1056 The Cornell Reading-Courses 



tents may be, should continually appeal to the observer without effort on 

 his part. It would be an excellent plan if we would mentally step outside 

 of oiirselves once in a while and view our homes with an impersonal eye. 

 This would suggest certain shifting of the furniture, which would be as 

 refreshing to the occupants as going on a visit. Such a series of experi- 

 ments would finally reveal the perfect arrangement for any given room, 

 bringing it to the point where it would give permanent satisfaction and 

 a continual feeling of enjoyment. 



Many times it happens that certain pieces of furniture, which from their 

 harmony of color and design would make a room distinctive, are scattered 

 broadcast throughout the house, no one of them showing to its best ad- 

 vantage because of the lack of relation between it and the neighboring 

 pieces. The old-fashioned method of buying furniture in sets resulted 

 in stiff and uncompromising effects; yet such fumitiire had two desirable 

 qualities, namely, dignity and harmony of design. At present we have 

 gone to the other extreme, so that in every room of the house may be 

 found, side by side, mahogany, walnut, light oak, mission, burnt wood, 

 and wicker. Sometimes, if the pieces are simple and well-selected, the 

 result is pleasing; more often it is hodgepodge. On the other hand, while 

 light varnished oak pieces are in themselves not beautiful, being usually 

 poor in design and cheap in finish, still if we accept this yellow-brown 

 color as a basis for arranging an entire room a charming result may be 

 obtained. For example, a north room will create a glowing atmosphere 

 of harmony if fitted up with bed, dresser, washstand, and chairs of var- 

 nished oak, cream- white woodwork, a mixed rug of tans and browns, or 

 Japanese matting with a rug, pale yellow, tan, or golden brown ingrain 

 paper on the walls, cream- white ceiling, and cream scrim or crossbar 

 muslin curtains at the windows. Furthermore, the room will radiate 

 this definite impression every day of the year. The keynote of all success- 

 ful furnishing, like the keynote of family life, depends on harmony among 

 its members. 



The principles discussed in the previous bulletin on household decora- 

 tion should help the home-maker solve any problems that might arise 

 concerning the finish of walls, ceiling, woodwork, and floors. 



Having secured an harmonious setting for the home picture, let us 

 consider the various objects that compose it. 



FLOOR COVERINGS 



The substitution of bare floors and rugs for carpets will go farther in 

 easing general housework than any other one item. Next to bare floors, 

 Japanese matting will probably be found most satisfactory to care for. 

 Rugs may be used with matting, the same as with bare floors. 



