Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-09-25
SEA ATMOSPHERE
PLEASING TO BOYS
Quarters May Be Readily
Changed Into Romantic
Pirate Vessel.
<-REAsuRE ISLAND" and othe

ZTREASURE ISLAND" and other
tales of the deep have thrilled
American youths for years.
An absorbing story with a
nautical tang can send the average
American boy into a land of make
believe for days after he has finished
reading it, Long John Silver becomes
real person, pirates abound and ordi-
nary words like bed and kitchen are
discarded in favor of bunk and galley.
The house appears as romantic pirate
vessel and the garden beyond 1t turns
Into desert island.
For the boy who loves all yarns of
the sea, nothing Is more appropriate
and more appreciated than a room that
has captured the nautical atmosphere
II he has reached an age where his bed
room seems childish in comparison with
his tastes, there is all the more reason
why that room should be redecorated
Father or mother may argue that 1t
seems unwise to spend much money on
their sons room when he has not COM
pletely outgrown the careless age. But
at the same time they are providing
him with an interesting room they are
giving him corner of the house that
ne VIII be proud to keep in good con-
dition.
Spell of Sea Simple Task.
Bringing the spell of the sea indoors
Is a much simpler task than the idea
would seem to indicate, and also 1t is
not an expensive proposition. Good
paints Of the right colors will produce
the desired effect, and the durable sur
faces that will be given to the room
and its furnishings will withstand any
number Of youthful games.
Painted walls are always suitable for
room in which children spend q great
deal OF time. What matters it If stray
finger marks do soil the wall, when they
can be washed away so easily? And
all sorts of lovely color combinations
and designs will make the walls distinc-
tive. A shade Of blue that mirrors the
azure OF the sky would be appropriate
Tor the ceiling and walls, a slightly
lighter tint being used for the ceiling
II you prefer. Incidentally, q semi
glossy wall paint is recommended for
these youthful headquarters, because a
surface finished in this fashion is easily
washed and will prevent a blue glare
that might occur where a really glossy
paint was used.
Durable Floor Covering.
After the walls, attention is naturally
turned to the floor Heavy shoes will
leave telltale marks after many months
OF play unless the floor is given a dur
able finish Dark green floor paint
would further the touch of nature that
the walls have given the room and the
green would represent a deep and bot
UomleSS sea or a thick underbruSh of
that desert island that literature has
indicated as the special property Of Ger
tain sea-faring bands At the same
time the interesting green floor would
De serving as q practical playground for
youthful feet. Instead of using rugs on
his sons floor, one father decided to add
DIT OF ornamentation in the form of a
great compass, which he had painted
IN the center Of the room. A steering
wheel is also suitable floor design.
Some Of the furniture that has al
ready seen many days of rough play viii
look surprisingly fresh If it Is refinished
In pleasing shade of fiat paint to hide
the old battle scars, a task which fat
paint may always be called upon to per-
1orm An old chest that has outlived
It's usefulness and has been relocated
10 the attic could be given new dignity
II IL were painted to blend with the nau-
teal air of the room. 1t would also
furnish additional space for keeping
toys or clothes.
Bunks May Replace Beds.
Bunks. If they are properly made and
ntted with good springs, may be substi-
tuted for beds, especially If the old bed
Is ready TO be discarded anyway. II
there are two boys In the family, the
hunks may be built in true sea fashion,
one over the other. Although the aver
age adult may shun an upper berth.
there should be little trouble in inducing
one OF the boys to climb aloft at night
Maps go hand in hand with tales Of
hidden treasure, and they may also find
place in this young boys room. Deco
rating wall panel between two win
dows or used on the old chest, they give
a distinctive note to the room. To in
sure perfect adhesion, it is always best
TO give the map coat of shellac after
IT has been pasted down. Prints that
are in keeping with the sea atmosphere
may be used instead of the maps.