A few very miscellaneous hints as to materials may be added.

The mistake made by many of abundant means is in resting content with ordinary products shown in the average shop or department-store when by visiting the establishments of the best decorators or the more unusual shops they may secure individual things of greater beauty, quality and durability.

Accessories are of great moment, and prominent among them are the pottery and porcelain vases and the lamps often constructed from them. The most eminent of the foreign wares are to be found in the fine shops of large American cities. Among them are the English potteries and porcelains, Moorcroft, Doulton, Royal Worcester, Lancastrian, Bretty, Wedgwood and Wieldon; the Gouda ware from Holland, and many attractive things from Italy and Spain. The Chinese mirror-blacks, powder-blue, and crackle are "classics", and the figured pieces often of wonderful beauty. The American Lenox, Pauleo, and Spanish Moresque should not be forgotten.

Fine reed furniture has been mentioned but may be emphasised as it is so useful in the more informal rooms and especially in sun-rooms. The special combinations of colourings are too numerous to recite, but black, and gold is worthy of remembrance.

The carpets of block pattern (a foot or so square) of two tones or two hues are employed by eminent decorators and are of much style. Halls and dining-rooms would seem to be their best use.

Painted, lacquered, and marqueterie furniture as a relief to that of the plain woods is a valuable asset.

Finally, avoid garishness, always, but do not be afraid of individuality. There are those who say that in a tasteful interior nothing should be noticed, as it is also said of the well-dressed person that one should not be able to remember anything of the attire worn. If it be taste to suppress every mark of character, force, all that makes for fine manhood and womanhood, to play safe, to hug every headland, to shelter oneself behind the multitude, - then this is true. Then also deliver us from "perfect taste"! Whistler reminds us that "Perfection is Death".