64 
House & Garden 
INSIDE the CHILDREN’S ROOM 
The Salient Facts of Hygienic and 
Pleasmg Decorations 
M. H. NORTHEND 
growing activities of interior decorat- 
X ing have pierced through many old-time 
customs, not the least of which is a reformation 
in the fittings for small children's rooms. I'his 
particular bedroom is no longer placed in some 
unused portion of the house, fitted up without 
thought of the childish tastes, with odds and 
ends of cast-off furniture; rather is it selected 
to suit the child’s own individual taste. Even 
at an unresponsible age little folks are quick 
to understand. Let them unconsciously ab¬ 
sorb ideals that will influence their future 
lives by imbuing their tiny minds with a sense 
of physical and moral beauty. 
Like plants, children need brightness and 
sunshine for health and happiness. Conse¬ 
quently, where possible, arrange for their bed¬ 
rooms on the third storj^ of the house where 
dampness cannot creep in and fresh air can 
sweep through, purifying the atmosphere. 
Plan the room with a thought of the child’s 
many inevitable illnesses that lurk in unsus¬ 
pected places. Be prepared to meet any 
emergency and keep the little one in familiar 
and sanitary quarters. Avoid sharp comers 
that catch and hold the dirt; in their 
stead use rounded comers. 
Cross drafts are also desirable. These 
can be obtained only by plenty of win¬ 
dows, preferably large-paned ones, where 
sunlight may also flood the room, for 
sunshine not only adds cheeriness l)ut 
serves to vitalize the air and kill germs. 
.Allow at least one window to remain 
If the nurse sleeps in the same room 
with the baby, the crib should be 
close at hand. This arrangeme7it of 
four-poster and crib, with baby’s 
wardrobe, is practical and modern. 
Brett, Gray & Hartwell, decorators 
XortheiiU 
Charlotte Fairchild 
Delicate rose paneled walls, bine and 
rose chintz ajid blue floor covering 
make this a cheerful nursery. Paint¬ 
ings of playing and dancing Amorini 
hang on the walls. The toy shelf 
is set accommodatingly low. Karl 
Fi-eund, decorator 
sufficiently open to keep up the circula¬ 
tion of fresh air. Direct drafts, which 
are dangerous, can be prevented by fit¬ 
ting a perforated ventilating board across 
the base of the window. 
Thin wash curtains that permit the 
sunlight to filter through are beneficial 
as well as dainty. Cream net or madras 
is prettier than pure blue-white, for it 
washes as well as muslin and has the 
advantage of softening the glare of the 
rays. Over these light draperies of ecm or 
cream ground with pink flowers and butter¬ 
flies in gay colors are charming. There come, 
also, irresistible chintzes, portraying historical 
scenes and personages. 
Many a young mother entertains the idea 
that because white is so spotless, it is the 
most fitting wall color for the baby’s bedroom. 
In this she is sadly mistaken, as it has been 
definitely proven that the strong reflection 
from staring whiteness is most injurious to 
young eyes. In a room with a northern e.\- 
posure, where sunlight rarely intrudes, bright 
colors such as pumpkin yellow or old rose are 
imperative, while in a room with southern 
exposure, which is usually filled with sun¬ 
shine, a soft shade of gray, green, dull blue 
or ivory is wdthout equal. 
Paint or enamel of the washable variety is 
adaptable, or a paper that may be cleaned. 
Whatever the medium selected, let the finish 
{Continued on page 74) 
The fireplace tiles are within easy 
range of the child’s eyes in this room. 
So are the dancing Dutch figures on 
the rug. The mmiature firedogs and 
irons and furniture are fascinating. 
Brett, Gray & Hartwell, decorators 
