
The Audacity of Taupe
The article critically examines the redecoration of the Oval Office by the Obama administration, referring to the new aesthetic as "The Audacity of Taupe." The author, Arianna Huffington, expresses a view that the design is overtly cautious, neutral, and inoffensive, drawing a comparison to a generic hotel room. This assessment suggests a lack of distinctive character or bold choices in the interior design.
A notable change that receives the author's approval is the replacement of flowers with a bowl of fruit on the coffee table. This detail is highlighted as a practical and sensible choice, especially during times of economic hardship, implying that the fruit could serve as sustenance if needed. This humorous observation underscores a preference for functionality over purely decorative elements.
Another positive aspect noted is the origin of the new Oval Office rug. It was manufactured in Michigan, a state significantly affected by unemployment. This decision is lauded for providing a "micro green shoot" of economic relief, although the author humorously corrects the color description to "micro wheat-and-cream shoot" to align with the overall neutral palette. This point connects the redecoration with broader socio-economic considerations and a commitment to supporting American industry.
However, the article raises concerns about the new rug being adorned with quotes from historical figures such as Lincoln, F.D.R., J.F.K., Teddy Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King. The author finds this choice to be somewhat cliché and juvenile, likening it to something a fourth-grader might suggest. This criticism implies that the selection of quotes lacks originality and sophistication, perhaps aiming for a broad appeal that ultimately falls flat. The suggestion that Malia's seventh-grade friends would find it "lame" further emphasizes this sentiment.
The author jokingly questions whether the next step might be adding a doodle of a heart with "Barack + Michelle," reinforcing the idea that the current design choices are overly simplistic and sentimental. Furthermore, the reliance on well-known quotes like F.D.R.'s "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" and Lincoln's "Government of the people, by the people, for the people" is deemed unimaginative. This critique suggests a missed opportunity to select more unique or thought-provoking phrases that could reflect a deeper understanding of history or the current administration's vision.
The article concludes by humorously recommending that the Oval Office bookshelf could benefit from a copy of "Bartlett's Book of Less Familiar Quotations." This final remark reiterates the call for more originality and less predictability in the design choices, extending beyond mere aesthetics to the intellectual content displayed within the presidential workspace. The overall tone is one of constructive criticism mixed with lighthearted observations about the design's perceived shortcomings.
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