PLATE XVII An Example of Perfect Balance and Beauty in Mantel Arrangement.

PLATE XVIII Corner of a Drawing-room, Furniture Showing Directoire Influence.

The Art of Interior Decoration — Part 6

PLATE XIX Entrance Hall in New York Duplex Apartment. Italian Furniture.

The Art of Interior Decoration — Part 6

PLATE XX Combination of Studio and Living-room in New York Duplex Apartment.

The Art of Interior Decoration — Part 6

PLATE XXI Part of a Victorian Parlour in One of the Few Remaining New York Victorian Mansions.

PLATE XXII Two Styles of Day-beds, Modern Painted.

PLATE XXIII Boudoir in New York Apartment. Painted Furniture, Antique and Reproductions.

PLATE XXIV Example of Lack of Balance in Mantel Arrangement.

PLATE XXV Treatment of Ground Lying Between House and Much Travelled Country Road.

PLATE XXVI An Extension Roof in New York Converted into a Balcony.

PLATE XXVII A Common-place Barn Made Interesting.

PLATE XXVIII Narrow Entrance Hall of a New York Antique Shop.

PLATE XXIX Example of a Charming Hall Spoiled by Too Pronounced a Rug.

PLATE XXXI A Collection of Empire Furniture, Ornaments, and China.

PLATE XXXII Italian Reproductions in Pottery After Classic Models.

"Those who duly consider the influence of the _fine-arts_ on the _human mind_, will not think it a small benefit to the world, to diffuse their productions as wide, and preserve them as long as possible. The multiplying of copies of fine work, in beautiful and durable materials, must obviously have the same effect in respect to the arts as the invention of printing has upon literature and the sciences: by their means the principal productions of both kinds will be forever preserved, and will effectually prevent the return of ignorant and barbarous ages."

One of the most joyful obligations in life should be the planning and executing of BEAUTIFUL HOMES, keeping ever in mind that distinction is not a matter of scale, since a vast palace may find its rival in the smallest group of rooms, provided the latter obeys the law of _good line, correct proportions, harmonious colour scheme and appropriateness_: a law insisting that all useful things be beautiful things.

Lucky is the man or woman of taste who has no inherited eyesores which, because of association, must not be banished! When these exist in large numbers one thing only remains to be done: look them over, see to what period the majority belong, and proceed as if you _wanted_ a mid-Victorian, late Colonial or brass-bedstead room.