Evening star., 1924-05-30
VERY year cretcnneS and
4 chintzes are produced in clear
cr. softer colnrS and more

- VERY year cretcnnes and
r. chintzes are produced in clear
er, softer colors. and more
decorative and interesting de-
signs. There is every variety of
flower and foliage arrangement, both
IN rich and delicate colorings. as well
as in conventional patterns. Each de-
sign comes in three or more different
colorings. with either light or dark
background. Some are double-faced,
with the pattern on both sides.
Several years ago cretonne was
considered appropriate only for the
bedroom or perhaps the boudoir. 1t
was then adapted for the furniture
coverings and hangings in the sum-
mer home. but today it is the chosen
material. not only for the living room
of country homes and all-the-year-
round houses. but also for city apart
mentS and city houses. 1t makes a
room charming. hospitable and de-
lightfully livable. one small living
room in an apartment was trans
formed into bower of lOvelineSS by
tho liberal use of gayly lowered yell
low cretonne window hangingS,
cover for the long divan and as up
holstered cushions and seats for the
willow furniture.
Cret0nne at once suggests colonial
udS >, dUu rooms pdneIeQ with wnlte
woodwork. quaint old fireplace, an
tique mahogany furnituIs. or the
more informal wicker or willow fur
niture. Glazed chintzes are also de-
iighttully old -timey with their bold
SplaSheS of brilliant coloring, and
large. stunning floral designs. There
are many ways in which this strik-
ing material can be used ip addition to
that of furniture coverings and hang
ings. a wide border of il may be
n f,~ia III,
plainly papered walls. Sometimes it
is used as window shades or the wall
covering for an entire room. Gre
tonnes and chintZes are most often
used for draperies and upholstery. 1t
is possible TO find them in patterns
and colors suitable for every room in
the house. from the rich all-over de-
signs on dark backgrounds for living
room and dining room TO the more
delicate prints for the bedroom. and
the quaint picture patterns for the
nursery.
Proper Background.
Where plain wall covering is
used cretonne hangingS are always
attractive. The paper may have a
slight check or Self-toned stripe
but in effect the wall must be without
design to form a proper background
for cretOnne with figure or flower
design. Windows where no over
curtains are used may have a valance
of cretonne hung across the top, COW
erinG the rods of the net or muslin
curtains and the rollers of the
shades. This arrangement is espe-
ctally attractive for group of two or
three windows. and if cretonne of the
same pattern is used for cushions in
the window seat or for some uphol-
stery in the room .he effect will be
good.
a good way to use cretonne is as
top or overcurtain, usually hanging
TO the window sill A plated valance
across the top of the window adds a
decorative touch. although il is not
required. With these top curtains a
window curtain is demanded. not a
sash curtain.
Cretonne in many cases can be Sc
cured TO match the wall paper. 1t
may also he bought in borders of
varying widths to add decorative
finish TO a curtain of plain mate
rial.
one room. 1t will be all the more ef-
fective if relieved by plain fabric
Curtains should either be lined or be
finished with narrow guimp. The
the Colors in the cretonne, would be
very little, but it would add many
times it's value in the effect of the
curtain or cover. If table cover or
scarf is made entirely of cretonne. Il
should be edged with guimp.
There is an opportunity to create
unusual settings in the bedroom.
More than any other pace in the
house. it lends itself to decorative
effects. often accomplished through
the use of colored cretonne, glazed
prints. one-toned linen piped with a
contrasting color, or sunfast materi-
ais so suggestive of good cheer. While
these are appropriate for window
hangingS. they are equally adapta-
BILE for upholstery and bed coverings.
They bring out effectively the color
scheme of the light-toned walls. often
creating Il f1ower-garden effect.
which is enchanting. Where can we
work out more attractive schemes
than by turning to nature for combi
nations?
Low beds of modern, make often