In a room where there are to be many pictures, give rather a neutral color to the walls, merely as a picture background. Where there are finely decorated walls pictures are rather out of place, since one decoration spoils the effect of the other.
Mottoes.
The motto, whose revival is noted in the above title, is the expression in architecture of some sentiment suitable to the place to which it is applied. It is more frequently and more noticeably in domestic architecture than elsewhere that the motto is found. Scarcely a country house of sufficient size to boast a hall and fireplace but announces in script or text a welcome to all guests or some appreciation of the comforts of its four walls. The favorite place for this motto is over the fireplace, either above or below the mantel shelf, and of all the old ones, “East or west, home is best,” with its variety of expressions, is the favorite. “A man’s house is his castle.”
“Home is the resort
Of love, of joy, of peace.”
“A man’s best things are nearest him;” “Our house is ever at your service;” “You are very welcome;” “Take the goods the gods provide thee”—any one of these will as appropriately welcome the stranger as the friend.
Over the mantel of one’s private room the restful motto, “Duty done is the soul’s fireside,” may find appropriate place.
[How to be Beautiful.]
