Barack Obama's stylish Oval Office makeover
Nearly two years after moving into the White House
Barack Obama has taken advantage of the summer holidays to give the iconic Oval Office a stylish refurbishment. It seems the US president has opted for comfort over tradition, with the new sofas in a softer material, complete with small striped cushions.
The former focal point of the room - the carpet designed by the previous First Lady, Laura Bush - has also been replaced by a rug featuring quotes described as being "of meaning" to the president. The White House press secretary was keen to stress that the redecoration was not funded by taxpayers' money, and that the budget set aside for the job was no more than that spent by previous presidents.
The US president has settled on a range of beige and gold colours, generating an informal element to the Oval Office. / © Reuters
Mr Obama lends a helping hand with the redecorating. / © Reuters
New sofas bring a more comfortable, personal touch to the room. / © Rex
Family remains a priority for the president. / © Reuters
The new rug features inspirational quotes from Martin Luther King and previous US leaders. / © Rex
The Resolute desk – named after the British ship HMS Resolute from which the timbers used to make it were taken - has been in the Oval Office for over a century. / © Reuters
Canada
Russia
Greece
Spain
Mexico
Brazil
Argentina