For example, in a Louis XVI salon, where the colour scheme is harmonious, one gradually realises that one of the dominant ornaments in the room is a rare old Chinese vase, brought back from the Orient by one of the family and given a place of honour on account of its uniqueness.

Every one understands and feels deeply the difference between the museum palace or the period rooms of the commonplace decorator, and such a marvellous, living, breathing, palatial home as that “Italian palace” in Boston, Massachusetts, created, not inherited, by Mrs. John L. Gardner.  Here we have a splendid example to illustrate the point we are trying to make; namely, regardless of its dimensions, make your home home-like and like you, its owner.  Never allow any one, professional or amateur, to persuade you to put anything in it which you do not like yourself; but if an expert advises against a thing, give careful consideration to the advice before rejecting it.  Mrs. Gardner’s house is unique among the great houses of America as having that quality of the intimate palaces abroad,—­a subtle mellowness which in the old world took time and generations of cultivated lovers of the rare and beautiful, to create.  Adequate means, innate art appreciation, experience and the knowledge which comes from keeping in touch with experts, account for the intrinsic value of Mrs. Gardner’s collection; but the subtle quality of harmony and vitality is her own personal touch.  The colour scheme is so wisely chosen that it actually does unite all periods and countries.  One is surprised to note how perfectly at home even the modern paintings appear in this version of an old Italian palace.

Be sure that you aim at the same combination of beauty, usefulness, and harmony between colour scheme and objets d’art.  It is in colour scheme that we feel the personality of our host or hostess, therefore give attention to this point.  Always have a colour scheme sympathetic to you.  Make your rooms take on the air of being your abode.  It is really very simple.  What has been done with vast wealth can be just as easily done by the man of one room and a bath.  Know what you want, and buy the best you can afford; by best, meaning useful things, indisputably beautiful in line and colour.  Use your Colonial furniture; but if you find a wonderful Empire desk, with beautiful brass mounts and like it, buy it.  They are of the same period in point of date, as it happens, and your Louis XVI bronze candlesticks will add a touch of grace.  The writer recalls a simple room which was really a milestone in the development of taste, for it was so completely harmonious in colouring, arrangement of furniture, and placing of ornaments.  Built for a painter’s studio, with top light, it was used, at the time of which we speak, for music, as a Steinway grand indicated.  The room was large, the floors painted black and covered with faded Oriental rugs; woodwork and walls were dark-green, as were