DECORATION IN THE HOME 



277 



RECEPTION AND STAIR HALL 



Mrs. Kupferle's residence, St. Louis. (Finished in oak with richly carved newels and mantel, staircase window all hand painted 

 glass in Munich style. The mantel facings are in rich red Nuraidian marble, the grate trim and chandelier are in brusiied 

 brass, antique.) 



prove a great assistance to the designer. 



The stairs should be treated as simply 

 as possible^ while strictly in keeping with 

 the architectural features around them. 

 Have the stair treads wide and roomy look- 

 ing, as this gives a sense of ease and ele- 

 gance. If space is not available for this 

 idea to be carried up the entire stairs, at 

 least have the steps to the first platform. 

 as long and broad as possible. 



If one delights in brick mantels there 

 can be no better place for one than in the 

 hall, where the contact of the large brick 

 courses with the woodwork is far more 

 pleasant than in a daintily furnished 

 room. Where rich surroundings prevail 

 heavy facings in golden sienna or deep 

 red Xumidian marble aid in the effect, 

 wliile occasionally a terra cotta mantel de- 

 tailed after Venetian or Francis I mod- 

 els are seen. But no matter what your 

 materials may be, see that simplicity is 



striven for, that there is no finicky reach- 

 ing after effects unattainable or unde- 

 sirable. Beams in the ceiling, where the 

 finances will admit, cannot be excelled, 

 and where a hall is rather long for its 

 wi.dth one or two of these serve to break 

 the otherwise monotonous stretch of ceil- 

 ing. If a stained glass window is planned, 

 see that the colors are pleasant, choose soft 

 shades rather than bright ones, and if 

 brilliancy is sought, use some of the ripple 

 or granite varieties of glass to obtain it. 

 In furnishing, fit up the space under the 

 stairs as a cosy corner, a little den or per- 

 haps as a small library with one's choice 

 books. Strive, as in no other room, to 

 make your hall distinctive. 



The hall, no matter what its uses, should 

 be planned partially with an eye to the 

 effect of its decorations, as seen in con- 

 junction with that of the rooms usually 

 open to view from it, and also its appear- 



