HELPFUL HINTS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20233, 17 February 1934, Page 20 (Supplement)

HELPFUL HINTS.

Simplicity is the Keynote of Interior Decorations. THE MODERN TREND. Simplicity is the keynote of interim decoration nowadays. Pastel shade* have replaced old-fashioned dark coloiu schemes, and heavily patterned wall papers are things of the past, whil« papers showing clusters of roses, hunche* of daisies and other such designs ar« out of date. Plain wallpapers and the new “wet edge” flat tone paints vie for popularity as wall decorations. Neutral tints ol maize, grey, la\ender, jade, gummit brown and pale blue are mostly favoured in the “wet edge” paints, so called because the convenient wet edge completely obviates lap marks and enables the painter to merge each finished section without a noticeable join. This paint is washable, and for this reason is extensively used for the walls of kitchens, nurseries and bedrooms. Wallpapers, on the other hand, are favoured as wall coverings for lounges, halls, dining and drawing rooms, and may be obtained to harmonise with any period of furniture or type of fabric. Buff, biscuit and Champagne being restful to the eye and easy to blend with any colour scheme, are the most popular shades in modern wallpaper. “Paper has replaced the recent revival of wood panelling, as panelling is apt to reduce in effect the size of the average room, while plain papering will make the most of a room’s dimensions,” stated an expert recently. Following the modern trend of simplicity, coloured and flowered friezes are not as popular as they were a few years ago, the wallpaper now being brought straight up to a high picture railing. Tiles are still the most popular wall covering for bathrooms, as they serve the twofold purpose of preserving a fresh appearance, and being easy to clean. A most attractive scheme tor a bathroom seen recently was carried out in black and white. The walls were tiled in white, the bath enamelled in black and hand basin, mirror frame and hath mat were of the same shade. The floor was covered with black and white checked linoleum, with window curtains to match, and silver nickel light fittings and towel rail added a touch of bright ness to the scheme.