rooms are in close proximity, or taken from the predominating color
note of living room hangings if these are figured.
With a cloudy or landscape paper, use plain poplin, rep, or sunfast, in
warm tans, sage green, with bands of black or orange, or both, across
the bottom; this would give character to the room.
_Uniformity in furniture chosen_--Be sure in choosing your furniture
that uniformity is observed as to period, wood, and type. For example,
if a Sheraton sideboard in mahogany is selected, then the entire
furniture of the dining room should be of the Sheraton type in mahogany.
_Bedrooms_
The first requisite in furnishing a bedroom is that it appears crisp
and clean. The walls, light in color, must be restful and simple in
design. The woodwork should be white, if possible. Painted furniture is
very popular for a bedroom because of its dainty appearance, but
dull-finished mahogany or walnut in four post or Colonial design, with
rag, braided, or hooked rugs, makes a charming bedroom.
Place the bed where the sleeper will not be subject to strong light or
cross drafts (see page 27 for proper ventilation). A dressing table is
fashionable, but not as practical as a chest of drawers with mirror
above. A full-length mirror installed in a closet door, or hung in a
narrow wall space, is a very decided adjunct. Be sure to place the
dressing table or chest of drawers where the light is not reflected
from an opposite window. To secure a good view, the light should be
directed upon the person to be reflected, and not upon the mirror.
Avoid placing the furniture all on one side of the room. If possible,
intermingle high and low pieces to secure a proper balance. If one bed
is used, be sure to place beside it a table on which should be a lamp,
telephone, and small water bottle and glass. If two beds are used,
place this table between the two beds.
If the walls are plain in color, figured draperies and bedspreads can
be used. If the walls have on them a small design, plain materials for
these purposes should be used.
_Suggested Color Scheme for Bedroom_
_Walls_--Corn colored cross-bar paper.
_Woodwork_--White, dull finish, paint.
_Floors_--_Hardwood_--Stained antique oak, with wax or varnish finish.
_Floors_--_Softwood_--Painted a deep yellow, or covered in plain brown,
tan, or Jaspe linoleum.
_Suggested List of Furnishings for the Bedroom_
_Bed_--Full size, or twin beds--In mahogany, walnut, ivory paint, or
enamel. Box or wire springs. Mattress and pillows.
Bedspreads and bureau covers may be made of unbleached muslin, bound
with wide bands of plain yellow, blue, and brown, these colors
overlapping each other, or plain white Swiss, dimity, or Marseilles.
_One high-boy_, or high chest of drawers for man--In mahogany, walnut,
or painted. This piece should conform with or match other furniture in
room. Brushes, comb, box for odds and ends, clothes brush.
_Mirror_--Hung flat against the wall--in same wood as high-boy.
_One Dressing Table_--or low chest of drawers--for lady--with mirror
hung over the chest of drawers. May be in mahogany, walnut, or painted.
With toilet articles in silver or tortoise shell, or ivory; pin
cushion, scent bottles. The mirror may be of Queen Anne type in antique
gilt, to correspond with woods used in room.
_Two straight back chairs_--In mahogany, walnut, or painted, with plain
wood, rush, or caned seats.
_Natural wicker arm chair_--Sturdy type placed near window, with
cushions of chintz or sateen to match the bedspreads.
_Small flat-top desk and chair_--In either mahogany, walnut, or
painted, to correspond with furniture.
Supply with note paper, silver or brass ink-well, and blue feather pen.
_Small Sewing Table_--Of Martha Washington design, or a Colonial type,
in mahogany or rosewood. Place on it small lamp with base of wood, in
brown or tan porcelain, and having a shade of blue silk lined with tan
silk.
_A Chest_--In either cedar, mahogany, or cretonne-covered, and placed
under a window or in a corner for storage of summer or winter clothes.
_Rugs_--Oriental in black, blues, or yellows, plain brown or tan
carpet, made into a large rug, or wool braided, hooked, or heavy rag
rugs, in black, blues, tans, browns.
Small rugs should be placed near the bed, dressing table, and high-boy.
_Curtains_--Glass curtains of scrim, marquisette, or cheese-cloth, to
correspond with those of living room and dining room.
_Draperies_--Draperies of either cretonne or muslin to match
bedspreads, with bands of yellow, blue and brown sateen to correspond
with bedspreads.
