Barack and Michelle Obama Revived a 1910s Architectural Detail That Made Their 2004 Chicago Home Feel Fresh and Grounded
Hailing from 19th-century Victorian Britain, turn-of-the-century tiles gave Obama’s pre-White House home its standout organic character
Five years before Barack and Michelle Obama moved into the White House, the couple resided in a 1910 apartment in Chicago’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood – a space captured in a series of intimate archival photographs. While we at Homes & Gardens have previously analyzed the home’s color palette and classic sofa, it is the rich green-tiled fireplace that remains its true architectural statement.
Situated in their living room (a space that's a masterclass in classic Midwest architectural character), the fireplace is wrapped in glossy ceramic tiles (much like these from Home Depot). The look is one that's rooted deeply in heritage, yet entirely relevant to how we design today.
The story of the green glazed fireplace tile begins in late 19th-century Victorian Britain. During the 1880s, ceramic manufacturers created translucent glazes using copper oxides to produce rich forest and emerald greens. Chosen for both durability against coal heat and the way glossy surfaces reflected light, glazed tile became a favorite surrounding Victorian fireplaces.
In Chicago’s turn-of-the-century homes (starting with Obama's), green hearth tiles became something of an architectural statement. They celebrated handcraftsmanship and the art of slow design, which is very much reshaping how we decorate today.
Shop the Obama-Inspired Green Living Room Edit
If I were trying to recreate Obama's green tile, this is the one I'd choose. I love how the crackled glaze and uneven edges give it a beautifully aged, handcrafted look, so it feels much more interesting than a standard subway tile.
This pillow cover is an even simpler way to bring earthy green into your living room this season. It pairs beautifully with warm wooden accents, just as we see throughout Obama's space, and feels grounded, whether you have a fireplace or not.
Finished with a beautiful glaze, this Moroccan ceramic jug is both practical and decorative. Ideal for sitting gracefully on an open shelf, it brings a sense of character and craftsmanship in an Obama-approved tone.
I'd say that this elegant vase is a close match for the tiles around Obama's fireplace, making it an easier way to follow their example if your home lacks such a feature. The Grecian-style silhouette and grassy hue will make a real statement in any living room.
Zellige tiles are so stunning thanks to their entirely unique finish. These cardamom green tiles have been handcrafted from Moroccan clay with a traditional glaze in a really vibrant hue. If you're looking for a bolder twist on Obama's green, this is perfect.
Every living room needs a great throw, and this emerald one is the kind I'd keep within arm's reach all year round. It's lightweight enough for warmer months but still feels cozy on cooler evenings. In Obama-approved green, it's hard to resist.
'Color on fireplaces is always a welcome touch to a space, especially with a touch of green,' says Rudy Arevalo, a designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors.
'When it relates to spaces, green is a great color to add to any home, bringing in a fresh feeling that invokes vegetation and nature.'
That organic connection explains why the shade transcends fleeting micro-trends. The hue has evolved across design eras, but the green tile around a fireplace has remained a constant anchor.
As Rudy explains, design studios are driving a revival of green hearths, most significantly because these tiles are so accessible. Today, there's a large variety of tile applications available, and the results are beautiful.
'When applying to a fireplace, tile is the best option,' Rudy explains. 'Depending on the tile and green hue, you can lean rustic with Zellige, Mid-Century with a glossy square ceramic, and Modern with a faceted rectangular porcelain. If you are willing, even whimsical is an option, using decorative leaf and animal shapes.'
By honoring the 1910 green tile, Barack and Michelle demonstrated how a turn-of-the-century detail can keep a home feeling deeply timeless.
If you enjoy our celebrity news and interior design advice, why not sign up to our newsletter so you never miss the latest features?
