Correspondence 
FURNISHING A ROOM IN MISSION STYLE 
Western subscriber writes: Would you consider it unwise to 
furnish a room in Mission style at this time ? Is the fancy for this 
line of furniture departing ? The room which I wish to treat is 
long and rather low, has a five and one half foot wainscot in oak 
which has been stained a dark brown and given a dull finish. I 
have a heavy Mission davenport upholstered with loose cushions 
in dull blue velveteen. If it is correct to use this furniture, I would 
like a good desk of similar lines not to exceed fifty dollars in price. 
The woodwork of the room I have had stained a rich brown; the 
davenport is a trifle lighter in color. I would like to have the 
writing table stained to match if possible. How can I manage 
this ? 
Answer: Mission furniture is still very much used and that of 
the best type will always be suitable and artistic for rooms of a 
certain character. I suggest a desk similar to the cut shown. 
It is of ash and the price is forty dollars. I will furnish you with 
the address of the firm from whom this can be obtained. It is 
known as the Radclyffe table. You can write to the maker and 
find out if they would stain this as you desire. I can also furnish 
you with the address of a firm who make furniture to order and 
will stain it as desired. This firm will supply you with cuts 
upon request. 
PLANNING AN INEXPENSIVE HOUSE 
Suburban writes: In planning an inexpensive house which we 
purpose building in the early spring, 1 have made the point with 
my architect that much of the artistic success of the house depends 
upon the kind of doors and windows used also upon the hardware 
selected. I have been told that there are stock doors made by 
certain companies which are thoroughly artistic and can be pur¬ 
chased at very reasonable rates. If you can tell me anything about 
these, I will appreciate it. Also I should be glad to have you 
recommend to me the kind of hardware to use throughout. The 
plan is very simple; it will be a square house with a central hall, 
the two front rooms being utilized for parlor and dining-room; 
the room back of the parlor to be library and general sitting-room; 
back of the dining-room, the kitchen and service department; 
four bedrooms and two baths on the upper floor. This plan may 
be misleading, as the house is not at all Colonial in its style or 
detail. I wish to use wood showing the grain finished in some 
soft stain with an unglazed surface for the trim. Can I obtain these 
ready-made doors in any wood desired ? In my living-room I 
wish to have an exposed brick chimney breast; the room is 16 x 18 
in size. Would you advise a brick mantel, or shelf of wood like 
the standing woodwork of the room ? Later I shall appeal to 
you for a full color scheme for the house. I enclose a self-ad¬ 
dressed envelope asking that you will send me the names of any 
firms to whom I can apply for printed matter in regard to doors and 
fixtures. 
Answer: You are quite right in your feeling of the importance 
of doors and windows to the exterior and interior of the house. I 
am glad to send you the addresses requested. Also I feel that the 
selection of fixtures should be most carefully made for all rooms. 
There are very many new and artistic designs in fixtures and hard¬ 
ware on the market, and they should be entirely harmonious with 
the other fixtures of the room. The cost even of the better class 
of designs is not necessarily exorbitant, and a careful selection 
should be made from cuts furnished by the manufacturers. Your 
idea for your fireplace is very good. I would advise the wood 
shelf by all means in preference to the brick mantel. If you use 
wrought iron fixtures and hardware in this room I would suggest 
that this shelf be supported by wrought iron brackets roughly made 
and fastened to the brick of the chimney. I will be pleased to 
receive the plan of your house from you and give you any informa¬ 
tion you may desire. 
PAINTING A PORCH 
Artistic writes: I am putting a new porch to my house. What 
color shall I paint it? The house is dark green with ivory white 
trim. The ceiling of porch is finished in pine. Shall I paint 
it sky blue ? I have seen one finished in that manner. 
Answer: By no means paint your porch ceiling. Finish the 
natural pine with a good exterior varnish. A good color for the 
porch floor is a warm tan. This is less likely to show dust than 
is the grey, which is so often used, and with the white trim, the 
soft tan will be particularly effective. 
Mantel: 
Answer: I would suggest that you send me a self-addressed 
envelope, in which case I would be glad to send you addresses 
of firms to whom you may write for the information desired. 
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