Successful Modern decoration may be termed the Triumph of Individuality. Given character to express, cultivated taste, and abundant means, there is scarcely a limit to the beauty that this mode is capable of affording. Suitable furniture is abundant; the array of fabrics now at our disposal is wonderful; we need not hesitate to avail ourselves of accessories of innumerable kinds provided by both past and present.

Furniture in Jade Green with decorations of raised gold: feet and fret-work at base in black. Walls covered with silver tea-box paper. Black velvet rug. Pillow covers of Chinese embroidery over black satin bedspreads.

The interiors illustrated in this volume, Period as well as Modern, may give hints as to various arrangements or features that may be adopted or adapted to one's own needs, but the greatest inspiration of all will be a careful study of every opportunity which the premises to be occupied or renovated may themselves afford. Strange to say, some architectural characteristic which at first seems detrimental, when successfully overcome, often gives the note of individuality that is so desirable. We should not hasten, therefore to condemn and remove, but should first consider whether what appears to be an obstacle may not be a suggestive aid: if it does not so prove, action may then be taken.

Some architectural changes are frequently advisable: these are generally in the direction of more desirable stairways, mantels, doors, or windows, or perhaps built-in features. It may be found that attractive windows may be opened in what is now the blank wall of a desirable alcove, and when these are cleverly treated the appearance of the whole room beautified. Or a recess may be the precise position for some arrangement of an important piece of furniture with accessories. An upright piano may be set near a corner with its back to the room. This scarcely seems at first sight a desirable disposal of the instrument, does it? But an attractive retired recess is thereby provided for the player, and when a long table with beautiful objects upon it is placed against that back covered with a rich drapery, and handsome chairs disposed conveniently at hand, we may undergo a change of mind. Certainly a group around a fireside in the twilight with an invisible player discoursing beautiful music makes its appeal.

Various forms of panelling have been shown and mentioned: other wall treatments are also possible. One of the illustrations in "The Practical Book of Interior Decoration" shows the living-room of a widely-known architect where the walls are of sand-finished plaster with blue tiles edging the door- and window-openings. Gold or silver paper may often be used in special rooms without conflict with the remaining wall-surfaces. Where there is a wainscot, ornamental papers - such as Walter Crane's "Macaw" design - may in like manner be employed on the wall above it. Inserts of brocade or other fabrics make charming panel-inserts. There may be a beamed ceiling: why should the hackneyed treatment be followed? Why not stain (not paint) the beams a peacock-blue, or reddish-violet, or apple-green, and cover the intervening ceiling-spaces with dull gold? In a country-house solarium why not introduce an original wall-fountain with its cooling sparkle of running water?

But why go on? There are opportunities without number to him who will look for them, to him who cares to surround himself and those dear to him with such beauty as he may.