COLOUR IN A SWEEDISH HOME

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19840, 14 May 1927, Page 19 (Supplement)

COLOUR IN A SWEEDISH HOME

In lands of blue skies and exquisf trees and flowers, the colour of one’ hand-fashioned surroundings, rathei . steps into the background. But in, countries where the environment isubdued, not to say sober, it becomea matter of paramount importance in deed. It is realised as such by an average Swedish housewife. The little hall, always scrupulously clean, has strips of brightly hued linen on the plain deal table. Green and yjllow predominate, toning with sober cream walls. Nothing drab or dowdy is ever chosen for the curtains. These are usually of a deeper shade than the table cloths. We then pass on into the living room wiiere Swedish families spend most of their leisure hours. Tn winter one’s eyes get tired of the brilliant snow outside. Hence all things a 5 home are so coloured as to give rest to the aching eyes. There are no bo: I ly fierce hues anywhere. The Swedish housewife invariably aims at creating a subtle harmonious medium betweer the utterly drab and the impossible glaring hues. STic is very fond of the

so-called “powder” colours, soberer and quieted by a subtle introductinr of white —invisible, but hinted at.

There is no upholstered furniture in a typical Swedish home. “All things for cleanliness.” Plain wood chairs, benches and comfortable settees are covered with soft detachable cushions. Most of these are made of unfadable Swedish linen which keeps clean for a long time and washes very easily. A brightly polished floor, covered with mauve rugs, may sometimes ring the prevailing note. Deeper md lighter shades of mauve, violet and purple are repeated in the furniture covers and curtains. The walls will be either of soft grey or gentle unassuming cream. A Swedish housewife - has an eye for harmony; nothing will induce her to place a bowl of some fierce red flowers in such a room. Rather she would complete - the general effect by bringing in some white, pale blue or mbuve blossoms. Thus, every’ room strikes its own definite note. And one always notice?; that the curtains are made of some darker material than the rest of the room’s furnishings. This makes • for rest and gives a feeling of sheltered comfort. E.M.A.