As far as the normal time frame for producing a standard sofa, it takes approximately about a month to get it done. But when it is for the White House, you only have a week to produce one and that is exactly what Vanguard Furniture did to have it placed inside the White house.

Vanguard Furniture had to rush things in a manner of speaking in time for the Obamas home renovation per se. Led by master upholsterer Doug Jones, the faster pace was something he did not mind. Besides, it was for the White House and the new First Family, the Obamas.

“The orders mean producing and shipping faster than normal, redoing your schedule,” said Vanguard president Dixon Mitchell. “But everybody wants to beat the deadlines. This is special.”

Master upholsterer Doug Jones, a 27-year veteran of Vanguard, put the finishing touches on the sofa last week before it was shipped off for deliver through retailer Anthropologie, which is accessorizing the White House residence for the soon-to-be first family.

“I’ll have something in the White House,” Jones said as he worked on the piece last week.

(Source) Star News Online

Vanguard Furniture Makes Rushed Sofa for Obamas

Ikea may be going a bit off-theme with this furniture line, an oval office design taken from the Obama page of change. Themed as “Embrace Change 09”, this oval office replica of the White House is bound to get some attention. Though not meant to stir up a new theme line for the start of the year, expect some inquiries on the availability and designs used by this popular Swedish home products retailer once they catch a glimpse of it.

“Embrace Change ’09″ is meant to “celebrate the change” that is coming to the White House, while driving foot traffic to two nearby Ikea stores

(Source) BrandWeek

Obama Theme Kicks of IKEA 2009

Whatever happens in the elections, rest assured there will be some furniture shopping made especially if the new first family does not feel comfortable with what they see in the White House. This may sound petty but based on trends from previous Presidents, a change in furnishings has been a common practice.

Normally, you would think that that White House would be full of white painted and expensive furniture. But depending on appeal you can expect something new in the White House once the new president (Obama or McCain), is sworn in to take office.

“People buy furniture that appeals to them first, and, when they find there is a story that goes along with it, that’s a bonus,” Smith said. “So we do adaptations that make the piece relevant to the marketplace and also have some history. People think that’s terrific.”

(Source) Mlive

New Furniture for the New First Family