Makeover for the white house

The United States has welcomed in a new President and now they are getting a new- look White House too - the Obamas have appointed Los Angeles based designer Michael Smith to redecorate the private quarters of the famous property, giving it a more family friendly feel...

Barack Obama has promised to bring Change to America, and Change is exactly what will be happening inside the White House as well as out.

First Lady Michelle Obama has selected interior designer Michael Smith to redesign and redecorate the private quarters of the White House, which are located in the East Wing of the property.

Michelle is keen to create a family friendly feel within the house and bring in some ‘new perspectives from some of America's greatest artists and designers,' said a statement.

Michael Smith is well known for incorporating antiques and historical features into rooms suitable for modern living, proving that antiques and contemporary living do not have to live in conflict and can in fact enhance each other.

He has already designed a handful of celebrity homes, including those belonging to supermodel Cindy Crawford, director Steven Spielberg and actors Dustin Hoffman and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Michelle Obama, who describes herself first and foremost as ‘Malia and Sasha's mom,' will be asking Michael to focus on decorating the bedrooms for her two daughters, aged seven and ten, first.

Michael said that he was "happy to help the Obamas bring their own energy and style" to the private quarters.

"The family's casual style, their interest in bringing 20th Century American artists to the forefront and utilising affordable brands and products will serve as our guiding principles as we make the residence feel like their home," he added.

Virtual makeover

The other White House to get a makeover was the official White House Web site, WhiteHouse.gov, which was relaunched to coincide with Barack Obama's inauguration speech.

The updated and modernized design features rotating news stories at the top with a blog, a current agenda, and other information related to the White House. Check it out at www.whitehouse.gov.