A Reviewer in a noted journal remarked upon the "naive expression" introducing "The Practical Book of Interior Decoration": "It is hard to understand why someone has not written such a book before." That expression - more sophisticated under the circumstances than he in England was perhaps aware - is repeated here: It is hard to understand why someone has not written such a book as this one before.

What then is the purpose of this volume and what does it do?

I. It treats of the furnishing of premises from the most simply and inexpensively equipped cottage, bungalow, or flat, through the varying grades of home to the smart apartment or the house of fair dimensions.

II. It discusses for the decision of the householder the relative advantages under various circumstances of the Modern non-period mode and Liberal Period furnishing - the latter being described in its proper place. The aim of this volume is to present a thorough-going manual of aid in both methods - the Modern system being treated in three sections: the most inexpensive, that of medium cost, and the highest development of this mode. Period furnishing is treated with like practicality through the four great decorative movements. The needs of all classes are considered - from those who have exceedingly little money to spend in the equipment of their homes to those to whom cost is not of first consideration. It abundantly allows for and provides for all temperaments and tastes, from the plainest to those who demand novelty and much interest. In any case its two watchwords are Use and Beauty, and in allowing for novelty it deprecates that which is merely freakish and temporary. Complete possible furnishing, throughout, of a number of premises in the different scales has been indicated as an aid to the householder - colour-schemes, appropriate walls, furniture, textiles, and accessories being suggested for each room.

III. For the first time, there is shown in this volume, with every scheme of furnishing presented, actual furniture appropriate thereto to be purchased in the open market to-day, and in many cases actual textiles with which it may be covered. This in no way limits the householder, for he may purchase what he pleases and where it pleases him to buy it, but he is furnished with a tangible guide to what is suitable not only in itself but as regards expense. If what is illustrated meets his views, he has the satisfaction of knowing that it is purchasable through his own dealer of the manufacturer, whose name is in each case given. In some cases where these articles are sold direct to the householder, this also is indicated. The necessity of showing actual furniture will be made plain shortly.

It was manifestly impossible to carry out this plan so fully for England as for America, but much furniture designed by interior architects and craftsmen appears. The number of illustrations given of interiors designed in the Modern manner by able English interior architects is much in excess of that by Americans, for the reason that this method has there been more thoroughly worked out.

IV. Furniture does not constitute furnishing: decoration is more than its elements. These must be given adequate background, they must fittingly be bestowed and arranged: form and harmonious colour are of the highest importance. Taste is insufficient till accompanied by knowledge.

The particular method to be decided upon in aiding the householder in a sphere where too often he is utterly at sea is enough to stagger the writer on decoration and render him sufficiently humble. There is, however, a cheering beacon light. Furnishing is largely a matter of enlightened commonsense. I am fully convinced that the average householder possesses an abundance of the admirable quality, sometimes but not always enlightened by knowledge and experience in this particular direction. Common-sense, therefore, is the basis of this work. The reader is shown how to make the utmost use of the faculty he already possesses: principles are developed from actual practice, and the reason for each step is given as he proceeds. I believe the administration of theory "in chunks" to be provocative of acute mental indigestion, and that intelligent human beings prefer to be aided in thinking for themselves rather than be prodded with the stick of knowledge. Each step in furnishing is therefore fully described and illustrated, increasing the reader's perceptions by his own progress, additional knowledge being imparted as it becomes necessary. Hence he is asked to go through the book from the beginning, as the simplest, most inexpensive furnishing brings out principles and hints that, naturally, cannot be repeated again and again through the various grades of furnishing treated.

Right judgment and fine perception imply that there are actualities to be judged and perceived: form and colour are real and scientific in their qualities. A feeling for beauty in its higher reaches is undoubtedly a gift, but who shall say that it is not often unexpectedly latent and but needs development: it is the business and the pleasure of the practical writer on art to aid in such an unfolding of talent and to the utmost of his ability.

By the method indicated, the reader will quickly learn to apply his knowledge to his own problems, gaining confidence as he proceeds. If a style of furnishing beyond his personal skill and requiring the services of a decorator is decided upon, he will then be in a position to value the professional suggestions made him, both parties mutually working towards the securing of a home suitable to himself, his family and his general manner of life. The decorator is too frequently blamed for carrying out schemes without much regard to their appropriateness, whereas it is usually the fault of the householder, who is likely unable to understand, or else is furnishing for display rather than from a sincere desire to realise for himself a comfortable and suitable environment.