DOI issue:
The British Empire
DOI article:Jones, Sydney R.: Cottage interiors and decoration
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.21779#0025
COTTAGE INTERIORS AND DECORATION
of colours is to be avoided. Very happy interior effects are secured
when one colour only is used throughout the house, and no better colour
is to be found than that known as “ Caen Stone.”
The system of covering walls with wood has been employed in England
for many centuries, and oak-panelled rooms are to be numbered among our
most precious heritages of the past. Although oak is now scarce and
expensive, the method involved has much to recommend it and cheaper
kinds of wood can be used with good effect. The advantages of panelled
rooms are many. They are always pleasant to the eye, and they impart a
sense of warmth and comfort. Moreover, after the initial cost has been
met, no further charges of upkeep are necessary if the wood has been
properly treated. Inexpensive panelling, erected by a country builder
at a cost of less than £ i o, is shown in the illustration on page 5. A pine-
wood dado is another form of wall-covering that may be employed with
economy and advantage. Hangings, reminiscent of tapestry, and dried
rushes are two other suitable materials for the adornment of walls.
Cottage ceilings do not call for very special mention. It is best if cornices
be omitted entirely. If they appear at all they should be of simple
section, and, as aforementioned, have that true character which belongs
to plaster-work. Plaster ornamentation may enrich the ceiling, but the
utmost restraint should be observed in the use of it. No more satisfactory
ceiling decoration has ever been devised than that produced by the old
method of leaving exposed the wooden beams and joists. Fortunately,
UVING-ROOM FIREPLACE
of colours is to be avoided. Very happy interior effects are secured
when one colour only is used throughout the house, and no better colour
is to be found than that known as “ Caen Stone.”
The system of covering walls with wood has been employed in England
for many centuries, and oak-panelled rooms are to be numbered among our
most precious heritages of the past. Although oak is now scarce and
expensive, the method involved has much to recommend it and cheaper
kinds of wood can be used with good effect. The advantages of panelled
rooms are many. They are always pleasant to the eye, and they impart a
sense of warmth and comfort. Moreover, after the initial cost has been
met, no further charges of upkeep are necessary if the wood has been
properly treated. Inexpensive panelling, erected by a country builder
at a cost of less than £ i o, is shown in the illustration on page 5. A pine-
wood dado is another form of wall-covering that may be employed with
economy and advantage. Hangings, reminiscent of tapestry, and dried
rushes are two other suitable materials for the adornment of walls.
Cottage ceilings do not call for very special mention. It is best if cornices
be omitted entirely. If they appear at all they should be of simple
section, and, as aforementioned, have that true character which belongs
to plaster-work. Plaster ornamentation may enrich the ceiling, but the
utmost restraint should be observed in the use of it. No more satisfactory
ceiling decoration has ever been devised than that produced by the old
method of leaving exposed the wooden beams and joists. Fortunately,
UVING-ROOM FIREPLACE