Daily Kennebec journal., 1924-03-14

impression that the new home OF
Hon. and Mrs. Blaine s. Viles on
State street Is the same as it was
when it was the home Of the late DR..
w. Scott Hill, when 1t sheltered the
Farwells and when even the Tap
pans, the builders, took up abode in
their new home. And the inside ap-
pearances also strengthen this be-
lief, but here and there the skilful
hand of the decorator and the wis.,
dom of the mistress of the house
have wrought wonders.
The original contour of the home
has been followed as closely as pos
sible in the renovating of what is
one OF the city's most beautiful resi-
dences. The lovely white marble
mantels over the fire places and the
exquisite frieZes, which have stood
the ravages of, time and wear, have
been brought into the full beauty of
their lines. Mirrors of enormous pro-
portions, such as is impossible to
manufacture in the present day,
grace the drawing room. Lines of
early days in many arts of the inter-
ior have been softened by curves. For
instance the dormer windows on the
third story, where the most pronoun-
ced changes have been made, are
graced by curved entrances on the
ceiling lines, softening the architect
ual lines.
The most striking change from the
original arrangement which one no.
tices when first entering the house
is the new stairway in the front en-
trance. The old stairway was steep
and narrow. going up in straight line
to the upper story. The new stair
case, wider and with lower risers,
starts with landing, then turns, and
turns again at the top. 1t makes q
vast improvement in the appearance
of the hall. Here in the wide. well
lighted hall, is most appropriate
place to extend the hand of hospitali- =
ty.
Wall paper of tapestry influence in
softest shades of mulberry, shading
into light browns. cover the walls or
the halls, upstairs and down. In the
south parlor. mulberry shades of
deeper tint find expression in the
window hangings, the carpets and the
upholstery. Like the living room or
south parlor, the same color scheme
is carried out in the drawing room.
Overdrapes and vallence in the living
room are of deeper shade of null
berry in plush. In the drawing room
the window drapeS are of a lighter
shade of mulberry, in silk. Swiss
lace curtains, exclusive creations,
which the interior decorator, w. +.
Sharpe of the Kilbourn Co. OF Port
land secured in Europe, cover the
windows in the two front rooms.
Craftsmanship Par Excellence
Clear pine is the finish of the en-
tire house interior. Workmanship.
par excellence, bespeaks itself, in the
re-planning of the house. all of which
was under the direct charge of Frank
Tracy of Tracy and Metcalf of this
city. The work from the Tracy
Metcalf shop, as shown in the mirror
shelves in the drawing room and
throughout the house as well, could
not be excelled, is the opinion of crit
les upon such matters.
John Calvin Stevens Of Portland.
was the architect in the renovation of
the new Viles' home. 1t was about
four years ago, that Mr.. Stevens was
here, directing alteration upon the
Blaine mansion, on the same street.
Hangings of pastel shades in
stripes and putty shade paintwork
form a delightful background for the
CHEEKY sun parlor on the south side,
formerly the office of DR.. Hill. En-
trance to this room is from the liv-
ing room, as we'll as the dining room.
Wicker furniture with gay coverings
complete the furnishings of this most
attractive place.
The dining room has the typical
charm of the old home. The original
lines, as much as possible, were car
ried out. The curtains are tapes
try design, which blend with the
paint work and the general fixtures.
Furnishings in Harmony
Quite the center Of admiration In
his room is the exact copy Of the
Id fashioned hanging lamp, copied
rom the sperm oil days.
The oxidized fixtures are enhanced
by the frosted glass globes and the
crystals. Electric lights glimmer
through the designs and also light
is given vent in the indirect light
ing arrangement of the huge frosted
howl in the center. The copy of the
olden days finds further expression
in the bowl, centered in the lamp.
such as was wont to hold oil. 1t is
most attractive fixture and gives a
direct light to the tablet without
crudeness.
Here in the dining room may be
friezes, such as grace all the down
stairs rooms. 1t is a grape border
of most natural pattern. The CELL
ing center is a fruit piece.
A door of glass has been made be-
tween the living room and the din
ing room, this being the only con-
structive change in the two rooms.
Convenient Service Rooms
Glass doors have been put into the
dining rooms only closet. a former
sink room has been completely made
over into a buffers pantry, which is
the acme of usefulness with its many
closets and cabinets. and sink.
The original drawing room set.
carved black walnut, graces the
drawing room in the re-arranged
home. The chairs and sofa are COW
cred with silk tapestry, of antique
pattern, blending with the general
scheme of the room The same null
berry tint. in softer tints, forms the
color basis of the north room.
Over the white marble mantel, a
charming picture hanks. 1t has a
companion picture. which is hung in
the library, just beyond. The scene
is a sea shore, with a girl saying
farewell to the sailor and watching
him sail away. In the other picture
she is watching for his return. These
pictures have been in Mrs. Eiies'
family for many years and are very
valuable.