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

Theory Of Decoration

After selecting a location he will consider the assistance he is going to need in the establishment and should employ not more than two assistants to begin with, one of whom should have had previous decorating experience, and one who can assist with the office detail of the work.

In opening a shop of any type one should feel his way, rather than attempt to emulate large establishments at the outset. It is better to build slowly and surely than to attempt too much and fail.

The small decorating shop resembles in its infancy, nothing so much as a gift shop. As a matter of fact it differs very little except in the type of stock it carries. The gift shop must carry many small inexpensive articles, and many accessories for the home. The decorating shop also carries all of these things, but also carries in its stock more substantial things, such as furniture and fabrics.

Many a gift shop has developed into a decorating establishment, and likewise many decorating establishments have deteriorated into gift shops merely because of the character of the stock carried by them.

If a gift shop is the aim, small stock making for quick "turn over" should be emphasized, while if a decorating establishment is the goal, as the small stock is disposed of, larger and more important pieces in the decorative world should replace it.

Examination Questions

1. What are the principal methods of entering the decorating profession and in what capacities?

2. What are the essentials to be considered in making up one's mind as to the advisability of undertaking decorating as a means of livelihood?

3. What is meant by the "cost-plus" basis of conducting a decorating business?

4. What are the principal ethics of the decorating profession?