FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 229 



ART IN THE RURAL HOME. 



PROF. W. S. HOLDSWORTH, AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. 



The best things of life are the outgrowth of a good home. The house, 

 the center of the home, should be as nearly as possible ideal. 



No matter how humble, the home may be made attractive and home- 

 like. Though for temporary occupancy only, make the rooms pretty and 

 cosy. This need not entail much extra expense, just the exercise of a 

 little care and taste. 



Some of the things to be taken into consideration are the color and 

 covering of the walls and ceilings, the woodwork, the floors, the color 

 and material of the draperies, and lastly the pictures. 



Generally, the color scheme for walls and ceilings should be light. 

 The effect is more likely to be bright and cheery. 



Suggestions for the decoration of a small home: 



The hall, the first place into which a visitor steps, should make a good 

 impression, so it ought to receive special care. It is much used, there- 

 fore plan it so that the wear and tear will have the minimum effect. Use 

 a paper with a dado and having a fairly distinct pattern. 



In the parlor and sitting-room, the prevailing effect should be one of 

 airiness, light, pleasing colors, something in itself, aside from pictures 

 and furnishings, to create interest and a feeling of ease. 



I'lain paper makes the best background for pictures, and should have a 

 ceiling and frieze of an attractive pattern. 



If the paper is figured, avoid loud, gaudy patterns. 



In the dining-room, warmer colors will be in keeping with something 

 more of an attempt at richness of effect. 



In the chambers, avoid dark colors and heavy, depressing effects. Have 

 the impression soothing and restful. Do not use busy, intricate patterns. 

 In colors, light shades or tints of blue, soft grays, delicate pinks and rosy 

 colors. Look out for arsenical greens, and eschew full, strong colors, 

 especially red. 



In the woodwork, do not use elaborate mouldings and numerous beads. 

 They catch too much dust. More harmonious effects are likely to be 

 obtained at less cost if the woodwork is painted rather than finished in 

 natural wood. In hall and stairway and dining-room, the latter comes in 

 nicely. 



The ideal floor is one done in natural finish, or painted or stained to 

 harmonize with woodwork. Then a few good rugs, which may be easily 

 removed and cleaned. 



Thick, heavy hangings at doors or windows — voluminous draperies 

 catch the dust — are objectionable. 



Try to get fast colors, so as to be not afraid to have plenty of air and 

 sunshine. 



In pictures there are certain things to be avoided. 



There is the abominable factory made oil painting, the average chromo 

 found in the stores, and the family portrait, secured through the aid of 

 some agent or enterprising local dealer in boots and shoes. One must 