_Bedroom for Either Boys or Girls_
It has been proven that furnishings and color produce either desirable
or disastrous effects upon the sensitive minds of children. As all
children's rooms are usually a combination of bedroom, play room, and
study, it is well to keep in mind colors, design, arrangement, and
practicality for all purposes.
To most children, a spotty or too often repeated design is distracting.
Blues and violets soothe, while reds, yellows, and sometimes greens are
exciting and stimulating colors. We so often send our children to study
and amuse themselves in their room, but have we done our share in
providing them with the comforts and necessities that will assist them
to produce better school work?
_Boys_--With no frills, light fabrics, or woodwork for them to soil and
mar, their rooms still may be made interesting--even beautiful--but
convenience and masculinity should be kept foremost in mind.
_Girls_--A girl's room, on the other hand, should be dainty, bright,
and frivolous. Her personality, even at a very tender age, will clearly
be disclosed by the way she cares for her room. There is no need of a
great expenditure of money in buying furniture or hangings for a girl's
room. Some of the cheaper fabrics and simplest furniture will make the
most charming room.
_BOY'S ROOMS_
_A Suggested Color Scheme_
_Walls_--Buff-colored paint, or tinted walls.
_Woodwork_--Stained mission oak or walnut.
_Floors_--Hardwood floor, strips of coco matting, or woolbraided rugs.
Softwood--a large square of linoleum.
_Suggested List of Furnishings_
_Bed_--Something of the day bed type. Bedspread of blue denim, with
stitched bands of yellow sateen at edge.
_Chest of Drawers_--Painted buff or brown, or walnut or mission oak.
_A Mirror_--Antique gilt, or of wood to match chest of drawers, hung
low.
_A Desk_--Of the craftsman type, with stool or bench to match.
_Two Wooden Chairs_--Either painted or of mission oak.
_A Table_--Low, plain wooden table, of walnut, or stained to match the
woodwork.
_One Comfortable Chair_--Brown wicker, or the Windsor type.
_A Lamp_--Of the student type, or on a bracket, securely fastened on
the wall.
_A Tie Rack_--Hung near chest of drawers.
_One or two shelves_--For books, trophies, etc. Made of plain wood,
stained to match the woodwork of a plain bookcase of mission oak.
_Curtains_--Of blue denim, with stitched bands of sateen at edge--hung
straight.
_GIRLS' ROOMS_
_A Suggested Color Scheme_
_Walls_--Papered in a soft gray-rose, allover design paper.
_Woodwork_--Cream paint.
_Floor_--Hardwood--Rag rugs, with rose stripes or a gray chenille
carpet. Softwood--Battleship gray paint, with rag rugs or rose chenille
carpet.
_Suggested List of Furnishings_
_Bed_--_Single_--Painted ivory or cream--four post, or with some low,
simple headboard.
Bedspread of rose dotted swiss, with wide ruffle.
_A Dressing Table_--To match bed, with rose colored sateen mats--bound
in pale-gray with drawers.
_A Large Box_--For waists, etc. Covered in rose and gray cretonne.
_A Desk_--To correspond with painted furniture; a gray blotter and rose
colored pen.
_Two Chairs_--One of natural wicker with cushions of rose sateen, and
one of wood to correspond with painted furniture, caned seat.
_A Sewing Table_--Of mahogany or cherry.
_A Lamp_--China base with a shade of silk, dotted swiss, or
rose-colored paper.
_The Nursery_
The ideal nursery is also a play room. It should, as nearly as
possible, meet the ideals of the child's own world. In that room are
received early impressions which are never forgotten, and which have a
lasting influence on the adult life.
Don't bedeck the cribs, beds, or curtains with ribbons and laces, and
expect your child to be happy. The "don'ts" and "be carefuls" make
children irritable and unhappy. Choose the room with a thought to
sunlight, and be sure it has outside blinds which will darken the room
without keeping out the air.
The floor should be bare with the exception of one rug near the bed, or
should be covered with a good grade of plain linoleum.
The walls and woodwork should be painted, if possible, a cream or light
gray. Some fairy tale friezes are attractive, and afford opportunities
of introducing color, but, if used, should not be placed too high on
the wall--about three-quarters of the way up from the floor is a
reasonable height. Child-study has taught that many and oft-repeated
designs and subjects become meaningless, especially to older children.
The furniture in the nursery should be practical. Painted furniture and
wicker chairs are attractive. A comfortable winged or overstuffed chair
for the grown-ups is essential. Low shelves and cupboards, built for
toys and books, are necessary if the room is to be kept neat and tidy.
