The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Theory Of Decoration

4. What would influence your choice as to whether or not you would use a style of the late French Renaissance in decorating a room?
5. What conditions should be considered in locating a bed?
6. What are the two main types of Colonial interiors, and what are their chief characteristics?
7. In arranging a layout for furniture in a living room, what are the first essentials to note and how does one proceed?
8. Give a brief description of the development of taste in the United States.
9. Under what circumstances may a couch be placed along a wall? When is another location preferable?
10. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of dining tables?
11. What types of furniture are suitable for use in outdoor rooms?
12. How have great art periods been related to forms of government and to the power of the ruling classes?
18. Of what value are books as a decorative detail?
14. In what styles is it proper to use a china closet or cupboard?
15. On the following sheet is the plan of a living room at a scale of 1/4 inch to 1 foot, and several pieces of furniture at the same scale. Cut out the furniture with a pair of scissors and study its arrangement on the living room floor by shifting the various pieces until a satisfactory solution is found. Then paste or draw the pieces of furniture on the floor plan and mail it to us with your answers to the questions. The room is 16 x 24 feet. The general character of the furniture is that of the Colonial and late English periods, in mahogany and walnut. The room may be arranged with the furniture given, or pieces may be omitted or added as desired. Indicate the location of large or small pictures where they are needed to complete the composition.

Pre-Renaissance and Oriental Art Periods

Prehistoric Art

The origin of architecture may be traced to the earliest efforts of prehistoric man to protect himself from the inclemency of the seasons and the attacks of neighboring tribes or savage beasts. As the intelligence of the human species developed, habitations became more commodious and the elementary requirements of comfort and convenience began to be considered as well as those of necessity. The earliest attempts at decoration for the sole purpose of aesthetic appreciation can probably be traced to some form of religious symbolism.