THE progressive spirit of the new century and the rapid artistic development throughout our country have awakened a widespread, intelligent interest in all matters relating to the Art of the House.

The interior of the home is naturally a reflection of its occupants, and the possibility of achieving satisfying results has created an ardent desire for adequate knowledge. Even in homes of moderate cost an effort to unite beauty and utility has become remarkably apparent, and, fortunately, artistic surroundings are not dependent on large outlays of money.

To give practical aid to the aspiring home artist the author has considered the different parts of the house in turn, and suggested the appropriate furnishings and decorations for each. The illustrations have been selected to show what has actually been accomplished in typical modern homes; these, with two exceptions, have been made under the personal supervision of the author.

There are few homes in which the furnishings might not be altered or modified to advantage. The point to be kept in view is, in the main, how to unite in the best way practical equipment and artistic effect; and this can be accomplished only by the employment of taste, knowledge, experience and judgment. To furnish a home, therefore, requires serious thought, when the end to be attained is one of harmony, simplicity and refinement.

Too often a house on which an architect has expended his utmost skill is ruined interiorly by ignorance in selecting the furnishings and decorations. The single choice of a wall paper may mean a disastrous introduction of glaring colours and distracting patterns. Often the mere arrangement of the furniture becomes as important in obtaining a pleasing interior as the design and finish of the different pieces.

No set of rules can be laid down whereby to solve the various problems of house furnishing; there must be a comprehension of the specific conditions and an application of the principles of art; but there is evidently a field for real service at the present time in showing the results already attained in this new movement, and in providing helpful information, fitting suggestions, ideas and methods for furnishing the home practically and artistically.