A stationary blackboard, and a large box for books and cherished
belongings, are very welcome additions.
_A Suggested Color Scheme for the Nursery_
_Walls_--A soft, misty, gray paint, tint, or plain paper.
_Woodwork_--A dull white.
_Floors_--Plain hardwood, with a rag or braided rug in sapphire
blue--or softwood, entirely covered in taupe Jaspe linoleum.
_Below Is a Suggested List of Furnishings Which the Nursery Might
Contain_
_A Crib_--White iron or wood, on ball bearing casters.
Bedspread of yellow and white seersucker, or a silky yellow sunfast.
_A Tall Chest of Drawers_--Painted cream or white, with plenty of
drawers.
_Table_--Low nursery table or tall one which has had its legs cut.
_Two Chairs_--Low, with wooden seats, and painted to match the
furniture.
_A Desk_--Flat top with plenty of paper and pencils.
_Waste Paper Basket_--White or natural wicker.
_One Large Fireside Chair_--With slip cover of blue and yellow striped
linen.
_Glass Curtains_--Of best quality of cream colored cheesecloth, bound
in yellow tape.
_Over draperies_ (If desired)--Of primrose yellow silk, or sunfast, or
striped yellow and blue linen to match slip cover.
_Clothes Rack_--Low wooden rack, painted white, with at least four
hooks.
_Closet_--Should have a low pole on which could be hung plenty of
hangers. Also a shelf about 6 inches from the floor for shoes, etc.
_Large Cushions_ for the floor--One each of blue, yellow, nile green
and orange.
_Color Scheme_--If you desire another color scheme, such as
blue-and-white, or pink-and-white, write for information.
_Model Kitchen_
PREPARED BY THE HOME ECONOMICS BUREAU OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
The first consideration in arranging kitchen equipment is to save steps
and labor. The kitchen should be clean, odorless and attractive.
_Size_--Not more than 120 square feet of working space for preparing
food and washing dishes. More space when kitchen is used for laundry or
has dining alcove.
_Ventilation_--If no cross drafts are provided for, cut a transom over
back door if possible and arrange window boards to allow ventilation
through top and bottom of window. Is desirable to have hood installed
over stove to carry off drafts.
_Lighting_--Two or three windows desirable and a glass pane in kitchen
door. If unavailable, increase light by having very pale walls and
mirrors in dark corners. Artificial light should be from powerful
burner hung from center of ceiling. Electric light should be indirect.
Additional side lights should be added near sink and stove, unless they
receive full light.
_Wall Coverings_--(1) Commercial oil cloth wall covering; or (2) good
oil enamel paint. Color--Light tones. On Southern exposure--pale gray,
green or pale blue; on Northern exposure--buff walls with a deeper buff
or tan woodwork are good. For very dark rooms--white. Avoid white in
well lighted rooms because of glare. If natural color, woodwork should
have two coats of water proof varnish; if painted, two coats of flat
paint and one of enamel paint.
_Floor Coverings_--If room has cement floors, provide rubber mats
before sink, stove and cabinet to avoid foot strain. Otherwise, use
linoleum slightly darker than walls and harmonizing or contrasting in
color; or any other surface easy to keep clean.
_List of Kitchen Fixtures_
The Kitchen should have the following equipment:
_Range_--Coal, wood, gas, oil or electric. Good hood for ventilation is
desirable. Height of all working surfaces depends upon height of woman
who will work in kitchen. All working surfaces including top of range
should be as near the same height as possible. Height should be at
least 32 inches, or more, if worker is tall. A label should state this
fact. If coal range is the main one, have supplementary gas, electric
or oil range. Gas range should have stove pipe from oven.
_Sink_--Sink should be large enough to accommodate both a washing and
rinsing dish pan. Have large drain board on each side with raised edge
or beading. It should either slope gradually toward sink or have
sloping grooves. If only one drain board is provided, add an adjustable
folding board. Bottom of sink should be at least 32 inches from floor.
Sink should be placed under or near a window to insure coolness and
view.
_Cabinet_--White or colored enameled metal or natural wood finish with
broad working shelf 32 inches from floor or higher according to height
of worker. Shelves and bins for most commonly used supplies and
utensils. If a cabinet with a good work shelf is not available an
additional table near cabinet should be provided.
_Tables_--One or two tables, porcelain, glass, enamel, or zinc topped.
