The Poet in the Home

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 962, 3 May 1930, Page 25

The Poet in the Home

Fabrics Woven into a Masterpiece There is a saying that within everyone “a poet hidden lies,” and to be a poet is to be an artist, yet the art of expressing a beutil’ul and appreciative thought is a rare gift. Through the ages, nations have upheld and treasured their poets with pride, have made their names immemorial and set their works upon a pinnacle in the shrine of art and beauty. So in another way can every intelligent woman find the poet within her and express her love of the beautiful in her home. Here she has her opportunity of revealing real art, and her talents will not be wasted. With woven fabrics she will introduce a colourful background and warmth of expression into her masterpiece, blending them intuitively with the rich hues of dark oak and mahogany, the sheen of satin walnut, and the glow of ruddy teak. In the beautiful materials which have superseded with quiet insistence the more sombre textiles used in days when every shelf, nook and cranny was heavily ornamented and frilled, when no drawing-room was considered complete without those fussy and entirely superfluous little antimacassars, or bedroom .without

its hangings and valances, she will ftud ample scope for the renewal of fading colour-schemes, and for creating afresh the atmosphere of loveliness, congeniality and welcome, which is expressive of her own personality. KEYNOTE OF SUCCESS Perhaps she will notice the necessary renovations more readily on her return from a prolonged absence, and she will set to work at once on carpets, covers and curtains, realising that they are the keynote upon which the success of her efforts will depend. If she is wise, she will choose the warm neutral shades for mural decoration, such as tawny beige, dove grey, soft oatmeal, or quiet green, any of which would tone with the riotous or unobtrusive fabrics chosen. It is a psychological fact that colours have influence, that they can depress or irritate, soothe or enliven in swift succession. Thus the woman who has the interests of her family at heart, will introduce only agreeable shades, and with the magic of colour, effect an atmosphere or warmth or coolness, and of tranquillity ami perfect harmony into the home. With the introduction into modern industries of synthetic silk weaving, comes an abundance of beautiful artificial silk fabrics, and the old Italian Damasks which are being reproduced in this material have all the dignity and richness of the originals. On linens, the dull Jacobean designs are

given a predominant colour which marks them as distinctive and appropriate for this era. In addition, printed reproductions of old Tudor needlework, and eighteenth century designs, with but a very little innovation, if indeed there be any at all, Cor the original stitchery as a rule is copied very faithfully, proves that furnishing fashions like most fashions today, savour of olden day modes. Then there are cretonnes, chintzes and casement cloths in an unbelievable array of colours and texture, durable muslins, dainty voiles and delicate net. For heavier window fabrics there are velours, both of cotton and artificial silk, damasks, brocades, slubb-repp, and various silk and wool materials in radiant colours, inspired by the rainbow of nature’s gems. They are brought in old rose, dark sapphire, rich brown mole, amethyst, rust red and petunia. These could be carried out in cushions, covers, screens and lampshades, so that the home furnishing could be as temperamental and changeable as the varying seasons of nature. SLEEP AND QUIETUDE in the bedroom, fabrics which suggest sleep and quietude, which do not in any way attract attention or excite curiosity, are most soothing and restorative. A reposeful scheme would be to have curtains of cretonne flowered in mauve and pink hyacinths and tulips. On the bed. a soft spread of artificial silk in pale mauve with appliqued flowers toning with the fresh tints in the colour-scheme of the curtains, while covers and carpets could be of deep purplish mauve in restful designs. Another beautiful bedroom setting in tawny beige and apricot shades, with bed covers of harmoni-

ous blues embroidered in bronze, has a quiet old-world atmosphere, of leisure, space and time. What a delightful awakening to find the mellow sun pouring down on these ioyely flower fabrics. Cushions are essentially individual accessories, and are of no little importance. They can completely mar the effect of a room, or can give it just that necessary finish which brings furnishing to perfection. A pattern of clumped flowers and grasses on cushions strewn artistically about the room has the appearance of flowers growing in natural groups. Thus with a little intelligent interest and care, the home can be created a glowing reflection of the true art of uature. DISCOLOURED IVORY When knife handles or any other ivory articles grow yellow they can be restored. Make a paste of whiting and methylated spirit, making the paste the consistency of rich cream. Coat the articles with this and leave for twelve hours, then wipe off with a cloth wrung out in warm water. Finally, rub up with an old silk rag. Piano kej's can be whitened in this way; take great care that none of the paste gets down between the keys.