!Of course, it is an office, and it does look comfortable and calming. Hmmm maybe if I had those contentious Middle-Eastern chaps in for a meeting, I'd go for bland myself.
Yeah....not my favorite design direction for the Oval Office. However, I do understand that we are living in challenging economic, social, political, etc. times and that the intent was probably to keep it "bland" for a reason. Without getting into a very political discussion, I do wonder, though, if the design goals SHOULD have been different. Perhaps more optimistic? Probably doesn't matter. I think this office design would have been criticized and analyzed no matter which direction it went.
Margaret Russell brings up a good point in the NYT article:
"That room is quintessentially American. America is not gilded or glitzy or fancy-pants. Although it is a public room and everyone feels the need to comment on it, it is also the president’s office and he can do whatever he wants to it.”
I think Obama, through Michael Smith, is trying to show that he just wants to be "one of us."
I'd like to see Johnathan Adler get a hold of this office, but that's just me!
Perfect for politics? I don't know but it's perfectly *fine*. That's all... just *fine*.
I find the rug least appealing; many lost opportunities to make it striking while keeping it simple. Wallpaper is good-looking and arguably brings the most interest to the overall composition.
Sofas are my favorite. Love the lines and the fabric looks rich. First glance and thought, "ooh I'd like to sit on those, looks comfy." It's just in their current context they blend in and are overcome by a visual din of boring and plain.
I agree, it's his office, his choice.
What I noticed about Obama's choice is that the overall aesthetics are balanced very well. I especially enjoy the focas on the desk with assitance from the decadent window treatments and timeless but with a twist of modern(metalic stripes-at least thats how it appears in the photo)wallpaper. Yes, is it leaning on the safe side of design, but notice how the insignia throw rug is no longer a focal point. I prefer this design over the years past oval office design.
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