If none of these can be had, linoleum may be fitted with waterproof
cement to a wooden table. It should be at least 32 inches high. A table
with drawers underneath and a swinging stool and space for knees is
good.
_Cupboard_--If there is no dining room pantry, a cupboard should be
added for the china; if space permits, this should be added anyhow for
less frequently used utensils and supplies.
_Stool_--Stool, preferably white, should be of right height to allow
sitting at table, work-shelf or sink. Add a plain chair if space
permits.
_Refrigerator_--A well insulated ice box, preferably white. Ice
compartment should be at side or top. Straight easily cleaned drain
pipe should attach to plumbing. If refrigerator is indoors a door for
icing from the outside is desirable.
_Towel Rods_--Wood or nickel with space for four or five dish towels.
_Hand Towel Rack_--If only one person uses it, roller towel rack may be
installed. Otherwise, paper toweling or individual hand towels hung on
cup hooks near sink by loops on corners.
_Wall Clock_--Simple, with clear figures.
_Housekeepers' Rest Corner_--If space permits, a comfortable chair,
footrest and small table for books and sewing should occupy a
little-used portion of the room, to permit rest and recreation while
waiting for food to cook.
_Garbage Pail_--Covered; with foot lever to raise cover without
stooping; fireproof trash basket.
_Arrangement of Equipment_
Sink, cabinet with broad working shelf and dish cabinet (if dishes are
washed in kitchen) should be as close together as possible without
cramping passage room. Stove should be convenient to, but slightly away
from, work shelf for hot weather. An ideal arrangement is china
cupboard at right of sink, cabinet with broad work shelf at left of
sink and, in a narrow kitchen, range on opposite wall from sink across
narrowest part of room; if range is far from any broad working surface
a table should be very near range. All kitchen equipment, except range,
should be as near as possible to dining room door. If no dining room
pantry with sink is provided, kitchen sink should be near dining room
door. Range with supplementary range beside it should be so placed that
full day light will light the oven. If stove is already installed in a
dark place in exhibition house, move it into light, even though
repiping and wiring may be required. Mirrors may be hung to throw
additional light on range. If there is no good working shelf on
cabinet, a table should be near cabinet for mixing food. There will
then have to be a second table with a heat proof top near the stove
unless stove is so near to cabinet that one table will serve both for
mixing and setting hot utensils on. If possible, install a gas range,
or an electric range if current is cheap enough to warrant. The range
should, if possible, have an oven heat regulator. Where gas is
unavailable and cost of electric current high, install a good oil stove
with an oven. Refrigerator should be on porch or vestibule just outside
kitchen door or should be in the kitchen near the back door away from
the stove. If space permits, table next to refrigerator is a
convenience. An out-icer is a convenience; in cold weather the ice
compartment may be left empty and open for the air to cool the food.
Dish towel and hand towel racks should be as near as possible to sink,
high enough to be out of the way. The dish towel rack should be on side
towards window for drying and airing.
Wall clock should be within sight of stove without worker turning
around. Garbage pail and trash basket should be under sink. Stove
should be near chief working surface; either table or cabinet.
_Decorations_--Simple, easily washed curtains of gingham, striped
calico or unbleached muslin with a colored tape border add to the
attractiveness of the room. They should not obscure the light. If the
windows are near working centers, curtains may be half length, that is,
from top of window to center sash, and finished with a fringe.
Smaller up-to-date equipment, such as a fireless cooker, a pressure
cooker, utensils, electric whippers, cutlery, strainers and so on,
should also be installed. Further information is given in another
bulletin.
_The Kitchen as Laundry_
If the Kitchen is also used as Laundry, laundry equipment should be
away from cooking equipment if possible. _Two Tubs_--well-lighted, tops
34 inches, a _Washing Machine_ run by whatever power the locality
affords, preferably electricity. Washing Machine may have direct
connection with plumbing, or good pipe hose should be provided for
draining and filling machine. Copper lined _Wash Boiler_ with spigot
for emptying. _Zinc Topped Table_--on rollers, same height as top of
stove, for carrying wash-boiler between sink and stove. _Ironing
Board_--If possible, board that folds into cupboard. Board should have
its own support far enough in from ends to permit of putting garment
over it. _Clothes Basket_--_with Casters on Bottom_.
_Iron_--Electric Iron, or if electricity is unavailable, gas iron.
Electric or hand _Mangle_ for ironing.
Have tubs, washing machine, ironing board and plug for electric iron
grouped together.
