July, rgit 
AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS XV 
this Department. 
Problems in House Furnishing; 
By ALICE M. KELLOGG 
M* son returns from college this 
spring and | am refitting two rooms 
on the upper floor for him. I shall 
buy nearly all new and would like it up- 
to-date. He will want twin beds, as he will 
entertain college friends.” 
The twin mahogany low-posters are very 
attractive, with wicker chairs, chiffonier, 
and night-stand with dull brass handles. 
The rug will please better if you buy a 
large size, say within two feet of the wall. 
The bed-throw, portiers and cushions 
should be some of the new bird chintzes 
which come in bold, handsome designs, also 
over curtains and straight valance over the 
top of the windows. The sitting-room 
should not have too much mission furni- 
ture. It is bulky and heavy to move. The 
table should be a round one, possibly leather 
covered, with copper nails. Gas or electric 
reading lamp, copper tray for matches, 
etc. Leather of burlap center mat. Book 
rests. The book shelves for larger books 
are in better taste, made in plain, simple 
lines, same woodwork as the furniture, no 
curtains or glass doors. Silk or homespun 
linen curtains simply hemmed, to sill, in 
whichever color predominates in the rug. 
Rug should be Brussels or Scotch. 
Mrs. H. from Mt. Vernon asks; “I have 
a number of pieces of Canton that I would 
like to place in dining-room. We are havy- 
ing a plate rail put up, and will re-paper. 
The woodwork is nearly Flemish. Please 
send suggestions.” 
There is a wall-paper resembling burlap 
that would look very well below your plate 
rail. 
Choose a wood tint that looks well with 
the woodwork. Above the rail use either a 
buff with indistinguishable pattern, or a 
blue that will harmonize with the Canton 
blue of the china. This must be carefully 
chosen. 
A correspondent writes about Chinese 
matting. “Shall I use it again upon the 
bedroom floor of this suburban house. We 
are removing the matting now on the floor, 
as it is worn, but I am uncertain what to 
put in its place.” 
Mattings are not used as much as form- 
erly. If the state of the floor will permit 
have it stained and waxed, and use one 
large rug, nearly covering the floor, or two 
smaller. You will find there is nothing 
handsomer, more durable or cleaner than 
a waxed floor. The rugs can be turned to 
prevent wear, and you will be better 
pleased. 
“My daughter (sixteen), is dissatisfied 
with her room, but I do not know what to 
buy to make it prettier. I am much con- 
fined to the house, and do not see the new 
things in the stores. Bed and dresser must 
remain the same, but I can afford new 
papering, chair or two and inexpensive 
rug. There is a bay window.” 
Much can be done to improve this room, 
CORRESPONDENCE 
The Editor of AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS desires to extend an invitation to all its readers to send to the Correspond- 
ence Department inquiries on any matter pertaining to the decorating and furnishing of the home and to the developing of the home grounds. 
All letters accompanied by return postage will be answered promptly by mail. Replies that are of general benefit will be published in 
and 
There are very pretty, expensive 
moderate-priced wall-papers in rose or 
lattice pattern, also English chitnz papers 
that can be matched in material for the 
bed and chairs. Or there can be bought 
now, readymade to put up at windows and 
on the bed, the “Dolly Madison” organdie 
ruffled sets. The window curtains hem- 
stitched and valance straight or ruffled to 
match. These are printed in lavender, 
pink, rose and blue, in shadow and rose 
designs. The bed spread has a deep valance 
falling to the floor with the border, printed 
just above the hem. They are both dainty 
and girlish colors warranted to endure 
washing. Rewax or revarnish the floor, 
and buy a Scotch rug, gray, with plain 
center, rose design, in dull old rose, as a 
border. This comes at $3.00 a square yard. 
Wicker chairs, one a rocker, with cushions 
of plain linen taffeta, and if you can afford 
a window seat with cushions and pillows 
of the same, I think your daughter will be 
very happy in the new appearance of her 
room. 
“We have an old, white mirror frame, 
36x22 inches, frame flat, 3 inches wide. 
How can I make use of it?” 
If you can match the cretonne of your 
bedroom set, and cover the frame tight 
and flat, then have a mirror put in the 
frame you will find it a charming addition 
to your bedroom. 
“Can you give me a suggestion for a 
gift to a friend for her living-room? About 
five dollars I have to spend.” 
Have you seen the jardiniére baskets in 
gilt lattice work? A pretty design is one 
of wire in lattice work with ribbon and 
wreaths thrown over it. The inside pan is 
gilded in the same shade (an antique finish, 
not bright jet), with a flowering plant, or 
palm inside it, this will be a charming ad- 
dition to any living-room. It can also be 
used on the dining table, porch or hall 
table. 
Mr. J. B. of Gloversville writes: “We 
are building and would like suggestions 
about electric wiring. Even if we had the 
house wired we would not use electricity 
at present. So it seems a somewhat useless 
expense.” 
By all means have the house wired. It 
will increase its value when you come to 
sell, and it is very expensive to have it done 
after the house is built. Have the best of 
materials. Fixtures can be bought any- 
where, gas and electricity combined, and 
some of them are very artistic. You will 
find it useful in your living-room (if you 
know beforehand where the piano and table 
are to be placed permanently) to have a 
connection through the floor. It will en- 
able you to have a reading lamp on the 
table and the wire will be practically un- 
noticeable and far more convenient than if 
if were connected from an _ overhead 
fixture. 
“Our oak dining-room table is nearly 
ruined by hot dishes. The white spots are 
so glaring, I am unable to use doylies at 
ouching | 
Your Pocket 
If you don’t paint you are wasting money, 
The protection you get, is as necessary as 
fire insurance. 
True, fire consumes quickly, while weather 
conditions destroy slowly; but weather is a 
certainty, an ever-present foe, while fire is 
only a possibility. 
The timely use of 
prevents weather loss, and further saves 
money by its long wear, extra hiding abil- 
ity and proved reliability, always uniform 
—sure to give best results, when applied 
by a careful painter. 
The ‘‘Little Blue Flag’? on High 
Standard and other paint products for 
every purpose, is an emblem that solves 
all paint problems. 
Our agent near you, will tell you about 
“Tittle Blue Flag’’ paint products. Or 
ask us. 
FREE:—‘‘Harmony in Color,’’ show- 
ing latest preferred color combinations. 
Also ‘‘Common Sense about Interiors,’’ 
a book of practical suggestions, advice 
and information. 
» 
3 z PY 
| 
s & 
ZY The Lowe 
Ss Brothers 
Company 
452-428 
, East Third St. 
| Dayton, Ohio 
New York 
Chicago 
Kansas City 
} 
| Boston 
Fk 
i 
Look forthe 
Little Blue Flag 
~The Trade 
ai Markwiththe 
> Reputation Be- 
hind It. 
American Homes @& 
Gardens RRR and 
Scientific American 
sent to one address 
for one year. $6 
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REGULARLY 
Iron Railings, Wire Fences and Entrance 
Gates of all designs and for all purposes. 
Correspondence solicited: Catalogs furnished. 
Boundaries and Industrial Properties—Lawn Furni- 
ture—Stable Fittings. 
F. E. CARPENTER CO., 
253 Broadway 
New York City 
