The morning call., 1893-03-12
SMALL HOUSES.
What TO and What Not to Buy When
the Income Matches the House.

the Income Matches the House.
New YORK Times.
The furnishing Of houses out Of moderate
incomes is a matter of special interest con-
stsntly to 2 large number of persons just
beginning homemakiBG. a writer in Woman
makes some good suggestions on this point
The first proposition stated is that sit is
the greatest mistake to furnish with articles
Of inferior value. Everything should be
good of its kind. and warranted to stand
wear and tear. Study the room carefully
when empty, and make a mental picture Of
Its possibilities. The aspect Of some rooms
Is often dull and cheerless; then the bright
ness must radiate from the inside For the
floor nothing is more satisfactory than a
good Administer carpet in warm tints Of
rudy brown. 4 twO-f0ot margin should be
allowed 10 the floor space, to be painted a
shade corresponding with the lightest tint in
the carpet This wears much better than a
dark stain, and is easier to clean than a
margin OF felt
''Eschew 'satiny' paper for the walls; it
shows rubs too plainly, and in choosing the
paper try its effect by gaslght Some papers
absorb light so freely that the room is moth
ing but a Rembrandt picture of deep
shadows. A good salmon pink with we'll
covered pattern lights up well, aud with
curtains Of frilled muslin in the same tone
gives the needed air of brightness. For tile
thicker curtains a summer pair would be Of
cretonne, having the tinis Of the carpet and
lined with pink, substituting heavier for
winter. Covering the floor with mating
and rugs in the summer will materially
save the carpet and make a pleasant
change.
'Eschew rickety tables of china and
knick-knacks; run shelf along one side 0 I
the lolm, cover with plush and arrange
pictures on this; the first cost is little, the
effect good. Have movable lounge in
Faf "a IN T,t ; H.
looks aud sounds well, but debars one from
q sight OF the fire. The lounge can be of
wicker with upholstered and frilled mattress
in cretonne and a supply of tmste-dOwn
cushions covered with bright silks. Bent
wood chairs are satisfactory and can be
enameled TO suit any room, as can wicker
chairs; such chairs with well-padded mat
tTesses being essential to comfort.
Provide writing table, if but a corner
one; this is SO often lost sight of IN small
drawingrOom. A folding table for tea can
stand against the wall, and obYlates the
necessity for a promiscuous scattering Of
books and papers from the general table.
In one recess by the fire have fitted shelves
for books; inclose the lower half with doors,
70 form a cupboard for afternoon tea sets
etc. This can be enaIneled to suit the fur
niture. A square cabinet, well made in
deal, can also be enameled By clever fingers.
This should have doors, and will hold music
In its recess, while the top offers a stand
AOA ~ ballIs
'NeVer buy a new cheap piano; second
hand ones from good makers are constantly
in the market, and are worth treble the cost
Of thing with celluloid keys aud other
sbhorences. If good water-colors are not
among the family possessions, hang p a
few good etchings, in creamy frames The
effect Is good on any light wall, and they
can be cheap without being nasty. For the
mantelpece good mirror in an unobstrusiYs
frame is preferable TO badly designed
overmantel; some daintily shaped brackets
In poker work, hung on each side, take off
She Still look and serve to hold quaint
pottery.
For beauty in color and design nothing
IN pottery can supersede the 'Cantagalie'
ware from Florence, and the price is
nominal. No room is properly habitable
without plants; for these an inIaid Moorish
stool here and there has a happy effect.
Double-width serge makes good portiere.
and inexpensive wtha, taking up less room
than screen. q curb fender saves labor
and expense, and a dainty stand on the
hearth on which the fireirons hang is pref
cradle to the old clatter."