Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-03-29
THE BLANKSsSPACES.
a PROFESSIONAL DECORATOR TELLS
q HOW TO BEAuTEY THEM.

Arranging tho PIANO SO That 1t Is Orna-
mental ~ Well q Useful-The Mantel In
Another Dinculty For the Uninitiated.
Recently the writer asked Miss Lewis.
professional decorator, how she was ar.
ranging and ornamenting tables, mantels.
and, more than all, the piano. that indis-
pensable triangle of furniture, SO torment
ing to the artistically inclined.
UNLESS you place your piano with its
back to the room the case is hopeless, - she
said. "This position is not only good from
decorative standpoint, but performer
likes to be shielded by the instrument.
Then she enumerated various graceful
ways to cover the polished baroness Of this
musical instrument.
To hang square of tapestry over the
back frQm brass rod is exceedingly strik-
| ing. at5f possible, let the painted subject
relate to music or sentiment and have it
sufficiently large to cover the surface Of
the piano. osr c
| If the tapestry is very fine, Its surface
should be unspoiled by additions. Across
the top of the piano lay scarf Of liberty
silk or another painted panel Tho only
bric-a- brao that combines with this dra-
perry is pair of candelabra, the quainter
in style the better. -.
Algerian stripes, Bagdad tapestry or
Persian prints make good backgrounds.
The cost is $1.25 yard and width so
inches With this as foundation many
schemes may be carried out.
Bas-relief heads in plaster can be swung
on it without injuring the wood of tho
piano. Medallions of Beethoven, Mozart
or Wagner can be purchased for 81 each.
A long panel Of cherubs goes well, OF a
line of delft or Japanese plates.
A low settle has q comfortable resting
place underneath this. Either box seat
upholstered in dark, contrasting stuff or
one of the 81. 80 green wooden settles, sold
to artists, would serve. A number of
cushions placed on the seat against the
piano add to the coziness and grace of the
decoration.
There is q Fifth avenue house where
the tea table is placed against the draped
back of the piano, the polished old silver
showing well against the Persian colors.
Chinese and Turkish skirts, heavily
EN- broidered, to be found at large dry
goods shops, make most artistic drapery.
They are laid over the top Of the instru-
ment and fall far downward over the back.
A curtain of dark velvet serving under
meath as background adds to the rich
ness. A few fine bits of eastern china or
pottery, If one possesses them, serve adj
mirably as ornaments, but in lieu of these
bowl of roses and several small photos
framed in gold or silver are all that the
age calls for.
Whatever other color your room is made
up in, put something rich and full of color
nvronfinc nf
in an elaborate drawing room, upholstered
in fairy colors.
A like system of draping is effective for
the mantel wall-that is, for those who
do not possess large mirror, an artistic
wall or that abomination, mantel cab
met Even with mirror background
of rich toned stripes or colonial silks is
moro than pretty. This curtain is hung
without fullness from the ceiling molding
by hooks. h..
Far down near the riantel place mir
Tor or long bas-relief of plaster, such as
the cherubs, the Parthenon frieze or any
one of like ilk.
Do not burden the mantel wall with
ornaments in pairs. Have individual ar
ticles distantly placed, and you will be as
artistic as the japanese. In the land of
tno ian only OU6 OUJoCt "a Ndiuo IL UTouShu
out at a time and placed for admiration in
niche. More would be artistic sacrilege.
If one does not care for the Persian
tones background can be supplied of
figured burlap. Put on as closely as wall
paper, it forms an excellent pa.
A scarf of bright hued Hbe~s- silk on
the mantel board is pretty, twisted In
heroic sailors knot in the center and the
ends curving along the board.
In tho matter of ornaments remember
that royal Worcester and other bowls and
vases of china are no longer in use.
A Bohemian bowl, a dozen exquisitely
framed photographs, pair of candelabra
are in good taste. The decorators object
to even SO many things. Severe simple
ity should rule the shelf they say, two
good bits of bric-a-b rao at most serving
the purpose.
Some housewives are placing divan
under the mantel. If the air gets its heat
from register, this plan serves, and the
varied cushions heaped to the overhanging
scarf lend color. 1t is better taste, how
ever, to display the fireplace, arranging it
in decorative fashion.