Comfort met creativity in Michelle and Barack Obama's green and wood-toned early 2000s living room – 20 years later, the rare combination is trending again

Brilliant green and soothing wood unite in archival images of the couple's Chicago home from 2004, and the pairing has had a revival

michelle and barack obama
(Image credit:  Mark Wilson via Getty Images)

Before living in the White House, Michelle and Barack Obama lived in a white, green, and tan house. Images of the former presidential couple in their Chicago living room in 2004 show that they've had impeccable interior design style since the beginning.

The archival photographs feature the Obamas in their home, getting ready for Barack's keynote address at the Chicago Economic Club, back when he was 'Senator Obama.' Behind Barack and Michelle, the space is a masterclass in green living room ideas.

Their walls are painted cream, which is the perfect pairing with their natural wood flooring and built-in shelves. To complete the living room color combination, they have incorporated several pops of green that brighten and uplift the space. A green piece of art hangs on the wall, corresponding with the green throw pillows on the couch, and the green striped carpet on the floor. Chocolate brown cushions and art bring it all together.

barack and michelle obama in their living room in 2004

(Image credit: Charles Ommanney via Getty Images)

Though the pairing of green and natural wood is an unexpected combination, its striking personality is right in line with interior design trends.

Interior design expert Shelley Cochrane explains: 'There’s a growing appetite for characterful, vibrant living rooms that tell a story and reflect one’s personal taste.

'However, some people are a little color-shy and whilst they want to add more color to their home, they’re unsure where to begin,' she continues. 'I’d suggest they choose green – it’s a perennially popular and universally beloved shade and it will never fall out of style. Its association with nature means that it feels earthy, grounding, and nurturing.'

Shop the green living room edit

To replicate the look of the Obama's space, Shelley recommends: 'In a living room, choose a green sofa and pair this with natural wooden panelling and furniture and retro-inspired designs.'

As seen in the Obamas' home, this pairing is a timeless choice. Shelley explains: 'This combination brings a perfect balance of warmth and personality. The natural grain and texture of wood panelling add depth and a timeless, tactile quality that grounds the space, while the rich greens introduce a fresh, invigorating splash of colour that feels both nostalgic and modern. Together, they create a living room that is far from bland — it’s inviting, full of charm, and effortlessly stylish.'

barack and michelle obama in their living room in 2004

(Image credit: Charles Ommanney via Getty Images)

On decorating with wood and green, she adds: 'Choosing green and wood tones reflects a desire to connect with nature, while the retro influences add a playful yet sophisticated edge. This approach transforms a living room into a sanctuary where comfort meets creativity, making it a space you want to spend time in and be proud of.'

barack and michelle obama in their living room in 2004

(Image credit: Charles Ommanney via Getty Images)

Some combinations persist as the years go by, and the pairing of green and wood is one such duo. From the early 2000s until now, it has moved and out of trends, but always appeared stylish.


Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.

In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.

Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.

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