Donald and Melania Trump Are Renovating White House to ‘Remind Them of Mar-a-Lago’ so They Can Be ‘There in the Mind’ 

The White House is undergoing major changes — all designed to resemble Mar-a-Lago.

Sources tell PEOPLE that President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have been reshaping the presidential residence to reflect the atmosphere of their Palm Beach estate.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has swapped the White House Rose Garden lawn for a cement patio, approved construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom atop the East Wing, and introduced gold accents along with Trump-themed art and merchandise throughout the building.

A Florida-based social source tells PEOPLE the couple “would prefer to be in Palm Beach,” so instead they are “bringing Mar-a-Lago to Washington.” The source added, “Their plans for the White House are meant to remind them of Mar-a-Lago. That way, when they aren’t in Palm Beach, they still feel connected to it.”

A member of the Mar-a-Lago club says Donald and Melania take pride in their Florida home’s décor and enjoy showing it off, so replicating it in Washington “makes sense.”

“Anytime Melania and Donald can make the White House feel more like Mar-a-Lago, they will,” the member explained. “They love Mar-a-Lago. Not only is it their home, but Donald personally created much of its current look and enjoys sharing it with others.”

Another regular at the Florida club added that Trump was “never happy” with many presidential spaces, including parts of the White House and Camp David.

The updates are already visible. On Aug. 20, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt brought reporters to view the Rose Garden’s new look: a cement patio adorned with Mar-a-Lago’s signature yellow-and-white striped umbrellas.

Earlier this summer, Trump announced plans for a massive ballroom at the East Wing, designed with lavish gold features throughout its 90,000-square-foot interior. In addition, cabinetmaker John Icart — known as Trump’s Mar-a-Lago “gold guy” — has been enlisted to enhance the White House with ornate gold details.

Trump has also rearranged portraits of past presidents and first ladies to make room for paintings of himself in what sources describe as “heroic poses.”

While every administration makes changes to the White House, the Trumps’ dramatic reimagining of the historic residence has drawn criticism from those who believe the building’s design should preserve its longstanding tradition and history.