First-time look at the Obama's private White House quarters

The White House is easily one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, but the private quarters of the first family has mostly been kept out of view. And so we’ve been left to wonder where President Obama likes to read his Sunday paper, or room the family chill in while watching Netflix. Until now.

In a rare glimpse into the usually private areas of the White House, the Obama family has opened their doors to US interior and architecture publication Architectural Digest. The full tour includes the Treaty Room, the private sitting room, the Yellow Oval Room - which has been used by the family as a formal sitting room - along with the private family areas, including the couple’s private suite.

“[The White House] has truly felt like a home for our family,” First Lady Michelle Obama said in the December issue of Architectural Digest.

Michelle and Barack Obama’s décor draws major parallels of their interest in contemporary American culture. In unprecedented move, 20^th and 21^st century artworks where added to the walls – including Alma Thomas, the first African-American female artist to be featured in the White House. There’s also manuscript of the hit politically-charged Broadway musical Hamilton on a side table.

One room which has been left traditional is the first couple’s master suite, which features an antique canopy bed with curtains.

For the full tour, pick up the December issue of Architectural Digest, on newsstands now.