FoodNet

Handbook of domestic science and household arts for use in elementary schools

1900

Page 10

Presented as published in 1900. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
The Color of the Walls. — If tliere are large openings from the hall to the other rooms, select the papers for the three rooms at the same time and with reference to each other. We might for instance select a lighter shade of terra-cotta for the hall and darker shades of the same color for the other two rooms. Or a somewhat rich figured paper might be selected for the hall and harmonizing plain papers for the other two rooms. In figured papers dignified designs should be used — those in vertical " repeats " of a climbing character, in which the figures melt into the background and do not stand out offensively. Principles governing Selection. Light and Mass. — Note that dark surfaces absorb light, whereas light surfaces reflect it. Also note that paper on the wall in mass is at least four shades darker than in the hand. Bear this in mind. In the matter of wall papers one is too prone to buy in haste and repent at leisure. The Principle of Gradation. — We must observe the prin- ciple of gradation in forming our background of floor and walls ; viz. the floors should be darkest — the strongest tones of color belong at the base ; the walls should take the next tone lighter ; the ceiling, the lightest. A frieze, carry- ing up the tone of the wall in lighter tint, should be finished with a picture rod the same color as the woodwork of the room. Have a good supply of samples of wall paper, mould- ings, fabrics of various colors, etc., for illustration, and let the pupils arrange and study various combinations of color and material. If you encourage them to do their own thinking and seeing, the power to judge correctly Avill grow rapidly. The Furnitura. — Instead of the conventional hall stand we may use a neatl}'' framed mirror with pegs for hats. THE HOUSE BEAUTIFUL 13 and a polished wood bench or settee with the seat in the form of a box. Or the settee may be a strong willow one, with a cushion or two in accord with the general color scheme. One or two substantial hall chairs, a table for magazines, a vase for flowers and a tray for cards, and a porcelain jar of good color, for holding sticks and umbrellas, complete the necessary furniture of the hall. The Staircase. — The staircase forms part of the furnish- ing, and should carry out the general plan. Decorations. — A few good pictures, decorative in charac- ter, may be used here. A few plants suitable for indoors will serve to brighten the place ; but we must see that they are well cared for. As this room gets but little light, let the window curtain be a mere transparent screen set against the glass. TOPIC IV The First Floor Suite {Continued) The Dining Room Discussion. — 1. The meaning of this room in the social life of the family. 2. The character of the furnishings. Conclusions. — It is here that the family, separated in their daily pursuits, meet together for social cheer. All should be serene and peaceful. No personal differences should be allowed to mar the general harmony. The surroundings should accord with the spirit. Cheerfulness should beam from every point. Furniture. — The furniture should be simple and sub- stantial : — a table standing firmly on its Iggs ; chairs cane- seated or of other material easily kept clean ; china closet 14 HANDBOOK OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE shining and well kept; a sideboard or table in keeping "witli the other pieces.