Michelle Obama Unveils Revamped White House Dining Room

Friday, July 10, 2015, by Michelle Goldchain

[Photo of Michelle Obama via Shutterstock; Photos of State Dining Room via AP/Jacquelyn Martin]
In the first major upgrade since 1998, the White House's State Dining Room now sports new arm chairs, side chairs, and draperies. The renovation proceeded under the direction of first lady Michelle Obama and totaled $590,000. According to the Associated Press, the tab was picked up by the White House Endowment Trust after approval from the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. This isn't the first time the first lady has unveiled new designs for the White House. Earlier this year, Michelle Obama released to the public a brand new china service. With the State Dining Room's redecoration, the silk draperies now have peacock blue and ecru vertical stripes whereas before they were made of ivory silk brocade with designs of flowers, baskets, and ribbons. The previous side chairs and arm chairs were upholstered in a golden yellow fabric, but are now made with mahogany wood with "horsehair" fabric that has a brown color with brass nail head trimming. According to the Associated Press, these new chairs were modeled after arm chairs owned by President James Monroe.