Architects of the modern school were quick to understand this and developed good plans for a smaller, but far more convenient kitchen, directly adjoining the dining end

Living-dining room of modern construction, spacious enough for a piano, sofa, easy chairs, and a dining group of modern design in light wood at the far end. The walls, which are a combination of glass, plaster, and wood veneer, with the fireplace in the center of the room, are in light ash tone. The casement curtains match. The wall – to – wall carpet may be one of the good rugged twists in soft green or cocoa color with the deep green of the many plants giving the needed accent. Three sectional modern chests, also called “unit furniture,” are used beyond the dining table to hold linen and silver. Note the ceiling spot light and adjustable wall spot lights for reading and for the piano.

New construction, glass walls, group windows, new heating and lighting methods, as well as the much loved open fireplace, have brought us a room of great charm and one which may be spacious in even a small house. Many an old house may have partitions removed to make such a room, but it is in the well – planned new building that we find the best examples of it. Naturally such a different background has brought about different furnishings.

The fact that the majority of our new houses are smaller than those of a generation ago means little, as small rooms may be formal, but our manner of living today means a great deal and we are living much more informally. We want attractive surroundings: comfort, sturdiness, color, and as little trouble and care as possible. In others word, our houses are becoming and expression of a way of life rather than a decorating period. And it is decidedly sensible. There are all sorts in formal types a decorating – as shown on the following pages – but since the majority of American houses are adaptations of colonial architecture let us first consider our informal colonial and cape cod houses.

Opposite is a rather typical informal early American room. Its size is about13 x 20 with low ceiling. The fireplace wall, true to colonial tradition, is paneled with pine painted white. On the door of the attractive corner cupboard are black iron H-hinges, typical of colonial days. Strap hinges, equally characteristic, are just visible on the paneled door and harmonize with the iron crane and andirons.

Reminiscent of pie – plate candle shields of colonial days are those used here. They combine happily with the small pictures used in the paneling, the china on the cupboard shelves, and the old – fashioned swinging crane in the white – washed fireplace. Note the colorful hooked rug before the hearth and the hanging bookshelf in the inset

Our early American houses, because of this paneled wall, have an architectural quality that is informal and can be easily followed today. As a rule, the other three walls are plastered and later papered. Choose a small geometrical design or an informal floral one of small scale for these walls. It is an elastic style, however, and the maple, cherry and birch gate leg and butterfly tables, dressers and rush – seat chairs fit into many another informal setting far away from New England, where the style originated. Pewter tankards and candlesticks, earthen jars and pottery, generally make nice lamp bases. Use a free hand, putting together informal things you like, remembering to observe scale and general type.

Though not possible for all of us to follow, I show here modern interiors which begin with the building, not the furnishings. Such windows, interior finish, drapery arrangement, blond furniture, and wall – to – wall carpeting express both simplicity and the often misunderstood functionalism of this style. The windows are stationary with ventilation through the door.

Draw curtains of casement cloth matching the wall color are importance in this mono – dramatic color scheme. Cove lighting gives general illumination. It is a matter of choice whether plain fabric, matching or contrasting with the wall, is used, or a bold pattern to suit the color scheme. The matching plain color makes the room seem larger.