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Family photos displayed behind President Obama's desk in the newly-refurbished Oval Office. J. Scott Applewhite/AP/Press Association Images
Oval Office

Oval Office given a facelift ahead of presidential address

They’re going to have to review those West Wing scenes…
7.18pm, 31 Aug 2010
684

THE OVAL OFFICE, arguably the most famous presidential office in the world, has been given a facelift ahead of tonight’s presidential address.

President Obama is due to speak at 8pm on primetime US television about the country’s final withdrawal from Iraq.

The renovation replaces some of his predecessor’s favoured furnishings, including a sunburst rug designed by Laura Bush.

The White House did not comment on the cost of the renovation, saying that it was paid for by the non-profit group, the White House Historical Association, and not the taxpayer.

Check out the office in these photos and see if you can spot the difference before and after the refurbishment:

Oval Office given a facelift ahead of presidential address
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  • Oval Office Decor

    Renovations to the Oval Office include a new carpet, drapes, wallpaper and furniture. The famous Resolute Desk remains. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)Source: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

  • Bush Obama

    Spot the difference? President Bush and President-elect Obama meet in the Oval Office in November, 2008. The sunburst rug on the floor which Bush found inspiring was designed by his wife, Laura. (AP Photo/The White House, Eric Draper)Source: AP Photo/The White House, Eric Draper

  • Oval Office Decor

    The new carpet bears five quotes chosen by Obama, including one from Rev Martin Luther King. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP/Press Association Images)Source: J. Scott Applewhite/AP/Press Association Images

  • Oval Office Decor

    Before, and after. Obama's Oval Office is shown in December, 2009, left, and after renovations on 31 August, 2010, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo)Source: AP Photo

  • Oval Office Decor

    The view from Obama's seat behind the Resolute desk. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)Source: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

  • President Barack Obaman

    A folder for President Barack Obama left by Former President George W. Bush sits on the Resolute desk in the Oval Office of the White House Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, as Bush leaves office. ( ERIC DRAPER/LANDOV/Press Association Images)Source: ERIC DRAPER/LANDOV/Press Association Images

  • Oval Office Decor

    Eh... the presidential phone. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)Source: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

  • Oval Office Decor

    Family photos are displayed in the Oval Office behind President Obama's desk. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)Source: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

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Author
Susan Ryan
susanryan@thejournal.ie
@SusanSRyan
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