Camerons allow rare peek inside their home

The photograph of the leaders' wives on the sofa at the Camerons' Downing Street apartment, released by the White House, is sure to cement the image of the UK's "special relationship" with America.

The Camerons, like the Blairs and Browns before them, chose to live in the larger four-bedroom flat above 11 Downing Street, rather than the smaller apartment above Number 10.

The backdrop to the photo of the leaders' wives - taken before "having tea" - shows the contemporary style in which the Camerons live away from the public eye.

The smart mustard sofa, simple wooden flooring and neutral walls are a stark contrast to the traditional, elegant decor the Obamas will have been enjoying at Buckingham Palace.

Behind the Prime Minister and First Lady, the Camerons' book and DVD collection, though hard to make out, may give away some of their literary and TV likes and dislikes.

On the shelves are two box sets of the American TV series 24. Books include The Family Cookbook, Paris Interiors and Arts And Artists.

Most noticeable in the background may be the sleek state-of-the-art kitchen.

The ladies are sitting in the kitchen that the Camerons fitted at their own expense on coming to Downing Street. An original, smaller kitchen in the flat remains as it was but is not used by the family.

Some critics speculated over what they dubbed the "Notting Hill-style designer kitchen", demanding to know how much it had cost.

The kitchen will certainly be the envy of many homeowners, with an array of precisely lined-up pots and pans stacked up on stainless steel shelves.

A large stainless steel cooker provides a centrepiece, with a futuristic cooker hood above, and well blended-in dishwasher next to it.

Although obviously brand new, there are also some well-placed "homely" additions. A toaster sits on the worktop next to a well-stocked knife block, while coffee pots sit on top of the shelves and oven gloves hang ready on the oven door.

The picture of Mrs Obama and Mrs Cameron undoubtedly presents a view of the new generation of the political world.

Their up-to-date surroundings reinforce their images as fashionable modern wives.

They appear relaxed and comfortable, smiling and facing each other, knees almost touching, with their hands tucked in their laps.