How Melania Trump Decorated The White House Was Surprisingly Low-Key

Elite Daily ^ | May 28, 2018 | Nick Ciccone

[2ndDivisionVet]

Each incoming administration gets the honor of redecorating the White House to reflect its own unique style. The Trumps are no different, with the first family reportedly opting for some decor that's more in line with their taste. Here's how Melania Trump decorated the White House when the 45th president took office in January 2017.

Congress provides the first family with a $100,000 redecorating budget, per The Daily News, and there's actually a warehouse of furniture and art in a high-security facility managed by the White House curator that the new presidential family can choose from. The Obamas chose to pay out of pocket, spending about $1.5 million in the process, per The Daily News. The Trumps chose to spend about $2 million, but it's not exactly clear who paid for what, given the lack of Trump's tax returns and whatnot. Trump did tell Time Magazine that he paid for the large chandelier in the dining room. Elite Daily reached out to Melania Trump's spokesperson, Stephanie Grisham, for clarification, but did not hear back at the time of publication.

Trump reportedly hired Tham Kannalikham, a Ralph Lauren interior designer, to get her started. The President’s Dining Room, Truman Balcony, Yellow Oval Room, and the Treaty Room — all on the White House’s second floor — are usually where first families showcase their style the most, per WWD. The more classically "historical rooms" aren't usually messed with (Lincoln Bedroom, the Red Room, etc.).

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, former senior adviser to the first lady, told WWD ahead of the inauguration,

Mrs. Trump has a deep appreciation for the historical aspects of the White House and with Tham’s traditional design and expertise, they are focusing on a seamless integration of elegance and comfort....

[Albion Wilde]

It’s hard to tell the wives without a scorecard.

[TigersEye]

lol