Actually measuring the curtains

As Barack Obama winds down his Cabinet nominations, Michelle Obama has tapped her first staff member, decorator to the stars Michael Smith. The Los Angeles-based designer, who has worked in the homes of Steven Spielberg, Cindy Crawford and Rupert Murdoch, will now set his sights on the private quarters of the executive mansion. Funny thing is, it seems Smith has had his eyes on the White House for quite some time. He told decorating magazine Domino in April of 2008:

"I would love to redecorate the White House — I am sick of the paint color!"

Michelle Obama, who often says her most important role in the White House will be first mom, released a statement saying family-friendly design is what led her to Smith:

"Michael shares my vision for creating a family-friendly feel to our new home and incorporating some new perspectives from some of America's greatest artists and designers."

So what's in store for the first quarters? ABC News reports that Smith has a penchant for his-and-hers sinks, white couches and — how appropriate in these fiscally challenged times — Target. According to Deborah Needleman, Domino's editor-in-chief, he's also known for arranging antiques in a modern way — sounds like a good fit for a historical house with a family known for change. The magazine offers a look at some of his greatest rooms.

The Obamas have long been compared to the Kennedys for their charisma, youth and style. And we're betting that there are more comparisons to come, as Jacqueline Kennedy's White House restoration and tour renewed interest in the history of the great house and influenced design across the United States.

Plenty of past presidents have put their own unique spins on the residence and rest of the White House. Want an inside look? Take a historical tour of the rooms, walk along with President Bush and see how commanders-in-chief opted to spin the look of the Oval Office.

We're guessing some shades of red, white and blue will be in order for President-elect Barack Obama's new digs, but if he needs some budget-friendly ideas, Ikea has offered its own Oval Office redesign. Style we can believe in? We'll see.

- Sarah Parsons