SIMPLE RENOVATION

Evening Star, Issue 21714, 8 May 1934, Page 2

SIMPLE RENOVATION

KIAMY USES FOR ENAMEL METHOD OF APPLICATION It was not long ago that housewives were reluctant to give tree reign in tlie home to the love of colour. In addition to sombre shades for exteriors there were .still more sombre tones lor the dining room, lounge, and bedroom furnishings, usually in varying shades of brown. . When they ventured away from dark colours only kitchens, bathrooms, and often bedroom furniture were in a cold white, reminiscent of a hospital ward. On the Continent, especially in the south, not only are the exteriors of houses in gay colours, such as royal blue with doors and shutters in orange, but the interiors are just as cheerful.

Panels of cupboards and doors are often picked out in two shades of pale green; a breakfast room in pink and old ivory, and a bedroom suite refreshes the eye with its soft shade of green. ' This clever use of colour is now creeping into our homes, with delightful results. Modern bedroom suites are now lacquered in green, orange, or even red, which is used with beige walls and hangings. This .means that, colour, in the form of quick-drying enamel for preference, can be used to restore old furniture, suites of unpolished wood in fairly plain construction and of good proportions can be entirely rejuvenated with a coat or two of enamel.

All that is necessary is to rub with sandpaper to secure a smooth, clean surface on which to work. Use.a good soft bristle brush and stir the contents of the tin thoroughly before applying. The enamel will dry in four hours with a durable gloss that will stand repeated washing. Painted walls and'woodwork fall into line with painted furniture, and delightful colour combinations call bo worked out. Brightly coloured furniture can be used with woodwork and walls in warm neutral tones. Furniture that is more subdued in colour can be used with walls dor.c in the “ marbleising ” effect, which permits the combination of several. colours.

To remove stains' and splashd on doors and skirting hoards after a door lias been stained, nib with a .-oil, cloth which has been dipped in methylated spirits.. j