Insightful and fresh ideas on a man that is offering a new way for the country. McCain and Clinton are old school Washington and would no doubt continue to portray the look that has been around since Eisenhower. Nice to from someone in touch with today.

I like the thought of Obama, as he is fresh. Though I must admit I have not been following this closely as I prefer to stick with my fellow Canadians and watch the hockey playoffs!!! Great column Sandy!

Sounds like the direction I would take...a NEW one, 'cause we need CHANGE in this country!

Sandy, the question you pose is so unusual. Thinking about it really makes me ponder the extraordinary opportunity this incredible country is presented with and how it can show the world a new direction. Sadly it's perhaps been a while since we have been the source of much inspiration.

The coverage of the US elections overseas is so extensive - there is no avoiding it. I found myself at dinner last night discussing exactly this question with a bunch of non-Americans. I think America needs a change and Obama is the only one in the line-up that appears to be able to do this. It appears that Obama is intelligent, vibrant and in touch with the people of America. What more can I say..?

Obama would definitely be the most challenging of all three clients, naturally inspiring a new ambiance in the "White" house & possibly provoking sensational controversy, end of an era indeed & fine with me.

My guess is that after another few months of campaigning ahead,none of the candidates would make for a good client. fact:no money left. McCain might be good for an old roll top desk, Hilary an ornate mirror and Obama a chandelier or two, to help brighten the most dark and gloomy period of American history. A lobbyist, in my opinion would make a far better client in the White House.

I think Obama has energized many who had given up on politics, and has engaged young people to an extent not seen in decades. He has spoken about the most difficult problems our society faces, without spinning or simplifying. Obama's unpretentious intelligence is obvious ... his emotional IQ is more impressive to me. He's a man comfortably at peace with himself and his surroundings who demonstrates a discerning maturity beyond his age...no doubt nurtured by his unique multi-cultural background. The Obama’s sound like they’d be an awesome client to work with.

The words that come to mind when I think about Obama are warmth and authenticity. Which, of course is what is I find lacking in the other candidates. I'm not familiar with the feel of the designers you mentioned, but I can't imagine that warmth and authenticity are echoing in the halls of the design of the current white house both literally and metaphorically speaking.

I´m torn between Obama and Clinton. The question is , who is most electable? Because another 4 to 8 years of republican rule??????

I completely agree! With the new hope should come a fresh look for the White House -- you could be just the designer to pull off this job!

What great insight and a fresh take! I would love to see Obama living in a Sandy-designed White House!

I would love to see Holly Hunt lighting in the White House! So clean and confident yet sophisticated, just like Obama! Sandra I love your ideas and would love to see the White House installation.

While I may not agree with his politics, I can definitely agree the Obama would most likely be the candidate who would bring a certain "freshness" to the White House. McCain would be the oldest president ever elected and so from a design standpoint, his asthetics probably would be in line with all the other old fuddy-duddys who have occupied the White House. And as far as Clinton goes, it would be difficult to decorate in the lesbian robot style. I picture Barack having a clean, modern style and updating the design of the White House to reflect this would be an interesting project.

I love who chose first of all. I think Obama would be a great client to design for. Myself, I am one of modern taste with a few ecletic traditional pieces to make a room pop and give it warmth. This topic can lead into so many other discussions. We need some fresh new ideas politically to be brought into the U.S. Designing for Obama in the White House... wouldn't that be a wonderful opportunity?!

Having viewed your design portfolio, I agree with Rich that you are the designer to pull off the clean and modern style that might best suit the Obama White House decor. I echo your sentiments fully and look forward to the change and unification he will bring.

Designing for Obama... that would be great!!rich in culture and traditions, so different than what we are used to seeing, of course it would have to be in a Sandy designed space.

I agree! I love the idea of modern meets heritage.

I feel that the decor of the White House is currently still locked in aristocracy, and that a cleaning and refreshening would serve wonders in depicting change. I agree that Obama would present greater opportunities for exploring more innovative forms of interior design, and the direction you illustrate seems most fitting.

Well in keeping with staying away from the political view as requested... I agree Obama, and what you suggest would be a refreshing look to that old white house. Lord knows if anyone could make the change, you would!

As I read your question I see you mentioned "Political preferences aside", however, it’s funny how almost none of the responses can put aside their own political views. Completely understandable... I guess thankfully, sense I am not from the US and I don't have to pick one of the three and if I look at it purely as a design job, knowing what I know about the candidates, I would have to pick Hilary. I don't particularly like her much, however, because she has lived in the White House before, I think if she won, she would need a new design, something fresh and different from her years as First Lady. Going about convincing her to change some things is another story, but it could be fun to make her feel like she was living in a different house.

What a dream job that would be to get to design for the white house. And Sandra would be the one for the job! Plenty of class, and just enough flare.

Sandy, This is really a difficult year for America. We definitely need a change from the Republican party - we need new inspiration and although this is not supposed to be political, it is hard to put that out of our heads when we are faced with it daily in the news. You would do a bang up job no matter who gets in - you are one of my favorite designers and person - let's just hope we are on to better things in the future.

As we hope for a fresh voice and new direction for our nation Sandra's suggestions for President Obama's new home is both inspiring and fresh as the candidate himself, thank you for your ideas and let's all hope it will happen.

It's all about Change and Obama is the Man to change our country and Sandy is the one that can add new decor to the Whitehouse

Well, it seems like it will be Obama, and Sandy's suggestions seems very much in line with what the people want. We live in a world where "perception is reality" so if Mrs. Espinet could send out a positive look to enforce and push new fresh AMERICA or just as importantly the "perception of a new America" I am all for it! Lets not be like the politicians lets get it done …. How do we make sure Mr. and Mrs. Obama has Mrs. Espinet's phone number?