Evening star., 1898-11-19

there are suggestions waiting in more than
one direction.
Much Of the creative talent that make=
the amateurs attempts at household deco
ration an art can De gained by cultivation.
There are books written upon th, subject
that can be turned to for reference: there
are pictures that show interesting arrange
nents OF furniture, ana there are all about
us practical Illustrations I'm what has been
achieved hy at hers
A familiar acquaintance with the possi-
bllities of an old house. or the woll-studicd
advantages OF the new. cannot fail 10 pro-
! duce some charming interiors. For each
room the question OF its use becomes Of
first consideration; afterwara. 20 suit this
design to an artistic standard in furnish
ingS.
In a reception hall one looks for cheer
ful. dignifed colOrinE, and a simplicity Of
furnishings that will characterize the en-
I trance TO the home with a spirit Of hos
Pitdlity. An open fireplace, II set in tho
right position, can convey large share Of
this feeling. \ chair and scttee. drawn AZ
the correct angle for conversation. are often
the keynote Of welcome. on staircase
opening into reception hall "A Swiss carved
clock or an old-fashioned timepiece has
peculiar fitness a growing plant on the
landing can be made graceful decoration.
The exposure Of this room to the north.
to the south. east or west must decide the
choice Of colors employed upon the walls
and introduced in the rugs. The lighting
may he acCentuated or tempered by dis
CTl0linallnS use OF uraltrltS. ana the lAT~
niture arranged for the easy receiving Of
guests.
In many families the living room takes
the place of a drawing room. A southern
exposure is by far the most advantageous
for the purposes Of living room. its sunny
aspect making of itself good cheer. its
treatment decoratiVely could then be given
over to quiet tones that form the most har-
monious Of backgrounds.
The interests of the family may he cen
tered in this room. adjusted to every mod
ern convenience, and artistically presented.
In such an apartment a faNorite motto may
be engraved on the mantel~hoard. and SOU
venirs of family exploits be given space,
\ corner for the book-loVer may be COM
posed with shelves, a low table. and a read
ing lamp. divan set in recess, partially
disclosed by hangiHSs. may become the cOzy
nook for resting, and the hest lighted posi-
tion be given over to the piano.
Shelves hult into a house are desirable
from two points Of view-they economize
space. and their contents serve as decora-
ton. In the dining room these qualities are
of special value. China and silver demand
a suitable setting to make them appear well
in open shelves. With a medlum-toned blue
ware l have seen a sage green paper used
on the walls. a heavier shade in burlap
hung under the chair rail. and all Of the
wood work painted white. White silk was
used for sash curtains. and the furniture
was mahogany. 4 unique frieze for a din
ing room can he made with plates. n re-
vival of the style adopted in the inn where
Albert Durer was in the habit OF meeting
his friends for social purposes. Copper aru-
cles relating Ia culinary art, and those of
brass or pewter, can be appropriately used
in the dining room in cabinets, on the man.
tel or over the JoorwayS.
4 girls room has unlimited capabilities
for dainty expression. Every article of fur
niture may hespeak the taste OF the oc-
cupant. and If she be a college graduate
she will center her school associations in the
fittings Of one particular corner. A pretty
gre uping of photographs, books, posters
and pillows Will make this part of intrtn-
sic worth TO the owner, and her originality
may be expended upon dcvising a corner
lounge and shelves that Will most betlt
her own chamber.