20 MARCH 1926, Page 25

As Mr. Ionides tells us in his introduction, line .•

and pro- portion are the most important elements in interior decoration, but since these features are difficult to alter, it is necessary to concentrate principally on colour. Most people strive un- consciously to express their personality in their rooms, and , know vaguely what kind of effect they wish to create. Colour and Interior Decoration will be of the greatest practical use as a guide in carrying out these schemes. But Mr. Ionides does more than suggest detailed and carefully thought-out colour schemes, illustrated by eight coloured plates and by , Many reproductions, he emphasizes the fact, rarely recognized, that texture and surface are of equal importance to tone in interior decoration. We find chapters here on the possibilities of every conceivable colour in room decoration, ranging from a warm and creamy white, the outside of which is white- • witshed, to a multi-coloured decoration scheme, producing an , effect of gaiety. Advice is also given on lampshades, the choice of which is always perplexing, wall-papers, furniture, and carpets, &c. Although tantalizing to the person of manifold ideas and meagre means, this is a comprehensive and tekt-book 'fcilthe-iiiiateiir 'decorator.