Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-10

The task of selecting new furnish
1ngs becomes simple In proportion as
the plan of arrangement becomes def
mite. In order to experiment intelli-
gently with the problem of final ar
rangement, 1t is necessary to go over
the details of the whole situation. The
selection of new things then becomes
a matter of choosing such objects as
will mt a definite place. a definite pur-
pose. and a more or less definite color
| scheme.
One of the advantages of furnishing
or refurnishing according to a definite
arrangement is that the plan is fixed
before 1t Is carried out. In this way
every decision can be wisely balanced
without the pressure of hurry. Having
plan tends to economy, for 1t reduces
| to minimum the usual mistakes In
| purchasing and puts check on useless
| and impulsive buying. At the same time
| it finds a place for and uses to advan-
tage present belongings. 1t eliminates
trash and useless bric-a-brac. No one
would seriously include in furnishing
scheme the mass of trifing stuff that is
allowed to accumulate in the home. 1t
| simplifles the problem of selecting new
articles, for the nature and the use Of
the various things are defined by the
plan. 1t secures coherent result.
In many cases the refurnishing plan
resolves itself first into the elimination
of useless and inappropriate furnishings
then the rearranging of the furnishings
that are left to harmonic with wall
spaces and with the size and shape of
the rooms. Any tendency to cover UP
plain spaces by Sprawling objects over
it should be checked at once. as 1t spoils
rather than creates an effective ar
rangement. For instance, vines, rib
bons or flowers strewn at random over
\ IL A%l@l IL l. - ,F ia
1t appear festive defeats the purpose and
ends in being unattractive. Table dec
orations condensed into definitely placed
spots or central masses are much more
effective, since each is set off by the
plain cloth that surrounds 1t. Unless
objects that have claims to being ar
tistic are of superior quality they are
of no USE for the space they leave I'M
occupied is more valuable than their
presence. Better too much empty space
than an article too many, as space Is
expressive of dignity and repose.
Choosing a Color Scheme.
While skillful choice of color scheme
Is the most important factor in Great
ing an effective interior. 1t is sometimes
not easy to obtain. Location, exposure.
lighting, size and use of the room and
any fixed color in structural features,
such as walls or woodwork. are impor-
tant factors in the choice of color
schemes.
Soft. dull or grayed colors should be
used for the large masses. They are
more likely to harmonic with each
other and to make an effective back
ground for people and furnishings than
are bright colors. Bright colors may be
| used In small masses to accent or to
emphasize a color scheme. vase of
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binding of just the right color, may
serve to complete the idea.
Colors tinged with red. yellow or
orange, such as tan or taupe, sand or
brown, and many others, produce a
happy effect and are especially suitable
in rooms with northern exposure.
Colors tinged with green or blue may
produce restful effect in rooms with
southern exposure or with too much
light.
Light colors tend TO make room look
larger, lighter and cleaner than do dark
colors. Light colors are especially ap-
propriate in bed room. a bath room
or a kitchen and are an economic mea-
sure where light needs TO be conserved.
Dark colors may tone down a glazing
light, but they also tend to make room
look smaller, darker and less cheerful
than do light colors. Tones that are
neither light nor dark are usually APP
propriate In living rooms.
While a number of colors, II harmo-
NOUS, may be used in one room, a pre-
vailing note of one color tends to unity
the color scheme. Likewise, similar COL
ors in series OF connecting rooms con-
tribute to unity of effect.
Curtains and Hangings.
Do not choose what Is most fash
ionable In curtains, but choose what Is
most suitable. II your house is of the
simple type then II will be best to use
the window sill length of curtain. In
important rooms the longer curtains will
always add dignity. In bed rooms the
shorter length curtain Is better, but
the longer curtain may be used in an
upstairs sitting room.
When choosing material for your cur
tains do not buy material that is so
expensive that you will have to econo-
mize on the amount needed. as skinny
curtains are in very bad taste. Instead,
buy less expensive material, so that you
can have plenty of it to use. Deep hens
give a generous appearance to curtains.
Keep trimmings simple. even on cur
tains OF handsome materials.
Straight-line curtain hanging is
frequently seen in the new house. In
the average room not over nine feet
high, the valance is not necessary, as 1t