Hints on Redecorating

Radio Record, 29 July 1938, Page 39

Hints on Redecorating

Special to the "Record"

by

ADRIAN

WALSH

HAVE no doubt many readers feel that they would dearly love to redecorate one or more of their rooms, but are prevented from doing so because they are afraid the expenditure involved would be more than they could afford. I would like to show that they need not be discouraged, because it is amazing how cheaply a satisfactory and pleasing atmosphere can be created in a room with the assistance of some paint and new fabrics for upholstery and curtains. 1 propose to show that the desired change can be acconiplished by any handy home iover at very little cost. In the first place, it is essential that the dyeing of earpets should be carried out by a specialist. That expense cannot, and should not, be avoided. Many people are quite unaware that carpéts can be dyed successfully, A good dver will be able to suggest a

wide range of suitable colours, and you may depend upon a satisfactory result. The carpet will be as good as new, and it will be a big factor in the scheme of redecorating your room. Curtains may also be dyed to match the carpet if new ones are not available. ALLS may be rekalsomined by the owner. Remember to have good, clean brushes. Start at the left-hand corner of a wall near the ceiling, paint in horizontal lines as far as your arm will allow, and gradually work to the floor. Move the ladder and begin again at the ceiling. Never stop work in the middle of a wall. When painting timber, don’t forget to remove all dust and grease before starting, and be careful to see when painting doors and window frames that the brush does not touch the kalsomined walls. Always paint walls and woodwork in the same colour. jE you are tired of linoleum, buy 2 ready-mixed stain and paint the floor, and add one or two rugs to match your colour scheme. Staining floors in this way is a very simple job. Do about three or four boards together and paint the entire length hefore starting on, the next, four,

Curtains, if simple, can easily be made at home. Allow an extra width and a half for fullness, and a three-inch hem. In the corner of each hem sew in either a lead washer or quantity of lead shot. This makes the curtains hang straighter, with a more attractive appearance. Many people are able to reupholster their own lounge suites and dining-room chairs. but if you can-

not do this, make loose covers for the suite. Perhaps you have considered carefully your curtain fabrics, but somehow, something is wrong. In nine cases out of ten it is the actual treatment of window decoration that is at fauit. If you are building a new home, I do advise you to keep to plain, simple windows. If you are redecorating before the walls are newly painted or papered, remove all the decorative pieces of wood with which many ‘windows nowadays are cluttered. All the working marks will he hidden with the new paper or paint. I planning the window treatment, remember one very important fact-the decoration should be such that it is in keeping with the rest of the room, and not of such importance that it is the most imposing feature of the room.