Six U.S. First Ladies Helped Design Suites Bearing Their Names

Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Roslyn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush and Jacqueline Kennedy were all consulted on the decor for the guest rooms which bear their names.

Carleton Varney, President of Dorothy Draper & Company of New York and the interior designer for Grand Hotel, developed the concept for the new suites in consultation with each of the former first ladies.

"As we designed the suites, we wanted to reflect American history just as the hotel has reflected American history for the 119 years it has been in existence," Varney said. "The memorabilia and special colors reflect the individual taste of each lady." Each of the suites include the official White House portrait of the first lady, a brass plate on the door bearing her signature, autographed books taken from Varney's personal collection, fabric walls, chandeliers, custom made carpets and antiques which fit each first lady's taste and preference.

Specific Features Include:

Jacqueline Kennedy
The carpeting in the suite features the gold presidential eagle on a navy blue background and walls painted gold.

Lady Bird Johnson
Lemon yellow damask-covered walls, accented with blues and golds reflecting the wild flowers Mrs. Johnson loves.

Betty Ford
Mint and celadon green damask with cream and a dash of red reminiscent of Mrs. Ford's California living room.

Rosalynn Carter
Featuring "Rosalynn" china, designed for the Carter White House, and wall coverings of soft Georgia peach.

Nancy Reagan
Walls in Mrs. Reagan's signature red, with touches of her elegant taste throughout.

Barbara Bush
Pale blue and pearlized cream to match Mrs. Bush's eyes, the water of the Maine sea coast and the wide Texas sky.