BY interior decoration is meant the addition to the interior of our homes, as finished by the builder, of such features as will add to the attractiveness of the rooms and lend an enchantment not felt or attained where habitation is the only object desired in a house.

The addition of furniture of the humblest kind to a room relieves the monotony and gives it an air of comfort; the presence of other articles not strictly in the line of necessities still further adds to its comfort. But there are other considerations; rooms should not only be habitable but cheerful, and she is a wise housewife who recognizes this fact early and sets about obtaining the desired result.

The practice of Home Decoration is growing in favor rapidly; and as general culture increases, the demand for means of beautifying the home increases, and the ingenuity of decorators has been taxed to its utmost to keep pace with the demand.

Walls and ceilings are no longer left in monotonous white, where even the presence of a soiled spot affords relief for the eye, but are now beautified in many ingenious ways to relieve the dreary expanse.

In these chapters, the author will endeavor to point out some of the ways in which Interior Decoration may be effected, giving simple directions therefor, so that by these instructions any one can perform most, if not all, the work without the aid of skilled labor, with the simple suggestion that, where it can be afforded, the assistance of the tradesman should be utilized.

The extent of decoration should harmonize with the surroundings; in other words, it should be governed by the uses to which the room is to be put, its size, and the amount to be expended, so that when done, there will be an air of completeness about the room which will render its occupancy pleasing. And here let it be remarked that Elaboration is not Decoration; the central idea of Decoration is comfort; Elaboration may leave no room for comfort.

Harmony is another vital consideration in the matter of decoration. Especially is this true of colors; the entire contents of a room should present such mingling of colors as will rest the eye and awaken admiration.

Many overlook this important factor in the decoration of houses, and thereby spoil what might otherwise have been a source of admiration and beauty. With this we pass to the consideration of