The Studio yearbook of decorative art (1920)

A SIMPLE DINING-ROOM SIDEBOARD (PAGE 20)

ON THE DECORATION AND FURNISHING OF SMALL ROOMS
of introducing fittings into
houses, there is another de-
tail to which the architect
might well give more atten-
tion with advantage to the
tenant, and that is in the
design and treatment of the
fireplace, which dominates
the room and is the first fea-
ture that arrests one’s atten-
tion on entering. In living-
rooms the members of the
household in their leisure
moments usually take up a position facing the fireplace which is thus
subjected to a perpetual scrutiny. The treatment of this section of the
room may, therefore, be regarded as the most important factor in the
general scheme of an interior. As a rule it is hopelessly bad, as the
builder, being at liberty to put in what he likes, too often selects a cheap
and showy stock production of a dreadful description, without for a
moment considering its proportions in relation to the surroundings. The
chimney-piece is not a piece of furniture and cannot be dealt with in the
same way. It should have the appearance of being an integral part of the
house, as much so as doors and windows, and should be simple, so as not
to compete with the furniture, but boldly
treated and refined in detail. As tenants
usually find the chimney-pieces already
installed, they may argue that it is waste
of space to consider this subject in an article
professing to deal with the problems of
furnishing from an economical standpoint.
Where, however, the tenant is the owner
it would be worth his while, in the writer’s
opinion, to spend the money necessary to
render such features at any rate inoffensive.
If the fireplace is rightly treated and the
colour scheme of the room well considered,
the general effect will be satisfying and
attractive, however simple and unpreten-
tious the furniture may be. On the other
hand, an ugly chimney-piece spoils a room,
and no amount of expenditure or elabora-
tion elsewhere will retrieve the effect. The a dining-room cabinet (page 20)


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