More Bright House than White House

Each new President is given significant leeway to put a personal stamp on the White House by redecorating the living quarters and the Oval Office and experts at Crown are offering their tips for how the Obamas can do just that.

On entering the White House, the Obamas would have been met by a drab scheme of taupe, celadon and navy, as chosen by the Bush family. According to Angela Wright, Member of Crown’s Trends Panel and Colour Psychologist, this combination of colours are ‘rather sedative in effect, deterring creative thinking and providing no balancing stimulus.’

So what will the Obamas do? Will Barack’s confidence and effortless cool and Michelle’s innate style prescribe a radical overhaul of the colour scheme?

Crown advises that the Oval Office should be revamped immediately, if Obama ever hopes to get anything done in there! In the Clinton era the room was decked out in warm blue and yellow with touches of red and gold. This was a very balanced theme that encouraged clear thought (blue) and raised enthusiasm (yellow). The hints of red would have increased physical energy and implied confidence in the strength of the administration.

Crown suggests a colour of a longer wavelength, such as warm orange Celebrity, to reflect Obama’s optimism and stimulate him and his team both physically and emotionally. Crown also recommends using a strong green, such as Crown’s Tree House Mid Sheen Emulsion, as it provides reassurance and restores balance in times of discord. Perfect for helping Obama tackle the problems facing today’s fragmented and troubled world.

Will the First Lady of fashion take control over the décor in the family areas and overhaul the rooms in the latest trends? It is likely that the modern and hip first family will favour bolder colours than the creams and neutrals chosen by the traditional Bush family. Crown advises that relaxing colours should be encouraged, as the whole family will need a sanctuary to retreat to at the end of the day. Blues and purples would work well, interspersed with light yellows, like Crown’s new Happy Daze Matt Emulsion, to ensure that the effect is relaxing rather than draining.

For the next four years at least, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will surely be more Bright House than White House.