Ida McKinley, the wife of President William McKinley, famously banned the color yellow from the White House during her time as First Lady. This decision was made due to her personal dislike of the color, as well as superstitions surrounding the hue.

Yellow was considered to be a symbol of mourning in Victorian times, and Mrs. McKinley believed that having the color present in the White House would bring bad luck. As a result, she prohibited any decorations or furnishings in yellow from being used in the presidential residence.

This ban on yellow extended to everything from flowers to fabrics, with Mrs. McKinley opting for more neutral and pastel tones throughout the White House instead. Her aversion to the color was so strong that she even reportedly refused to wear yellow clothing herself.

Despite her strict rule regarding the color yellow, Ida McKinley was known for her elegant and refined taste in interior design. She oversaw the redecoration of several rooms in the White House during her husband's presidency, incorporating luxurious fabrics and intricate details to create a welcoming and stylish atmosphere.

While the ban on yellow may seem like a quirky detail in the history of the White House, it reflects the personal preferences and superstitions of a First Lady who took her role seriously. Ida McKinley's influence on the decor of the presidential residence continues to be remembered and studied today.

In conclusion, Ida McKinley banned the color yellow from the White House during her time as First Lady, citing her dislike of the hue and superstitions surrounding it. Despite this restriction, she managed to create a beautiful and elegant living space that reflected her refined taste and attention to detail.

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