That the injection of these qualities into our homes would be an exceedingly desirable thing was effectively borne in upon the writers when for selective purposes they had the task of going over some three hundred photographs of the interiors of tasteful houses. With few of them could particular fault be found (otherwise the photographs would not have been taken), but in less than a quarter of this number was any particular individuality shown.

Most tasteful Americans are unduly conservative and too content to follow precedent, and a movement which awakens and "gives them to think" is decidedly at present a needed spur. It does not follow that we must rush to adopt the new decoration, but it is well to consider it carefully, for it has much to offer. In addition to providing many hints even to those who prefer the old it certainly affords at much less expense than period furnishing a method of decoration well adapted to modest houses, cottages and some apartments, which is simple and at the same time artistic, bright and attractive.

There is no obligation to adopt its more outre features if unsuited to our temperaments, for it presents alternatives from which to choose. In order that full consideration be given this method its detailed characteristics have been treated in Part II in the chapters on Colour, Walls, Floors, Furniture and Fabrics.

A very practical question is: How far is it adapted to the possessions we already have! If, upon examination, we find this spirit or ideal appeals to us, can we avail ourselves of it wholly, or to what extent, without an entire redeooration and refurnishing of our homes?

To those who own handsome Period Furniture and furnishings it may be said that such things will not be superseded by this or any other new method which may arise. The "modern" method, charming as it may be at its best, is in any event rather limited to small houses or apartments, and indeed not to all of these. It is an excellent sign that many Americans of the better and more thoughtful class are taking account of something other than size. Small families often wish to eliminate the care and continual bother large properties involve and are moving into apartments or smaller houses, even erecting smaller country abodes as well. The tastes of these people may be highly formed and rather luxurious, and merely simple and charming houses would.reflect neither their personalities nor their lives. They may then wish these abodes to be jewel caskets enshrining gems in the way of rare furniture, textiles, vases and pictures, and there should be none to say them nay in their desire to surround themselves with beauty. In such cases the new decoration obviously does not apply.

Then, too, if the colouring in any house is rather attenuated it is plain that patches of brighter hue cannot be introduced without working havoc with all that remains; so that in such instances again one must either take or leave it - redecorate or let all remain largely as it is.

But there are many houses furnished in non-committal style, and others containing period furniture, but which are generally eclectic in character, and these may sometimes be greatly helped by hints from this newer method. As the simplicity of spaciousness is one of its finest features, there may be some elimination, and the improvement wrought by the mere removal of cumbersome and less desirable pieces is often immeasurable.

The colouring of a room generally exists in the walls, rugs and fabrics. If the walls are good and are neutral they are perfectly adapted to this new style, and if they are "fussy" they are not adapted to any style and should be changed. If they are in poor condition they may be renewed either in the neutral or more colourful vein.

Of rugs much the same may be said. If neutral they are perfectly correct, and so if they are colourful, provided they are not restless in pattern or contrast. If objectionable, bare floors would be better with any style of decoration. An expanse of bare, well-polished floor with a few simple rugs in good solid colouring, or two tones, or bordered, is always attractive. Good Oriental rugs will do excellently well if the new colouring to be introduced is made to accord with them.

Now with the simple change of upholstery, hangings and cushions wonders may be done in the vivifying of such a house. But before anything is done plan the whole. Consult the section on "Unity and Variety" and the Peasant colour-combinations given in the chapter on Colour, and scheme out what is to be done in each room. If there is a large couch its cover may be colourful, but let it be of solid colour and then use pillows of decidedly ornamental character, with one of black.

For upholstery stripes always have an intrinsic style of their own, and these may be strong and varied, or plain strong tones may be chosen, or printed linen or cretonne.

If there is great variety in the other furnishings keep the portieres and window curtains in solid colour. If variety is lacking it may be introduced here.

Much may be done by Oriental, Batik, or other decorative hangings, screens, lamps, vases, and the like.

The probability is that in most houses many of the pictures may be discarded to advantage. Those that are retained should be good in themselves and for the decorative purpose for which they are used, and their frames should be fitting and unobtrusive.

Merely nondescript homes may be made coherent and attractive by following the plan outlined in the preceding paragraphs with the addition of an overhauling of the furniture. Badly designed, tortuously carved or machine-impressed pieces should be simplified or discarded. "Foolish" bric-a-brac, calendars, photographs and general litter should especially be weeded out. Better a few good things than much which is distracting and inharmonious.

Regarding the new decoration we may then finally say that in its saner forms it is attractive, practical and inexpensive. As to its more outre aspects one could not close more fittingly than to quote the words of Mr. Aymar Embury regarding strained and eccentric effects in general: " Whatever fascination this wayward cleverness may afford at first sight is not lasting, but is sure to dwindle and become a weariness when once the novelty has given place to the habit of familiar contact day after day."