The large Jacobean chest happened to be lined, as many of those old chests were, with quaint figured paper, showing a coat-of-arms alternating with another design in large squares of black and grey.  This paper, the owner had reproduced to cover the walls of her dining-room, and then she stained her woodwork black (giving the effect of old black oak), also, the four corner cupboards, but the inside of these cupboards—­doors and all—­she made a rich Pompeian red and lackered it.  The doors are left open and one sees on the shelves of the corner cupboards a wonderful collection of old china, much of it done in rich gold.  At night the whole is illuminated with invisible electric bulbs.  The gleaming effect is quite marvellous.

The seat-pads on chairs, are made of hides, gilded all over, and on the gilt the owner has painted large baskets holding fruit and flowers done in gay colours.  The long Jacobean bench has a golden cushion with baskets painted on it in gay colours.

A part of the wonderful gold china is used at every meal, and the rest of it being left on the shelves of the four cupboards with their Pompeian red lining, when lit up, forms part of the glowing blaze of colour, concentrated in all four corners of this unique room.

The Jacobean library in this house has the same black oak effect for panelling and at the windows, hang long, red silk curtains, with deep borders of gold on which are painted gay flowers.  This blaze of colour is truly Jacobean and recalls the bedroom at Knole, occupied by James I where the bed-curtains were of red silk embroidered in gorgeous gold, and the high post bedstead heavily carved, covered with gold and silver tissue, lined with red silk, its head-board carved and gilded.

Another room at Knole was known as the “Spangle” bedroom.  James I gave the furniture in it to Lionel, Earl of Middlesex.  Bed curtains, as well as the seats of chairs and stools, are of crimson, heavily embroidered in gold and silver.

CHAPTER XXIX

UNCONVENTIONAL BREAKFAST-ROOMS AND SPORTS BALCONIES

“Sun-rooms” are now a feature of country and some town houses.  One of the first we remember was in Madrid, at the home of Canovas del Castillo, Prime Minister during the Regency.  Dejeuner used to be served at one end of the conservatory, in the shadow of tall palms, while fountains played, birds with gay plumage sang, and the air was as fragrant as the tropics.  For comfort, deep red rugs were put down on the white marble floors.  Which reminds us that in many Spanish hand-made rugs, what is known as “Isabella white” figures conspicuously.  The term arises from the following story.  It seems that Queen Isabella during the progress of some war, vowed she would not have her linen washed until her army returned victorious.  The war was long, hence the term!

In furnishing a conservatory or porch breakfast room, it is best to use some variety of informal tables and chairs, such as painted furniture, willow or bamboo, and coloured, not white, table cloths, doilies and napkins, to avoid the glare from the reflection of strong light.  Also, informal china, glass, etc.