1034 



The Cornell Reading-Courses 



Only in pictures and in statuary is actual representation good art. 

 Even then it should not be so realistic in detail that we can see every 

 wrinkle in a face or read the labels on all the books in the picture. Good 

 art, in both pictures and decoration, must leave something to the 



imagination. Natural forms should be 

 somewhat conventionalized before they 

 are good decoration. " Conventional- 

 ized " means simplified in form or color 

 and applied to some definite orderly 

 arrangement. All geometric all-over 

 patterns, or conventional flower designs 

 in two or three tones of the same color 

 or two harmonious colors, are likely to 

 be good. An all-over pattern that con- 

 nects or interlaces is more pleasing than 

 one composed of separate spots. 



Most scroll patterns are frivolous and 

 meaningless and are likely to be bad. 

 Large medallion or shield-shaped spots 

 with scrolly outline are a very common 

 type of distressing pattern. Figures of 

 a pattern should be not too far apart, 

 else we are continually surprised at each 

 repetition and never get used to the idea. 

 About seventy-five per cent of figured 

 wall papers are on the wrong principle; 

 therefore, when in doubt about a pattern, 

 choose a plain one. Avoid selecting 

 patterns that, viewed from a distance, 

 suggest queer faces, human shapes, or 

 other absurdities. If a pattern suggests 

 an odd resemblance once it is likely to do so again, and one cannot 

 consider it a dignified wall covering. 



These principles of pattern apply also to rugs, upholstery, curtains, 

 and other flat surface designs. 



Fig. 5. — A natural rose or actual 

 grape vine with actual trellis is not 

 good decoration 



HOW TO PROCEED WITH DECORATING THE WALLS 



Before deciding on the decoration for any particular room, one must 

 first size up the situation. The paper hanger is not the person who can 

 best decide whether your walls shall be this color or that, light or dark, 

 plain or figured, for these things depend upon home conditions that he 

 knows nothing about. The home-maker knows, as the decorator cannot 



