August, 19 13 



AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 



297 



The windows of the old farmhouse were of small panes 

 and so should those of the remodeled one be kept, at least 

 as near as possible without causing too much bother, for such 

 they are when cleaning day comes. But one must give in and 

 remember that windows are one of the important features 

 of the house and should receive their just attention. It is 

 possible to have all the windows in keeping with the char- 

 acter of the house by using a small-paned top sash and a 

 larger one for the lower, thus easing the necessity of a tedi- 

 ous cleaning and, at the same time, allowing a better view of 

 the garden beyond. 



Above all, neatness which means coolness and coolness 

 which means simplicity, should be the keynote in doing over 

 the interior. Do not let sub-conscious suggestions come too 

 often into play as you will find your rooms filling up with 

 odds and ends quite foreign to the demanding character of 

 the surroundings. This one knows from experience, the best 

 of teachers. 



If you find your doors and cupboards graced with large 

 iron locks and escutcheons with those little brass knobs, have 

 them cleaned of rust or old paint and then repainted and the 

 brass polished, for these tell a story of the older time and 

 are probably more closely associated with the crafts of a 

 hundred years ago than any other one thing in the house. 

 Then the quaint strap hinges with their funny arms extending 

 across the side strips of the door must be left in place and 

 painted black as they, too, have their share in restoring to 

 the present the charm of the past. If one pays attention to 

 these little details, the larger ones will assume their position 

 in the house under your careful guidance. 



We have spoken about the open fireplace with their cheer- 



ful and hospitable expression, and as a reminder of the old 

 days attention might be called to the little Franklin stove. 

 What a delightful piece of decorative comfort this bit 

 of iron is with its open front and neat brass trimmings. 

 This indeed should wander into some room and be ac- 

 claimed the most decorative and olden time adjunct. 



On either side of your open fireplace in the dining-room, 

 built-in cupboards will give you a chance to display what 

 old china and pewter you please to put there and, at the 

 same time, will balance and add a decorative note to the 

 fireplace. In the olden times built-in furniture was not 

 greatly in vogue, but little chimney cupboards with their 

 narrow doors and cupboards over the mantel shelves were 

 often found essential bits of the house furnishing, and were 

 not put there simply as a note of adornment. 



Old iron candlesticks, wall brackets in iron with their 

 candle holders and hearth fenders in old iron were all used, 

 and if one is a hunter of antiques these pieces can surely be 

 found somewhere in the depths of the jungle and will con- 

 tribute greatly to the charm of the house. 



For window decoration, nothing seems more fitting for 

 this undertaking than a fine cream white scrim quite plain 

 in its make and hanging in soft folds. This would look 

 well at every window and, at the same time, would be in 

 keeping with the simplicity of the rest of the house. In 

 other words, do not let your windows tell a different tale 

 from that which exists within. In refurnishing a remodeled 

 farmhouse, bear in mind its former condition in life, the 

 daily tasks of the good housewife and what simple charm 

 was always there, the dignified surroundings and, above 

 all, the absolute neatness of all about was as neat as she. 



furnished with simple antique pieces. The walls covered with a wall-paper of appropriate pattern 



