Photos show how the decor at the vice president's official residence has changed through the years

Talia LakritzJul 23, 2021, 00:56 IST

The library of the vice president's official residence in 2006 (left) and 2016.Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images, Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Vice presidents live at Number One Observatory Circle on the grounds of the US Naval Observatory in Washington, DC.
Different vice presidents have decorated the 9,150-square-foot home according to their tastes.
The Cheneys decorated in neutral tones, the Bidens preferred colorful walls, and the Pences added personal touches.

In 1977, Walter Mondale, who served under President Jimmy Carter, became the first vice president to move into Number One Observatory Circle.

Joan Mondale in the official residence of the vice presidential family in 1977. AP

Upon moving in, second lady Joan Mondale offered a tour of the official residence to members of the press.

Joan Mondale in the official residence of the vice presidential family in 1977. AP

In 1978, the Mondales displayed works of art by Joseph Cornell.

Joan Mondale and Harry Parker, director of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, in the vice presidential residence in 1978. Jeff Taylor/AP

Walter Mondale made a Thanksgiving turkey in the home's kitchen.

Vice President Walter Mondale in the kitchen at the vice president's residence in 1977. AP

Vice President George H.W. and Barbara Bush added a beige rug to the entryway in the 1980s.

Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, President Ronald Reagan, and Vice President George H.W. Bush gather at the vice president's residence in 1981. David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images

The beige motif continued in the dining area.

Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, President Ronald Reagan, and Vice President George H.W. Bush at the vice president's residence in 1981. David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images

In the living room, the Bushes added a patterned rug, floral chairs, and green drapes.

George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush at the vice president's residence in 1983. David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images

Bush took a call in a sitting room furnished with beige walls, a rich colored rug, and a neutral patterned chair.

Vice President George H.W. Bush answers a phone call in the vice president's residence circa 1983. David Hume Kennerly/Getty

Vice President Al Gore opted for burgundy curtains and rugs.

Vice President Al Gore meets with Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers in the dining room of his official residence. TIM SLOAN/AFP via Getty Images

In the living room, Gore swapped out the Bushes' green curtains for white, and he put down beige carpeting instead of a rug.

Vice President Al Gore speaks from his residence in 2000. Pool Photo/Newsmakers/Getty Images

Dick and Lynne Cheney decorated the residence in neutral colors.

Dick Cheney bidding farewell to Joe Biden following their visit at the vice president's residence in 2008. David Bohrer/White House/AP Photo

The library, where Cheney often held meetings, featured cream furniture, walls, and rugs.

Vice President Dick Cheney meets with former chief of staff to the vice president David Addington in the library of the vice presidential residence in 2006. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Upstairs in the private quarters, the neutral furniture was offset with dark green walls and floral curtains.

Vice President Dick Cheney, his wife Lynne, and their daughter Mary tour the private quarters of the vice president's residence in 2001. M. Spencer Green/AP

Interior designer Victoria Hagan helped Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden redecorate the official residence when they moved in.

The entryway of the vice president's residence in 2016. Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The living room was painted a brighter yellow, and the furniture and artwork were swapped out to feel more homey.

The living room of the vice president's residence in 2016. Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The Bidens brought a pop of color to the dining room, painting it "Biden blue."

The dining room of the vice presidential residence photographed in 2016. Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Hagan transformed the library from neutral colors to a vibrant space with green striped wallpaper and a plush leather couch.

The library of the vice president's residence in 2016. Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The Bidens' favorite room in the home was the Solarium, decorated with a cream couch accented with green pillows and plants.

The Solarium in the vice presidential residence. Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence removed the green accent pillows, but they kept the Solarium's white furniture.

Second Lady Karen Pence meets the wife of Singapore's prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong. @SecondLady

The dining room remained Biden blue, but the Pences added their own personal touches.

Vice President Mike Pence in the dining room of the vice presidential residence in 2017. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

The Pences also incorporated artwork that paid tribute to their home state of Indiana.

Karen Pence with artist Douglas David. @SecondLady

In the living room, the Pences put down a different rug and swapped the colorful artwork for a large mirror.

The vice president's official residence living room decorated for Christmas in 2020. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Vice President Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff moved into Number One Observatory Circle in April after it underwent renovations.

Senator Lisa Murkowski's photos from a dinner at the vice presidential residence posted to Twitter. @lisamurkowski/Twitter

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