the first lady thought that most of the white house needed more historical artifacts and old furniture. her first major project was to restore the white house. she helped create a family living area by adding a kitchen on the family floor and new rooms for her children. she created a fine arts committee to find the money for her restoration of the white house. she also wanted to redesign and replant most of the rose garden and the east garden. mrs. kennedy helped protect historic homes in lafayette square in washington, d.c., because she thought these buildings were important.