Another in formal type of furniture which is much liked and used in this country is French provincial. It is akin to our own early American maple and cherry but it is made often in fruit woods or in walnut – the wood of France. It is the informal furniture of the French provinces of the 18th century; small in scale, useful, comfortable and with the pleasant curved lines dear to the French.

It fits in with pieces of maple or mahogany, especially the chairs with their upholstered backs and seats, and small – patterned coverings. They are never obtrusive but always welcome. In the delightful informal furnishing which is becoming a type along our California coast, this style is often used with attractive results, not as a period, or from a complete room, but by combing chair or a desk with another type of furniture – Spanish perhaps. As I have said, it is amazing what good companions furniture of the same scale and of the same century, from different countries, can become. But this French provincial type, used singly or as a complete ensemble as illustrated, is easy to live with.

Background – lets us begin, where all good decorating should begin, with the background. Soft plain colors are used for the walls or, more often, the attractive toilet – papers or fabrics. These toilets, you know, show figure groups, pastoral as a rule, and are very attractive. This puts the pattern used in the room on the walls and in the draperies, rather than in the upholstery covering. Small geometrical designs and plaids are favorites for covering, such as shown in the illustrations. Again, following the general rules of decorating, since the walls have pattern, the carpet is a solid color relieved by gay hooked rugs in spots where most wear will occur. The draperies often match the walls and today papers and fabrics are made in the same design for the purpose. However for most of us a plain fabric of the predominating color in the toilet is a wise choice. This procedure may be reversed: the walls may be plain, draperies of toilet. Accessories of the type add greatly to the appeal: china figures, boxes, ash trays, brass candlesticks, and definitely quaint pictures.

Furniture pieces such as hanging bookshelves, small corner pieces, or tables, are all delightful. There is a warmth and coziness about this type that is especially attractive for small houses.