The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1922-09-30
By Edward II. Hall

~ONTINUED interest IS being
manifested in these series Of
articles as evidenced BY the
number and scope Of questions sent
70 the writer.
All OF these questions are un-
doubiedly intended TO be serious, but
some Of them cause a smile. Here's
one.
What IS the most foolish question
asked BY seekers after wall deoora-
iions' We answer Il in Yankee
fashion. VIZ by asking another Do
you really want 10 know II you
do We will tell you secretly On A
newspaper that the question most
irequehgly asked. and which VIC Ike
the least. therefore chasing j, as the
most foolish IS What IS the newest
thing IN wall pap@r;'
The newest thing Is often the leas,
suitable thing 20 accomplish the de-
sired IN the decoration OF your
rooms There are, Of course, fresh
contributions made each year in the
offerings OF the various factories
both in the line OF design and color
ings. but they do not aceentuate
their newness. hn, rather a conhr-
nation OF something that has beez
tired out and has stood the test OF
decorators and consumers. The
newest things in the decorative Of
ferings are usually found in the
cheap and freakish things tina, arc
offered Tor their novelty rather than
Tor their decorative value.
Often when a conservative deco
rator receives a very new offering
he studies Il for a considerable time
and puts il 20 certain severe tests,
such as conformity, adaptability,
uniformity, hight and etc. before Of
fefing i 20 his clients. because he
is selling more than so much pulp
and color. He realizes that he
stands between hiss client and disap-
pointmcut should the so-called new
thing not meet the requirements put
upon u by the home-maker. There
IS a very jealous regard for the cor
rect and satisfactory thing by the
conscientious decorator. as against
the frezkish article of the moment.
Therefore, as decorative material
should possess the elements Of in-
trinsic value. newness, as newness.
IS looked upon somewhat critically
and must stand the tests of ap-
proved contributions. and newress
must not be the only recommenda-
ton the article can claim The
craze for new things has caused
many a regret to the decorator and
much woe to his client. There are,
however. many new things that are
not classed as the newest. and these
well tried new offerings can be
sought after appropriately. So,
when yoL want 10 inspect the new,
don I ask Tor the newest. il you value
your decorator ; feelings.
Tendency For More Color
Following the above reference to
newness, il IS appropriate 10 say
right here that there IS 4 decidedly
strong change in this years otfer-
irgs As this feature Is 70 be the
subject Of a separate article in the
near future. suffice il 10 say now
that the feeling IS for more color and
that there Is a decidedly strong re-
action against the mono;onous and
severely plain walls OF the past few
years. A very plausible eEpl2na-
ton may also be found as a cause
for this reaction II the fact that
the general public IS weary from
the depressing results Of the ex-
tended war period and the unset
Ted state Of affairs since the ending
81 hostilities. The people are seek
ng relief from the wearlness and
iuiiness OF the war in entertain
ncnt and other boyant rneans-thus
nc demand fo- more color and
stronger designs in the surround
ngs Of their homes. The progress
i've decorator sensing tins demand
.ndezyors 70 meet il BY the spphea-
ion Of stronger tones paper and
zbrics. Apropos Of this feeling. a
change IS coming over the
,pinions OF authorities in regard TO
,olor and design for hospitals and
,ther public places where the health
4 the occupants OF the rooms are /,
.Eeeied By color. More anon Ss-as