_The Equipment of the House_
Having a house that is structurally sound, well planned and with
adequate yard space, the next question is its equipment. Equipment has
to do with the operation, with the house work. On the one hand this is
more or less determined by the size and plan of the building, on the
other by the furnishing and decoration. A well planned house makes
house work lighter; and furnishing and decoration which add
unnecessarily to the number of things which must be cleaned or cared
for, or heavy pieces which must be moved, add to the labor of house
work. Nevertheless, equipment occupies a clear outfield of its own that
calls for separate discussion.
_Heating_
_Central Heating_--Central heating preferred. May be hot air, steam,
hot water, or vapor. Insulate heater and pipes. Large furnace water
pan, or radiator waterpans, desirable. Select heating system, using
fuel most economical for your locality. Thermostat heat regulator
installed in living room is desirable. Write placards describing why
you selected this heating plant; why it is so well insulated; why large
water pan or radiator water pans are important.
_Supplementary Heat_--Open fireplace, Franklin stove or gas logs
desirable in living room for beauty and comfort in spring and fall.
_Water Supply_
Should have running hot and cold water. If city water not available,
should be pumped by power rams. Hot water boiler may be attached to
coal range with auxiliary gas or oil heater for summer. Where gas rate
is low, gas may be used alone. Automatic gas hot water heaters very
desirable.
_Bathroom_
_Size_--Should be large enough for tub, basin, toilet, clothes-hamper,
stool, medicine cabinet and towel cabinet.
_Floor_--Should be most sanitary. Tile, stone or linoleums are the most
sanitary. Small black and white pattern or light blue and white are
good. A well-filled painted wood floor of battleship gray or colonial
buff may be used.
_Walls_--Tile or plaster painted with two coats flat paint and one coat
of enamel, or oil cloth wall covering. White, blue and cream are the
best colors.
_Ventilation_--Window board should be in window to allow top and bottom
ventilation. An additional separate ventilator is desirable.
_Fixtures_--Porcelain or enameled iron tub with hot and cold running
water; shower with spray set at angle not to wet hair.
_Basin_--Porcelain or enamel with hot and cold water.
_Toilet_--porcelain, white enameled seat desirable. _Medicine Cabinet_
with door and mirror over basin, shelves for shaving equipment,
lotions, antiseptics, etc. _Cupboard_ large enough to hold supply of
towels, soap, toilet paper, and equipment for cleaning bathroom
fixtures.
_Clothes hamper_ unless chute to bin near wash tubs is provided. Hamper
should have white smooth surface. Enameled metal or wood desirable.
_Towel racks_--A nickel or enameled wood rack for each member of family
to keep towels separate.
_Miscellaneous fixtures_--Two nickel or enameled metal soap racks, one
beside basin and one beside or hooked to tub. Tooth brush rack to hold
tooth brushes well separated. Toilet paper basket or rack. Individual
mugs or glasses for each member of family. Shelf of glass or wood
covered with oil cloth over basin.
_Stool_--White enamel, preferably. _Clothes hooks_ on back of door, or
clothes tree. _Sash curtains_ of white material, easy to launder.
_Lavatory_--It is well to have additional lavatory on ground floor to
save steps. It should contain toilet, wash bowl, stool and fixtures for
accessories. Should be as easy to clean and hygienic as bathroom.
_Lighting_
Electricity if possible. Bulbs in all rooms should be frosted or
shaded. _Hall_--Electricity or lamp hung from center in form of lantern
or cast iron bracket to hold at least one bulb or one lamp. If side
lights are desired, fixtures of brass, cast iron, or enameled iron are
effective.
_Living Room_--If possible, at least one baseboard plug, one center
ceiling light or side brackets if desired. If room is large a center
floor plug is desirable. Plugs permit lamps to be used without
unnecessary cords showing. If wire must pass through rug, do not cut
rug but push threads apart.
_Dining Room_--If a center light in shape of dome is used, hang low
enough to avoid shining in eyes of those dining. A soft effect is
gained by side brackets representing sconces. Wired metal or glass
candlesticks on mantel and side-board, give pleasing effect. Floor plug
near dining table for electrical table appliances.
_Bedrooms_--Fixtures should be placed in long wall space convenient to
bureau or dressing table. Have plug near bed for lamp for reading in
bed. If space permits, night light on table in upper hall is useful.
All plugs and sockets should be of standard shape and size.
_Cleaning_