INTERIORS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 155, 21 September 1927, Page 7

INTERIORS

TIMBERED DECORATION. THE EXERCISE OF RESTRAINT. If we were asked to suggest what were the most important features to study in connection with a decorative scheme, we should place first harmony and second simplicity, says an English journal. The more pronounced or definite the style selected, the greater is the need for care in completing the scheme. Where the decoration presents striking characteristics, the intrusion of any inharmonious note must be avoided. It does not matter how beautiful in itself the intruding article may be. If it does not embody the spirit of the apartment it will constitute a fault, calculated to detract from the effect of the whole scheme. Secondly, too much emphasis can hardly be placed on simplicity, a term that stands for much more than avoidance of excessive decoration or ornate details. Perhaps the most common fault is overcrowding. Many a capital scheme has been ruined by the introduction of too much furniture. The temptation to place some article wherever there is space is very strong, and some people are unable to resist it. Fewer failures are due to under-furn-ishing than over-furnishing, even where all the pieces employed are in irreproachable taste. And that, it must be admitted, is not invariabl3 T the case. These brief observations are more especially worth pondering when a scheme for timbered decoration, which is quite popular just now, is under consideration. The method has been introduced into many modern houses of moderate size, not aTways with satisfactory results. It is by no means easy to deal happily with a timbered or halftimbered proposition. Skill and restraint are needed, and what to avoid is certainly as vital as what to employ. Frequently the jarring note is struck by the mistaken addition of pictures or ornaments quite out of harmony with the scheme adopted. Here, again, restraint must be exercised. Particularly is this so in connection with pictures. There is no department of furnishing or decorating in which a greater resolution has taken place than that of pictures. The old style has gone, never to return, and in its place artistic and inexpensive pictures are available, their number being reduced co a minimum.

The use of school or college arms is An idea that finds increasing favour. In relation to this half-timbered scheme, the arms have special appropriateness. It is interesting to note that some enterprising manufacturers are producing the arms or crests of public schools and colleges, as well as regiments, in a variety of forms for decorative purposes. They can take the form of panels, and w T e have seen a very attractive range of small leather fire screens, with the crests reproduced in the correct colours, that will certainly find favour.

The opportunity to introduce brightness and colour into such a scheme as that now being discussed occurs in connection with the draperies, cushions, or chair coverings. Here, no difficulty at all need be experienced. Really exquisite fabrics are procurable, of irreproachable design and colouring, and in styles to harmonise with any decorative scheme that may he chosen. It is noteworthy that beautiful productions are available in the least costly materials. This is a department in which the British manufacturer and craftsman enjoy a world-wide supremacy, and an examination of their products indicates that they are in no danger of losing tW premier place. A half-timbered scheme is at once dignified and homely, but it calls for careful treatment. It need hardly be that, unless the occupier has gifts in that direction, it will be wise to carry out the work under expert advice. It is well worth while to do this, because, well done, the home will be a joy for all time.