Page:Repository of Arts, Series 1, Volume 01, 1809, January-June.djvu/236

188 FASHIONABLE FURNITURE.

elegant appendage to the drawing-room or boudoir, should be made of rosewood, rich and varied in its grain. The female figures supporting the secretaire, and the lyres on the upper part, may be carved in wood, and finished in burnish and matt gold, to imitate or moulu. The ornaments on the drawers may be of metal, water gilt. The bottom part, has a mirror on the back, placed on a shelf, carved in the front, and ornamented with or moulu mouldings, supported on vase feet. The front of the secretaire drawer is decorated with or moulu handles, formed as wreaths of foliage; a star in the center, concealing the key-hole of the lock.

This pattern, of Grecian form, is supposed to be of mahogany; the ornaments and the frame are made out in an inlay of ebony. The continued line from the top of the back, to the gilt ornaments on the front feet, should be pannelled [sic] out betwixt two beads. The ornament in center of the back may in part be carved, and the rest in ebony. The seat and back of the chair are stuffed and covered with red morocco leather, on which are printed Grecian ornaments in black.

A considerable alteration has taken place in the style of fitting up apartments within these few months. Instead of a gaudy display in colouring, a more pleasing and chaste effect is produced in the union of two tints. This has been happily managed in calicoes, producing an appearance equal to silk, particularly in the richer and more brilliant colours. We have witnessed this effect in a full crimson damask pattern, lined with a blue embossed calico, the manufacture of Messrs. Dudding and Nelson. A similar taste has been followed with some success in paper-hanging, exhibiting a rich appearance, when finished with gold, or black and gold mouldings. Carpets, especially for principal apartments, have partially fallen into the same good taste. This mode of furnishing, producing in the predominant features a composed and uniform effect, aids greatly the meubles of grand rooms, especially where gilding is introduced. Should silk become objectionable from its expence [sic], we strongly recommend the use of these new patterns. They need only be seen to become approved, and are particularly calculated for candle-light effect.

In this apartment morone continues still in use, and the more so where economy is requisite; which article also has experienced an improvement by being embossed in a variety of patterns. This process, however, renders it less appropriate for drapery, unless there should be sufficient extent to form it with boldness. The coverings for floors are of crimson drugget, milled to a proper substance, and pannelled [sic] with a border of black furniture cloth; producing a warm and rich appearance. The same