Evening star., 1935-07-30
BY NATALIE AYMAK GOODWIN.

A S THE hall Is the formal introduc-
ton to the house, it should be
made as interesting and inviting IS
possible. radiating an atmosphere Of
cordiality long before the hostess bids
the guest welcome. In addition to
the sense of hospitality. a slightly
formal note is demanded because Of
its accessibility to strangers.
One of the foremost requisites in
hall is light, for there is nothing more
discouraging than to be greeted by
dim, shadowy interior, emphasized by
the contrast Of the brightness out
doors; an effect of light can be Gre
ated by color schemes, light tinted
walls, mellow floors ana furniture of
delicate proportions, to carry out the
impression. When artificial lighting
Is necessary, care should be taken to
have it placed so the light is dis
tributed evenly.
The wall covering should be gov
erned by the background represented
by the architecture and the furnish
ings of the rest of the house, as well as
by the decorations Of the adjoining
rooms, stressing the same color when
a sense of Spaciousness Is needed.
When wall paper is an appropriate
choice, an attractive, washable one is
practical, remaining fresh In spite Of
the hard wear required of it. Many
new floor treatments have been used
effectively, but in the majority of
homes the predominating style calls
for polished floors, covered with rugs
in plain coloring when the walls
are decorative, or the Oriental type
lending an air of distinction when
the neutral tone has been used on
the walls.
It is interesting to trace the prac-
tical influence that has been a govern
ing factor in the choice Of furniture,
in the past as well as IN the present
day. In the early days spaciousness
was often sacrificed for the greater
comfort of increased warmth, bring
ing the vogue of small, finely propor-
toned furniture. Today our modern
background demands the conservation
Of space, and the same type Of light,
graceful furniture best fills our needs.
The Georgian period In England
saw the development of the style Of
furniture depicted above-one of the
most interesting periods in the his
tory of furniture making, marking
the introduction of comfortable do
mestic pieces and the use Of mahog-
any for the first rine under the
craftsmanship of some Of the worlds
outstanding cabinetmakers.
Chippendale, considered by many as
the greatest of this time, SO changed
and improved the existing styles that
many became distinctly his own and
are credited to him, contributing
more graceful development through
fine proportions, lighter construction
and beautiful carving. The love seat
in the above picture, an authentic re-
production of Chippendale, with the
characteristic serpentine back and
seat, and curved legs with claw and
ball feet, is slightly longer than the
usual one. Covered in a rich rose
uncut frieze, 1t is trimmed In brass
nail heads, used so extensively in this
style.
The half-round Heppelwhite table
at the foot of the stairs Is o modern
reproduction of this great cabinet
makers work, with many of the dis
tinctive touches that are associated
with this style, including the tapered
square leg and inlay, which he used
profusely. Used originally solely as q
card table, it now is popular as con-
sole or as q side or serving table.
The mirror above the table is
copied from an old one produced in
the States" period, Of dull gold, with
rope-turned column, and balls fire.
quently used symbolically to repre-
sent the number of States in the
Union. Its interest is further en-
hanced by picture of the first Amer
ican war vessel, adding q note of color.
In this hall much of its charm is
derived from the use Of furniture par
ticularly adapted to its size, with the
perfect proportions found in the re-
productions Of rare old pieces. If the
room suggests an atmosphere of well
come and cheer, making the guest
long to linger on and see beyond, it
has met the outstanding require
ments Of successful hall.