Modern building no comments
Also modern building has something to do with it. In modern apartments –and lots of us live in them- ceilings are low; there are groups of casement windows, which are a joy; but there are objectionable breaks in the room caused by structural beams. These must be minimized by the use of the valances over the tops of the windows; use them in plain colors or stripes to give height. To some people contemporary decorating is a compromise between period and modern styles. There is some truth in this, but contemporary seems to me to be new colors and fabrics, used with greater simplicity, with period furniture. As I have often said, the modern have cleared away a lot of clutter for us and turned our taste toward straight forward furnishings. Therefore, contemporary decorating combines period furniture with new colors and new fabrics and such materials as mirrors and the new plastics, Lucite perhaps for tables or chairs. The room opposite is an example. Fine mahogany Chippendale beds, a massive mahogany bureau, a Sheraton bench before the dressing table, a crystal chandelier all in the 18th century style, blend pleasantly with a draped dressing table which has a modern mirror band and mirror top, with a triple mirror placed on it. The simple draperies over the Venetian blinds, the tufted overstuffed side chair (a Victorian revival), and the cushioned upholstered chair are combined with a chintz of bold pattern in fresh colors for bedspreads and dressing table. These against blue walls and paler blue ceiling make a room with today’s earmark. Notice that the recess for the dressing table gives two closets, and that the large window insures good light. The floor lamp by an easy chair, with a three way bulb set in a shade with wide openings top and bottom, will give general illumination to the room.
