The “Settled” Room.
Try a Change.

When we enter a room for the first time, we are vividly aware of its general effect. During our visit, especially if we are left alone at all, page 58 we study details to find out how such an impression is produced. Particularly is this so in a “successful” room, where we study furniture arrangement, draperies and colour tonings in hopes of ideas for bettering our own “best” room.

Though we haven't quite the eye of an interior decorator, we manage to sort out fairly well, the reasons for success or failure in furnishing.

When we return home, we endeavour to apply the same sort of criticism, but somehow our eye is not so expert in familiar surroundings. Our room is as it has been (with but few minor changes) for years, and we know it so well that we can't see what's wrong with it, or for that matter, what's right with it.

To overcome the difficulty of familiarity, we must resort to change. Yes, I know that that alcove is just the right width for the bookshelf and that the piano must stay against an inside wall, and that we tried everything every way when we first moved in years ago. But we're determined to get a newcomer's view of the old room; so, all hands to the piano, and let's try a game of general post.

It's surprising how different the room looks in a few minutes. We become aware of the window with its side drapes that are definitely too long, and—yes—that tree outside has grown and is shutting out some light. Now we come to think of it, a lighter paper will brighten up the room. The chintz chair covers need laundering. Thank goodness the moquette underneath is good, and of an attractive, undated pattern. Yes, pull the magazine stand away from the corner. Put it between the chesterfield and the easy chair and place the standard lamp on it. There's a reading corner for winter.

Clear away the ornaments, and let's start again, using only a few of the best pieces, and trying their effect in various positions. And pictures, too! It's time to banish some, to bring out or reframe others, to seek for good lighting for good art.

And now that the room is re-organised, let's enjoy it as it is, with the proviso that before long, probably in early spring, we'll have another reshuffle.