With the passing of former first lady Nancy Reagan earlier this month, I thought it would be fitting to acknowledge the superb taste she legendarily displayed through her design of the White House in 1981. Like Jacqueline Kennedy, who orchestrated a complete restoration of the White House two decades prior, Nancy cared passionately about history and helped restore the residence to its former glory.
Nancy wanted to create a warm and gracious home, where she and President Reagan could live contently surrounded by their furniture and personal possessions brought from their California house. To create this atmosphere, she worked with her friend and noted designer Ted Graber, a disciple of Billy Haines. Nancy was involved in every aspect of the Reagan White House design. Said Graber, “She was responsible for its same elegance and easy charm she herself epitomizes.” Images and captions below from Architectural Digest…
Nancy Reagan’s White House decor has always been my favorite, with Jacqueline Kennedy’s coming in as a very close second. Both exemplify the fact that classic, traditional decor stands the test of time. These images look as fresh today as they did 35 years ago, and I am thrilled that old school is back in vogue. To read more about the White House renovations of Nancy and Jacqueline, please visit Architectural Digest.

Dear Andrea,
This is a fabulous subject, and very timely. Congratulations on reminding some of the millennial generation to not totally forget the relevance of classic decorating styles and vocabulary!
Dean
I love this post! Nancy Regan was a class act and that certainly came through in the Reagan White House. What beautiful pictures! Amanda
"I am thrilled that old school is back in vogue." Those words make my heart sing. For many of us, it was always en vogue. But at last the long, dry crawl on hands and knees across the desert of sterile style is over and we have reached the oasis. My parched lips will drink deeply from the font of colour and warmth and classic, traditional design.
Mrs Reagan had such taste, these rooms still look stunning today RIP
I totally agree with you this is the most gorgeous version of the White House. Mrs. Reagan had immense style and grace and was so ladylike – yet tough as nails. Such a role model in every way – but especially in her style!
Ps. I think one of the most inspiring things about Nancy Reagan is how she became more beautiful as she aged. And her clothes! Wow!!!
Loved this post. She was mocked back in the day but now we see what style and what her legacy is. Her love for her husband was epic. Missing the era.
You are so right about these rooms being timeless. They still look gorgeous. I am looking especially hard at the central hall. I have both a yellow sofa and a Chinese screen that I've gotten from my mom – this room will be a big inspiration to me!
GREAT!!!
i love your decorating!!!! do you know from whom is the nancy reagan´s bedroom wallpaper? i ador it