December 27, 1928

Detroit News Quilt History Project; Michigan State University Museum; Susan Salser

Detroit, Michigan, United States

A portion of a Beauty in the Home column discussing a bedroom and kitchen.

By Edith B. Crumb
Two rooms with identical number and kinds of pieces of furniture may be made to look like entirely different rooms. The one the rug might be places at a 45 degree an, the larger pieces placed cornerwise and the wall panel might occupy the smallest space in the room.

No one could step into a room so furnished without feeling something was amiss- but it is not always easy to know just what to do to remedy this situation.

Stepping into the other room, one would find the rug placed parallel to the walls and the furniture placed in organized and balance positions. The latter room would appear to be larger and surely there would be more dignity and attractiveness.
In the illustration is shown one wall of a dining room in which balanced effect has been the first consideration.

To form the right kind of a background the wall panels have been arranged with one large one in the center and a small one at each side, the side lights having been center in the spaces dividing the panels. If this wall had been made up of small narrow panels there would have been a monotones effect and the placing of the wall panel would have been difficult.

With the wall panel as the center of the grouping the buffet and two chairs are very easily arranged a low bowl and pair of candelabra being the only decoration for the top of the buffet.

The walls and woodwork of this room have been finished in a deep shade of ivory and the floor is covered in a rose and fawn rug with a deep rose border.

Ivory silk casement cloth has been used for draw curtains and rose and gold damask is the selection for the over draperies. Of course, these have been lined, interlined and trimmed with fringe being made long enough to reach the floor and draped back generously.

The chair coverings are of needle point in soft shades to harmonize with the floor covering, draperies and tapestry. The candlesticks and bowl are of silver.

Schemes for Two Rooms
Dear Decorating Department: I would like to have you help me with my kitchen and bedroom. The kitchen walls area pale green and the woodwork a shade darker, with a marble finish for the lower part of the walls. My stove is gray and white, and the linoleum is a blue and gray in a checked design. This can not be changed.

What color should I paint my table and chairs; also what color should I use for curtains and shelf trimming?
The paper in my bedroom has blue and orchid flowers with green leaves and the woodwork is cream. The bedspread is changeable orchid with pillow to match.
What shall I use for curtains and draperies in this room.
Mrs. H McP

If you will use apricot and black in your kitchen you will find that you will have something that will harmonize with the green of the woodwork and walls and also the blue of the linoleum.
Finish the furniture in this ...

Courtesy of The Detroit News Archives.