Here are 15 design moments that shaped the White House

The neoclassical structure, designed by James Hoban , clocks in at approximately 55,000 square feet .

The White House Historical Association’s historian Sarah Fling believes in the intimate tie between White House decor and soft power.

One myth is that the president and first lady have a final say in all decor choices.

First Lady Dolley Madison employed architect Benjamin H. Latrobe to beautify the first floor of the residences in 1809 .

Andrew Jackson ordered the refurnishing of the White House with elegant furniture and huge glass chandeliers.

Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln spent $ 20,000 redecorating the manse.

Chester Arthur hired Louis Comfort Tiffany , father of the famous Tiffany lamps and stained glass windows.

The Kennedys were young and chic in a down-to-earth way, wanting to unsettle the perception of the presidency as stuffy and elitist.

Jackie Kennedy could be considered the person responsible for imbuing the role of chief decorator with the prestige it always deserved.

Dorothy Parish was known as the mother of American Country Style.