The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1921-12-30
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Decoration
MATERIALS
BY C. G. {

v
say, but the way you say it," might
be transposed into, Its not what
you use, but the way you use it,
That is the secret of the use of
materials put int few words. In
decorating, materials have been mis-
used painfully. And only now are we
beginning to appreciate just what can
be done by the use of discrimination
and a little ingenuity.
Materials may be divided into vari-
Gus classifications according to weave
or design. The discussion of weave is
too technical to go into comprehen-
sively, and of no value to us here
except to distinguish rough surfaces
from smooth. Smooth surfaces re-
fleet more light than rough surfaces
and may be used to advantage with
that understanding. The nomencla-
ture of materials depends greatly on
the wear. The use of them, decorat-
lively, depends more upon the fabric
itself and the design, or absence of
design.
Glass curtains draperies hung
next to the window frame, are in
variably made in materials of plain
taffeta weave, a plain square mesh,
whether closely woven or openly. Un-
bleached muslin, easement cloth, mus
lin, cross-bar or dotted Swiss, screen,
silk gauze, are all materials common
ly used for glass curtains, and they
are all in a plain weave.
Materials of a heavier weight are
used for over-curtains- silks, satins,
damasks and velvets, are suitable in
their proper place.
The conventional idea of net or
screen for glass curtains, silks or
velvets for over-draperies, and tap
estry for upholstery, is slowly being
changed.
The man decorator of from 5 to
10 years ago invariably decorated a
house to rule" with little mental
strain towards individuality. The
same thing applied to the use of col
ors; certain stereotyped colors and
combinations were used regardless of
the exposure of the rooms, or the
personality of the occupant. One
thing that women decorators have
done for the profession is to apply
some thot and study to the use of
dolors and materials.
| have not mentioned lace curtains
as decorative possibilities they have
none! They are not beautiful and they
are not useful, either to let the light
in or keep the public gaze out. They
are used by undiscriminating people
who think characterization takes the
place of decoration. And people who
set table in their front parlor win
dow to display their cutglass and
hand painted china.
No one should use money indiscrim-
inately, and surely people of midget"
pocketbooks count the pros and cons
of expenditure these days when cut
ting down expenses is necessary. The
thing to do is to use, instead of a
substitute, an imitation of an ex-
pensive material something that is
real in itself, tho inexpensive. have
already mentioned old-fashioned cal
leo. 1t is delightful in color, and de-
cidedly appropriate for our country
houses, and for bed rooms, Kitchens
or bath rooms in city houses. 1t is
not inexpensive" it is cheap! The
color holds quite as well as any other
material | have seen used whether
cheap Or inexpensive. The price of
any material or wall paper will not
necessarily determine it's durability
or color fastness.
Unbleached muslin has been under
rated. In its natural state it is very
good in color and texture to use as
glass curtains in lieu of the more ex-
pensive easement cloth; as ruffling
for four-poster beds and as bed
spreads. In heavy sheeting quality it
is very good dyed for slip-covers or
upholstering material. When dyed, it
holds its color, is durable and wash
able. Frequently it is very difficult
to get stock material that will COM
plete color scheme, particularly
when price is considered. 1t is also
good for over-draperies when dyed.
Unbleached muslin curtains with
piquoetd ruffles makes charming old
fashioned curtains in place of expen-
sive dotted Swiss muslin, or trimmed
with colored rick-rack braid.
This discussion has taken up the
subject of materials. 1t shows how
the discriminating use of material
can make attrctive, inexpensive and
individual color schemes. Well say
more anon about both curtains and
materials.