Color Schemes.—The most pleasing effects in decoration are obtained by treating each room or group of con nected rooms in such a way as to get a harmonious general effect or color scheme. And the color scheme must, of course, be chosen with reference to the purpose for which the room is intended, its shape and size, and the amount of sunlight it receives. Rooms can be so treated as to seem higher or broader than they are, the amount of light can be increased or subdued, and each room can be given a distinct tone and individuality appropriate to the uses to which it is put. This way of decorating does not necessarily cost any more than any other. It merely requires some knowledge and skill that can easily be acquired.
The basis of the color scheme is, of course, in the background provided by the wall and floor coverings and the woodwork. But all the furnishings should be selected so as to form, with the background, a harmonious whole. Hence the subject naturally divides it self into the separate topics of wood work, wall coverings, floor coverings, and furniture. And the last topic can be best taken up in connection with each of the different rooms, as the liv ing room, dining room, bedrooms, etc.
Color and Light.—Some colors re flect a large part of the light that falls upon them; others absorb it. The various shades of green are the great est thieves of light. A dark-green wall will absorb about 85 per cent of the light; a dark brown perhaps 70 per cent; a light green, 50 per cent; an orange or yellow, 25 or 30 per cent; light blue, 35 per cent; and soft, deli cate tints about 10 per cent. But of
course these figures are only approxi mate. Pure white absorbs about 15 per cent of the light thrown upon it. Hence suitable color schemes for rooms facing south that need toning down are greens or the dull shades of blue, ecru, or tan.
For rooms facing west the lighter shades of green, with rose, terra cotta, or white, are appropriate. White enamel furniture with brass trimmings is suitable for such apartments.
North and east rooms require warm tones of yellow, with which yellow oak furniture harmonizes, or warm shades of red, which harmonizes with Mission oak.
Most men would agree to Eugene Field's remark that " almost any color suited him, so long as it was red." Hence red is a suitable color for the furnishing of a man's room or den.
For the dining room, provided it is a bright, sunny room, a suitable color is blue or grayish blue, harmonizing with the tones of delft china. Or, if the dining room is less well lighted, a rich warm tone of yellow gives a sun ny atmosphere to the room. But avoid yellow of a greenish or lemon cast.
For the hall, a suitable color is green. And for the living room, green or a warm shade of russet brown, to harmonize with the green of the hall.
Bedrooms should be preferably in light and delicate colors.