Saturday, January 26, 2013

The White House


1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is one of the most famous addresses in the United States Of America.  It is the location of the oldest public building in D.C., and is know though out the world by its color alone.  The White House.

Over the last 200 years the White House has stood as an icon of power and statesmanship of the chief executive. Work started on this American icon in 1793. Near completion in 1800, John Adams the second president of the United States was the first to move into the White House. On August 24, 1814, british forces captured Washington and burned the White House destroying the building, nothing but brick work remained. Reconstruction started in 1815, and the White House was completed in 1817. Throughout the reconstruction, and alterations the basic structure of the iconic White House has remained unchanged.

Star Bunny Studio 2013

A few months ago I had the opportunity to tour the White House. With the Presidential inauguration fresh in everyone's head I thought this would be a nice time to share a few of my favorite rooms in the White House.


A large well lit entrance way welcomes guests. The above photo is a corner of the entry way that displays the playful checkered pattern floors made of Tennessee marble, and showcases the bold red and gold color pallet.


The Cross Hall carries the red and gold color pallet down a corridor lit by two absolutely amazing Adam-style chandeliers made in London around 1775.


At the end of the Cross Hall lays the largest room of the White House, the East Room. 
This room was not completed until 1826.


The East Room is adorned in gold colored silk fabric and lit by three grand chandeliers that date back to 1902. The room is home to four beautiful Rosso Collemandina marble fireplaces.


The East Rooms leads into the Green Room. The Green Room is one of my favorite rooms in the White House. The color of the room has a calming effect, and the art collection featured here is incredible. Once used as Thomas Jeffersons dinning room, the Green Room is now used as a reception parlor. The furniture was made in New York by Duncan Phyfe around 1810. The walls are covered in watered silk, and the drapes are of striped silk damask. The white Italian marble mantel was purchased in 1818 and then installed in 1902.


The coffee urn featured in this photo was owned by President John Adams. The Candlesticks on either side are from France and were used by president James Madison. 


The Green Room leads into the Blue Room.  This oval shaped room is located in the center of the state floor of the White House. Historically the Blue Room has been a place for the President to receive guests of the White House. The round shape of the room insures that no one will stuck in the corner.


President James Monroe purchased the seven french chairs and one sofa seen in this room 
after the fire of 1814.


The Blue Room leads into the Red Room. This room is said to be a favorite of many First Ladies. 


Decorated as an American Empire parlor of 1810, the room features a white Italian marble mantel identical to the one residing in the Green room.


The Red  Room leads into the State Dinning Room. This room can seat 140 guests. Carved into the mantel of the fireplace is a quote from a letter by President John Adams, it reads 
"I pray heaven to bestow the best blessings on This House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof."


The photo above features one of the three marble toped console tables with eagle supports found in the State Dining room. These tables were made by the AH Davenport company of Boston. 


On the ground floor of the White House you will find many more rooms. My favorite of all being the China Room. Decorated in a vivid red and white color pallet the room is almost centered around a large oil portrait of Grace Coolidge, painted in 1924 by Howard Chandler Christy.


In 1917 the room was set aside by First Lady Edith Wilson for use of displaying pieces of china and glass used by the presidential family. It is like a walking into a treasure box that features a stunning, and historic collection. When I grow up, I want a room like this.

There is tons more to see in the White House. If you are planning a trip to D.C. contact your state congress members and request a tour. Keep in mind tour requests can take months to process.
If you want a tour of the White House without leaving your computer, look no further than google maps. They now have a virtual tour that anyone can take from the comfort of your own home.

I hope these photos help to inspire you to go out and explore something grand this weekend.