CALL OF SPRING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22864, 20 October 1937, Page 6

CALL OF SPRING

BRIGHTENING THE HOME METHODS USED IN AMERICA , . NEW CURTAINS AND COVERS /V B7 ?. v. MONTGOMERY SEATTLE, Sept, 26 Few of us can afford a professional decorator, and so most housewives are constantly on the lookout for suggestions to improve their homes. AA ith spring, housecleaning and "fixing up go hand in hand. At this time of the year/the freshness of summer should be brought inside —and can bo, quite inexpensively. One of the biggest influences in giving a feeling of lightness is the "summerising" of walls arid windows. Take down some of the pictures you have had for winter and see how much cooler the rooms feel with just a very few pictures. For summer, it is suggested that water-colours or bright flower prints be used, bringing your flower garden indoors. The rule of having the centre of interest of your pictures at the level of a normal person's height should be kept in mind. Also, try to relate your pictures to some object, making a balance not, only as far as the walls are concerned, but in relation to the piece of furniture over which they are to hang, so that there is a composite effect. Arranging the Windows Just the act of taking down winter draperies in living room and dining room is a tonic. Perhaps your room is so colourful you do not want draperies. If you prefer them, however, then glazed chintz or garden print cretonne is charming for summer, or, if draperies/ with a more "tailored" effect are better for your home, there are blocked linens, printed crashes, homespuns in plaids, or novelty weaves. Tho draperies should be lined to prevent fading—sateen is good, but if one wants to do it more economically unbleached muslin may be used. These draperies should be made very simply, and may be used for draw curtains. There is the matter of window curtains. If you have, say, French windows and a view, you might want to forgo them. If you do use curtains, however, thero are many kinds of materials particularly adapted to letting ,sunlight sift through. Some of these are theatrical gauze, various meshes, and grenadines. If no draperies are used, window curtains with a touch of colour would be better, such as embroidered theatrical gauze, striped and plaid marquisettes, and two-tone nets. We are treating the living room and dining room rather simultaneously, since/ they are usually so closely connected, and often have the same!-wall, window and floor treatment. Materials For Slips If possible, roll up your rugs with plenty of anti-moth protection, and use "scatter" rugs, which are attractive on either hard wood or painted floors. Braided rag rugs are economical and effective—they give one a feeling of summer freedom. However, if your home is a more formal type, then small " Orientals " could be used, or " scatter " rugs in neutral tones, say of chenille or wool. I mean imitation " Orientals,'' as few of us can afford the genuine rugs from the Orient. Now, speaking specifically of the living room, the most effective way to quench that wifitery feeling of upholstered davenport and chairs is to cover them, -with slip covers. These can be made at home K as patterns are available, or one can make one's own patterns.

Various materials are used for slip

denim in neutral shares being highly, favoured because it stands up well and does not wrinkle nor soil easily. Other suggestions are shadow warps, linen crash, art sateen and either plain or block linens. Plaid linens are smart. If plain-coloured material is used for slip covers, piping -in a contrasting colour is suggested. If print draperies of chintz, cretonne or calico are used, it is very effective to have one of the chajri covered with a slip of the same material.

The occasional pillows will need to be "'slipped." Remove the winter silk and velvet pillow covers and re-cover the pillows with plain-coloured chintz or linen if you already hare plenty of colour in the room; or if you need additional colourfulness. then cover the pillows with printed cottons. Do not forget your lamp shades. If they are silk, replace them with softtoned parchment or paper shades. Just as you change from winter to summer clothes, so you change your furnishings. Definite Colour Harmony

When planning the decorating of your home, it is necessary to plan definite colour harmony. It is well to bear in mind that in order to secure a pleasing effect, there must be two dominating colours of s equal intensity of tone. Let us saw the walls are tan or buff. Then draperies combining yellows, browns, yellow-reds, with a touch of green, may be chosen. The slip cover material should harmonise, and may be of a soft tan shade, piped with green. An occasional piece of painted furniture is permissible. A dull sage green with brown trim would be nice. " Scatter rugs of a green and rust combination would complete this picture. The size and design and intensity of colour tones used should be in proportion to the size of tlfe room. In the dining room, aside from the problem .of walls, window and floors already mentioned, there are not many changes to be made. As at all times, it is well to remember that simplicity is more''tasteful. For instance, a bowl of ffowers on the buffet would be sufficient. Next week we will deal with the bedrooms and bathrooms.