June 20, 1931

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

Detroit, Michigan, United States

A column from the Interior Decoration Department home series describing the Ryerson house.

House Well Balanced Lines Usually Good
This seven room Home Complete to the Last Detail is an Excellent Example of Utilizing Every Foot of Living Space
Cottage type homes with sharp angles and prominent openings are always attractive and they are gaining more and more in popular favor. While in general way of speaking they are all somewhat alike, there is always a difference. It is the similarity in the treatment of gables and roof lines that leaves the impression with you. When you place them side by side it is quite surprising how wide that variations really are.

Sharp gables and steep roofs are invariable features of this type with occasionally chimneys of unusual construction. The chimney can be made to add tremendously to the appearance of the home. Many people have not yet come to a realization of the decorative possibilities and in consequence the average chimney is merely a rectangular up thrust of brick wholly without beauty.

The design shown today is one which becomes more and more pleasing the longer you consider it. The lines are distinctly good. It is well balanced. The chimney adds to the charm and an unusual entrance also helps.

A more satisfying home for a small family would be difficult to plan and build unless at a much greater cost. The floor plan is an excellent example of utilizing every foot of living space to the best advantage. The living room is large, the dining room ample, the kitchen very well appointed and the arrangement of the bedrooms and bath ideal.

Here are suggestions for decorating this home which would make it so pleasant and harmonious that it would satisfy the most exacting:

Living Room: Woodwork, to be finished in a rich walnut shade of caf' au laut; floor covering, rust colored Wilton, glass curtains, ecru casement cloth, made to draw, over draperies, rust ground cretonne with floral design in blue green, orange.

Courtesy of The Detroit News Archives.